Businesses turning to ëdryí office parties to solve celebration worries

Businesses facing drunken staff, damaged offices and embarrassing next days at work are turning to alcohol-free ëdryí parties over Christmas and New Year.

Every year there are reports of staff getting far too drunk and doing things they regret, whether insulting a colleague or even committing an act of criminal damage.

According to Steven Meyerhoff, Head of Employment at Backhouse Jones Solicitors, Clitheroe, more businesses are turning to alcohol free events to stop such incidents.

Mr Meyerhoff reports that the statistics surrounding such events are alarming: last year around 80 per cent of British bosses did not organise an office party ñ mainly down to concerns over legal problems resulting from past events.

Also, almost 90 per cent of employers have received a complaint of harassment following an office party.

He said: ìScare stories have led to many businesses cancelling Christmas parties but, as many organisations are realising, there is no need for that.

ìWe have found that many of the businesses we advise are looking at non-alcoholic options, such as a team building event or a trip to the theatre.

ìA prize draw with some high quality gifts could be included so employees do not feel that the company is simply trying to save money by not spending it on alcohol. The advantage to the employer is of course that the employees remain sober and therefore less likely to commit any misdemeanours.

ìFor any business wanting to celebrate with alcohol, we are advising them that a few simple ground-rules issued in advance can help a party at Christmas or New Year pass without incident, and let staff enjoy themselves without having to worry about facing their colleagues the next day!

ìAn important thing to do is make it clear that any indiscretions will be dealt with severely. Office bullying is on the rise and is simply not acceptable. Make sure the business has a culture where any abuse or drunken behaviour is not just frowned upon but actively punished.

ìIt is important for employers to remember that the business has a responsibility for what goes on at an office party, no matter whether it takes place in the companyís own premises or at an off-site, corporate function.î