Ensuring the festive season is memorable for the right reasons
By
Key Business Advisors
Human Resources News
By Colin Wilson
Key Business Advisors Director
Like most people, sales professionals enjoy letting their hair down when they can, particularly during the festive season. Social events and parties during this time of year are great opportunities to celebrate achievements over the past 12 months, as well as to strengthen business relationships within the team and with clients.
However, work-related parties, particularly where alcohol is served, could also present challenges for you and your business. Instead of a chance to impress clients, the festive season could be a time when clients see behaviour that might put them off your staff and your business. As a business owner or manager, how do you make sure the social events you hold or those that you and your staff attend are memorable, and not ones that you would rather forget?
It is your responsibility as an employer to look after your staff’s health and safety at work-related Christmas parties and social events. You need to assess the risks that could come up at your staff function, and you need to put in place measures to avoid or minimise those risks. Send a memo to all staff to remind them of the behaviour that is expected of them at work functions. You must ensure that everyone in your business is aware of your company policies, including those on sexual harassment, discrimination and harassment, bullying, drugs and alcohol, and using the company’s motor vehicles.
To assist you in making sure that this time of the year is indeed the festive season – not the silly season – download our Festive Season Memo template here. Do keep in mind that your Festive Season Memo must be supported by your Social Events Policy. If you don’t have a Social Events Policy, or if you require further assistance, please call us on 1300 4 ADVICE or email us at info@keyba.com.au.
Happy holidays!
