Merry and Mindful: Ensuring Respect at Workplace Christmas Parties

Risk Managing Workplace Christmas Parties: Building Respectful Celebrations

As the festive season approaches, many organisations plan workplace Christmas parties to celebrate the year's achievements and foster camaraderie among employees. However, these joyous occasions can also pose risks if not properly managed. Issues such as inappropriate behavior, alcohol misuse, and lack of inclusivity can tarnish these events, potentially leading to reputational damage, legal consequences, and strained workplace relationships.

At Spring Safety Consultants, we believe workplace celebrations should be enjoyable, respectful, and inclusive. Our workshop, Respectful Workplace Behaviours at Christmas Parties: Santa’s Workshop, empowers organisations to prepare for these events while aligning with the Code of Practice for Workplace Behaviour.

Learning from Legal Precedents

Several notable Australian cases demonstrate the importance of managing risks during workplace celebrations:

1. McDaid v Future Engineering and Communication Pty Ltd (2016): Reinforced the necessity of setting clear behavioral expectations at festive events to avoid misconduct.
2. Keenan v Leighton Boral Amey Joint Venture (2015): Highlighted the risks of providing unlimited alcohol at events, leading to inappropriate behavior and legal disputes. Employers must ensure alcohol service is responsible and supervised.
3. Packer v Tall Ships Sailing Cruises Australia (2014): Emphasised the importance of assessing potential risks related to external participants at events, such as clients or other guests.
4. Streeter v Telstra Corporation Ltd (2007): Stressed the distinction between work-related and personal conduct. Employers need clear policies that extend to post-event behavior when it involves colleagues.
5. Lee v Smith & Ors (2007): Demonstrated the need for a proactive stance against harassment and the importance of having reporting mechanisms in place.

These cases highlight that PCBUs have a responsibility to identify risks and implement risk control measures to protect workers while fostering an enjoyable atmosphere.

?Defining Work Related

Under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023, an injury is defined as one arising out of or in the course of employment, which may include personal injury by accident or the aggravation of pre-existing conditions when significantly contributed to by the nature of employment. This definition broadens the scope of work-related injuries to include those occurring during employer-sanctioned events, such as Christmas parties, provided the activities are connected to the worker's employment. PCBUs should be aware that hosting workplace parties entails a duty of care to ensure the physical and psychological safety of attendees, aligning with their broader obligations under this Act.

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Risk Management Strategies

Based on these precedents and insights, here are key strategies for managing risks at workplace Christmas parties:

1. Establish Clear Expectations

• Communicate a Code of Conduct tailored for festive events.
• Share behavioural expectations with all attendees, emphasising respect and inclusion.

2. Alcohol Management

• Limit alcohol consumption by providing drink tokens or limiting service times.
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks and ensure water is easily accessible.

3. Inclusive Planning

• Ensure the event caters to all employees by considering dietary needs, allergies, cultural sensitivities, and accessibility.

4. Designated Support

• Appoint "event ambassadors" to monitor the environment, address issues discreetly, and ensure attendees feel supported.

5. Clear Reporting Mechanisms

• Provide clear guidelines for reporting inappropriate behaviour during and after the event.
• Reassure employees that their concerns will be addressed confidentially and promptly.
• Check reporting requirements on the regulator website.

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Join Our Workshop

Our Santa’s Workshop is designed to equip leaders, HR and ?WHS professionals with practical tools to navigate festive events confidently. The workshop covers:

• Overview of case law implications.
• Understanding and preventing common risks at workplace parties.
• Aligning party planning with the Code of Practice for Workplace Behaviour.
• Strategies to promote respect and inclusivity during celebrations.
• Opportunity to ask questions, discuss among peers and colleagues in a safe inclusive environment.

With trainers like Sophia Rossow, a Certified HSEQ Consultant, and Sonia Ceglinski, a Senior Training Consultant, participants will gain actionable insights and resources, including a free checklist for inclusive event planning.

Event Details

?? Location: Integrity Business Centre, Osborne Park, WA ?? Dates: Monday, 2nd December 2024, or Tuesday 3rd December 2024 (Online), or Thursday, 5th December 2024 (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM) ?? Cost: $89 (IBC members), $99 (non-members) ?? Online Option: Available via Teams

Conclusion I That’s a wrap

Christmas parties are an excellent opportunity to celebrate, but they require thoughtful planning to minimise physical and psychosocial risks and ensure they remain a positive experience for everyone. By integrating lessons from past cases and implementing a proactive approach, organisations can safeguard their employees and reputation.

For more information or to register for our workshop, visit

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1088343668209?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/respectful-workplace-behaviours-at-christmas-parties-tickets-1088390087049?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1088356667089?aff=oddtdtcreator

or email [email protected].

Celebrate responsibly and make this festive season memorable for all the right reasons!

?Further reading

Tews, M.J.,?Michel, J.W.?and?Pons, S.?(2024), "Religion, politics and jingle bells: examining contextual factors influencing the impact of workplace holiday practices",?Employee Relations, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.?https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-01-2024-0057

?Tews, M.,?Michel, J.,?Kudler, E.?and?Pons, S.?(2023), "‘Tis the season: enhancing the workplace holiday party",?Employee Relations, Vol. 45 No. 6, pp. 1324-1346.?https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-09-2022-0452

Resources and Reporting

Support services | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Notification of sexual harassment and/or assault to Mines Safety | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety