Well, it’s the last week before Christmas, so chances are you have been, or will soon be going to, the work Christmas party. And chances also are that something did, or will, kick off at some point. In my HR career I’ve dealt with the fall-out of many a Christmas do, ranging from a grievance signed by 20 staff against 1 person accused of making racist comments, to punch-ups, to office gossip about who overdid it under the mistletoe. (As a self-employed consultant now, the office Christmas party is just me, the cat, a small Pinot and a mince pie, so that makes life a lot easier). Combining staff with free alcohol at the company Christmas bash is often followed by hangovers and embarrassment – but what if the high spirits (and spirits with mixers) lead to something more than just people dropping their keks, sitting on the photocopier and pressing the Start button? Can you discipline, or even dismiss, on the basis of poor party behaviour?
The answer is yes, as a case in Camden a couple of years ago showed. Two teachers were dismissed after a fight at a staff party, and subsequently lost their appeal against their claims of unfair dismissal not being upheld by a tribunal. Even out of normal working hours, people are still on company time at an official social event, and are representing the organisation in public. Anything that could bring disrepute to the company, or conduct that would be unacceptable at work (such as aggressive or abusive behaviour, discrimination etc.) is legitimate grounds for disciplinary action.
It’s fine to remind staff of this prior to any event – but you don’t want to be the pantomime villain! So remember – don’t overreact to harmless banter or jokes, and make allowances for mitigating circumstances such as too many sweet sherries. But at the same time, don’t excuse the inexcusable or condone inappropriate behaviour! It may be more appropriate to have a quiet but firm word with the culprits on Monday morning.
And don’t forget your own behaviour – if you’re a manager, performing the Can Can with your pants off, making a pass at the receptionist then passing out under the table will probably damage your professional credibility or reputation! So have fun at the party, but always remember – like Santa, you’re still at work at Christmas!
