Planning your company party like a CIA operation

When I worked for the Intel Community, a fun part of operational planning was the brainstorming stage, which focused on potential blowback scenarios. As the CIA defines it, blowback is a covert operation’s unintended consequences and unwanted side effects.?

Well, it’s that time of year again and company holiday parties are about to kick off. Now, moving away from “tacticool” CIA nostalgia, I would like to redirect your attention to the critically important topic of keeping your employees (and their guests) safe and secure during all of the exciting company holiday parties you have planned for December.?

As your company plans these shindigs, please take a moment to put down your super gross spiked eggnog for just a moment and consider the potential blowback that may occur during these small intimate office parties or large full-on-ragers your company is about to throw-down as this weird year comes to a close.?

Think we are alarmists? Chris, Al, and I have collectively been Corporate Physical Security Leaders for over 25 years, and every year, we see someone get written up by People Ops/HR or fired after the end-of-year over a holiday-party-misadventure and we even have seen some companies get sued and lose big time so please listen up!

Company Party Access Control (Think Party Crashers)

Events can have unwanted surprises. Have you thought of party crashers? Most probably, no. People can be notorious for infiltrating venues. These unwanted guests can create a negative reputation for the company by sharing negative posts, comments, or stories. It is time to celebrate! How the heck will you keep worrying about what will appear on social media? You do not have to: we have the solution for you. We work behind the scenes to ensure the safety of employees/guests to relieve stress. Security will have your best interest in providing risk management.

Breaking down the planning process into small achievable tasks helps you organize an awesome party that considers employees' and guests’ security. On this note, situational awareness should be part of your planning strategy. This awareness includes insight into the emergency policies of the venue as well as the exits and safety measures taken as a precaution.??

Implement rules and consider any extra security measures to avoid liability. For instance, decide whether armed or unarmed security is necessary, depending on the event. If the company is hosting a large event, consider including security with certified Emergency Medical Technicians “EMTs,” which can be beneficial in responding to medical emergencies. Above all else, handle everything professionally and treat everyone with respect.

What to do if an employee(s) (or guest(s) are "over-served"

Let’s face it; drinking with your co-workers is a blast! On top of the social benefits, the gatherings help employees blow off steam and establish meaningful relationships. Not long ago, I asked a co-worker what he was looking forward to at the end-year party, and he replied, “a sip of wine with co-workers.” I know of one highly successful UK-based advertising firm that uses pub meetings to build out their most excellent advertising concepts and products, and they make millions!?

You have seen, experienced, or maybe heard about it; drinks can make employees’ behaviors unpredictable. Therefore, company leaders should ensure that employees are not too drunk to conduct themselves professionally. The leaders should set expectations beforehand in a non-threatening manner, which can be done in a “compliment sandwich” that looks something like this: “So looking forward to having a great time with all of you at the holiday party set for Friday. Please remember to drink responsibly and not make an ass out of yourself. At the same time, don’t forget to let loose and have a blast!” Such communication will encourage professionalism at the party.?

You can’t be too careful! As mentioned earlier, events can have unwanted surprises. What if an employee gets too drunk? Planning caters for this surprise: the company should have a pre-appointed designated sober person (often the physical security manager or someone everyone likes in People Ops/HR) assigned to take care of the intoxicated person until they get home (see How to prevent drinking and driving section below) that very evening. Ensure the physical security manager or People Ops/HR person is well trained with de-escalation when alcohol is related skills, and they are committed to their role that night. Yeah, I know, it is a bummer they can’t “party” too, but, oh well, it’s the right thing to do.????????????

How to prevent drinking and driving

It seems straightforward, and it is! If anyone plans on drinking, they shouldn’t drive. Encourage the use of an Uber or Lyft, or recommend a good old-fashioned taxi. Does your company provide Ride vouchers? Ensuring everyone can let their hair down and have a good time? If someone gets too sloshed - who’s going to help them get home? Are they well enough to go by themselves? Or should someone help them? Whether it be having a ‘buddy’ accompany them or just checking in with them with a quick message to make sure they made it home, ensuring everyone makes it home safely goes a long way to contributing to a successfully safe event!

Imagine this - someone drives but gets a bit carried away in the festive fun and knocks back a couple of drinks. It happens! We’ve all done it! “I’m only gonna have one.” Don’t let them take the risk, encourage them to leave the car and get home another way - worst case scenario, they pick up the vehicle the next day.?

Holidays are a lonely time: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

Remember to be sensitive to the fact that not everyone in the office feels jolly during the holidays. For some, the holiday season is an unfortunate time that could stem from several personal reasons. These people should be reminded that they are not alone and have company resources to help them if the holiday blues are getting the better of them.?

Just as the holiday party invites are being sent out, please also make sure the People Ops/HR and Internal Communication Team send out a general reminder that employees do have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and they should not hesitate to use it in a confidential and dignified manner during any time of need.????

Social media behavior?

Dressed head to toe in their fancy attire - who doesn’t want to share it with the world? Social Media is a part of our lives! Perhaps a gentle reminder that you represent your work culture when posting on Social Media, especially during a company event. It's recommended to post after the event, possibly the next day, once the hangover has worn off and you have more clarity about your posting. Note: if you don't want some unwelcome gate crashers - better not to share where you are at.

Be festive, stay safe, and don’t be afraid to have a great time?

Wind down, and have a good time, but remember the holiday is a work event, so do not risk damaging your reputation. To ensure that everyone is festive and safe, the company should set a positive tone to remind everyone of the company policies beforehand. It may be uncomfortable to discuss some of these topics at first, but in the long run, it can prevent more serious incidents from occurring. You may want to discuss behavior, mistreatment, and other safety topics.

Promote public awareness of “if you see something, say something.” This reminds employees to remain vigilant at all times. The staff must understand the role of keeping each other safe by providing an extra set of eyes. Providing employees with the communication of policies can set a successful holiday party to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

The ideas and guidance expressed within the article are entirely our own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the companies we work for in any way. If you have any questions, comments or feedback for the authors of this article, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via LinkedIn.