News and Information

Keep Your Office Holiday Party HR-Compliant

It’s that time of year: office holiday party season. To help your company stay on the Nice list, ES&A Professional Development Director Arlene Odagiri and ES&A HR Service Advisor Shareen Poynter offer guidelines on “How to Have a Happy, HR-Compliant Holiday,” covering the following:

• Communication: Be inclusive of diverse beliefs and traditions; create an environment which prevents or eliminates discrimination; clarify that attendance is voluntary.
• Management responsibilities: Set the tone for the event; ensure that established code of conduct as well as policies on discrimination and harassment are followed.
• Risk management: Control or avoid alcohol consumption; if alcohol is served, provide alternative transportation options; avoid games or activities that might encourage inappropriate behavior; remind employees that they are responsible for their guests’ behavior.