Keep It Merry and Safe: Managing Health and Safety at Christmas Parties
The Christmas party season is nearly upon us – time for tinsel, Secret Santa, and perhaps a glass or two of something festive! It’s a great way to thank your team and celebrate the year, but before you dive into planning the ultimate shindig, don’t forget that health and safety still need to be part of the mix. After all, the last thing anyone wants is for the night to turn into a Christmas disaster movie!
Here’s a fun, relaxed guide to keeping your Christmas bash safe while ensuring the only thing that gets out of control is the karaoke.
- Be clear About What’s Naughty and Nice
Your team’s excited to let loose, but it’s good to remind them that the party is still a work event. That means normal rules apply: no inappropriate behavior, no excessive drinking, and definitely no photocopying body parts! A friendly pre-party reminder can help everyone stay on the “nice” list.
- Let’s Talk Booze: Cheers, Not Chaos!
Christmas parties often involve a little holiday cheer, but managing alcohol is key to keeping things fun and safe. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep the drinks flowing, but mix it up with plenty of non-alcoholic options and food. (No one wants a party crasher hangover.)
- Consider limiting alcohol with drink tokens or breaks between rounds. People can still have fun without hitting the “Oh no, did I really say that?” stage.
- Have someone at the bar who can keep an eye on things and step in if anyone’s on the verge of turning the dancefloor into a wrestling ring.
- Get Home Safe
No one should have to guess how they’re getting home after the party. Arrange transport options ahead of time – taxis, Uber, or even a company-organized bus.
Make sure people know that driving under the influence is not an option. It’s all about getting everyone home safely.
- Party Guardians: Keep an Eye Out
Designate a couple of responsible team members as the unofficial “Party Guardians.” They don’t have to wear a cape, but they should be able to step in if anything goes sideways. Whether it’s checking for hazards, offering some water, or calling a taxi for someone who’s had one too many, it’s good to have a couple of people looking out for the crowd.
- The Morning After: Go Easy
Let’s face it: the day after the Christmas party, no one’s going to be at peak performance. Consider offering a later start time or flexible working the next day, especially if your team put in a big effort celebrating. It shows you care about their well-being and gives everyone a little more time to recover from the festivities.
With a little planning, you can throw a fun, safe Christmas party everyone will remember for the right reasons. Happy holidays!
Anna Ramm
Network HR
Email: anna@networkhr.co.nz
