Kelly Flageul, Managing Director of Law at Work said: “Christmas is usually a lovely time of year to be in the office because it puts people in a festive frame of mind. But every year we get dozens of calls from concerned employers asking how they can make sure that their employees don’t bring their organisations into disrepute through inappropriate behaviour at Christmas parties.”
Pictured: Kelly Flaguel, Managing Director of Law At Work.
Even if taking place outside the office, the same rules of discrimination apply at work events – so a racist, sexist or ageist joke, for example, could lead to a discrimination claim, while a misjudged Secret Santa present, although anonymous, could spring a tribunal if the recipient feels it to be degrading or offensive.
And it’s not just the joke-teller or gift-giver on the naughty list. If the tribunal rules in favour of an applicant, the whole firm may have to take responsibility if workplace social policies are either non-existent or insufficient.
“If a company’s policies don’t mention social events outside of the workplace, then we highly recommend that employers add a new policy stating what they consider is acceptable behaviour by their employees in these circumstances so that everyone is clear on what is expected of them,” Mrs Flageul recommends.
Remember: if in doubt, stick to the jokes in crackers.