Holiday parties are a prime moment to celebrate your team’s achievements and foster connection. But when alcohol is involved, things can quickly go from fun to tense or awkward.
The good news: HR leaders can ensure the event is fun, inclusive, and low-risk while still giving employees an option to imbibe responsibly. Here are practical steps to strike that balance at your next holiday party.
1. Set Expectations in Advance
Start by telling employees what to expect. Send an email invite or calendar “save the date” that outlines the time, place, theme, and any alcohol guidelines. A brief reminder from management the day before helps reinforce that this is a celebration and time to unwind, not a free-for-all.
In-person holiday events are a common tradition among businesses across the country. About half of the workplaces that host holiday parties serve alcohol. If your business is going to be one of them, you need to set clear expectations. When expectations are vague, employees may assume anything goes, such as bringing their own alcohol or over-indulging. Clarifying this ahead of time helps you set a professional tone.
Compliance Tip: Remind everyone that the company’s code of conduct and harassment policies remain in force, even at the after-hours celebration.
2. Offer Drink Limits or Alternatives
Open bars are generally a bad idea when it comes to work-sponsored holiday parties. According to one survey, while more than half of companies serve alcohol at holiday get-togethers, only about 47% of those regulate how much attendees can drink, and one in five employees reported binge drinking at no-limit holiday parties.
To avoid these headaches, you could offer drink tickets (for example, two per person) or hire a professional bartender. Also, stock up on appealing non-alcoholic options and mocktails. You want non-drinkers to have a great time and feel included too.
Compliance Tip: Limit the number of drinks served and ensure the bartenders or servers are trained to cut attendees off if someone appears intoxicated.
3. Ensure the Event Is Inclusive for Non-Drinkers
Not everyone drinks. Some abstain for religious, health, or personal reasons. Make sure the event is welcoming to them by offering plenty of tasty non-alcoholic alternatives and avoid framing the party around “let’s drink and unwind.” A winter social theme may work better than a holiday theme.
You want the entire workforce to feel comfortable attending and celebrating together. This also helps avoid potential discrimination concerns. Religious discrimination is of particular concern during the holiday season.
Compliance Tip: Don’t center the party around religious imagery or make attendance mandatory. Ensure employees are invited and given freedom to decide whether they want to attend.
4. Encourage Managers to Model Responsible Behavior
Leadership sets the tone. If senior managers arrive visibly intoxicated or slip into “party mode,” the culture changes. Encourage managers to attend, participate responsibly, and act as hosts. They can help keep things professional and fun.
If employees see managers present and behaving responsibly, it helps reinforce the standard you’ve built in the workplace.
Compliance Tip: Ensure managers know their conduct is being observed. They should reinforce that workplace policies apply at the event.
5. Provide Transportation or Ride-Share Options to Reduce Risk
One of the biggest risks of alcohol at company events is that someone leaves impaired and causes an accident. With that in mind, you should arrange for ride-share vouchers or a shuttle. Communicate these offers ahead of time and let employees know you care about them getting home safely.
Compliance Tip: If you provide transportation or ride-share vouchers, make sure they’re available to everyone. Document your efforts so you can show that you took proactive steps to protect attendees.
Additional Compliance Tips for HR Leaders
- Ensure you prevent under-age employees from consuming alcohol.
- Be aware that your business could be held liable under state dram-shop or negligence laws if an intoxicated employee causes harm.
Celebrate Smart While Your Team Unwinds
The holiday event can be a genuine recognition of your team’s hard work and a chance for colleagues to bond outside of the office. With the right precautions, you can offer alcoholic beverages and keep the risks low. If you need some help making this year’s event a win, VirgilHR can help. Our compliance solution empowers your HR team to stay ahead of employment and labor-law decisions in real time.
Schedule a demo with VirgilHR.