HR
Festive cheer – HR2Day boss Nicky Jolley offers some friendly advice to employees .
Bah humbug – but it ’ s for your own good
Too much Christmas cheer can lead to New Year misery , warns employment expert HR2day
PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH WORDS : IAN LAMMING
Office parties are returning with a vengeance as staff celebrate being back at work after the isolation of the pandemic . But workforce specialist HR2day is urging caution , with a salutary message that may sound like it came from Scrooge himself but will protect people ’ s careers . “ We even call it our ‘ Bah Humbug ’ letter , but it comes from a good place ,” says Nicky Jolley , founder and managing director of HR2day .
“ It started because I love Christmas and was absolutely devastated in my first year of business to have to terminate the employment of eight staff who worked for my clients because of their behaviour at office parties .
“ It was the most depressing thing I have ever had to do and I was determined it should never happen again .
“ So we came up with the ‘ Bah Humbug ’ advice letter for employers and employees and since then we have only had to sack one person , a part-time cleaner , who it turned out had not read the letter .”
Office parties may feel off the clock because they tend to be staged outside of working hours or when staff have been given permission to down tools during work time .
Many employers treat their staff by paying for the office party , so the alcohol often flows freely . Unfortunately , the temptation to over indulge is sometimes too great and employees have been known to behave inappropriately while under the influence .
“ We have come across incidents ranging from a striptease and attempted rape to verbal and physical abuse ,” says Nicky . “ People might have been storing up grievances throughout the year but don ’ t feel brave enough to say anything until they drink too much .
“ Then there ’ s the danger they may break the law or certainly bring the company into disrepute with their actions . If there is reputational damage you are likely to be in breach of your contract and could face disciplinary action and even the sack .
“ This then puts a cloud over the company , affects relationships that could go back decades and individuals ’ family circumstances .
“ It also wastes countless man hours of administration time . If it ’ s an office Christmas party then you are still at work and you have to ask yourself , is one night out worth your whole career ?”
Modern life makes the situation even more critical , as everything tends to be recorded in the digital world , on people ’ s smart phones and on office CCTV .
“ You can ’ t delete your errant behaviour , it is going to be out there forever ,” says Nicky . “ You just can ’ t afford to let your hair down any more .”
The advice letter states : “ Although the party may take place away from the workplace and outside of normal working hours , the organisation ’ s standard code of conduct still applies . Employees and employers are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate , mature and responsible manner throughout the evening .”
It goes on to state : > Alcohol should be consumed in moderation . > You should not drink and drive . > Improper conduct or other unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and is a serious disciplinary matter . This includes excessive drunkenness , the use of illegal drugs , discrimination or harassment , violence such as fighting and aggressive behaviour or verbal abuse towards fellow employees , invited guests or waiting and bar staff .
> Under health and safety legislation you have a general duty to take responsible care of yourself and others who may be affected by your actions . Finally , the letter reminds staff that if they are scheduled to work the following day , they are required to report for duty unless they have arranged beforehand to take annual leave .
Nicky adds : “ It ’ s a fantastic time of year to spend with your friends and colleagues . Office parties remain a work event at which you can relax and enjoy yourselves – as long as you do this in moderation .”
For a free copy of the letter , scan the QR code .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 159