It’s officially December, and holiday work parties are about to begin around the area. While some of us are grizzled veterans of the corporate culture game and have weathered many a holiday party, some people are new to work parties and the potentially awkward situations that can arise. If you’re trying to figure out the social do’s and don’ts when it comes to these functions, Amy Bakay, Founder and CEO of HR NOLA, a local business offering HR solutions to area business owners, advises to keep in mind above all things at these functions: you’re still at work. “This is a question that continues to be asked year over year. And while some things change from time to time, after around 25 years in the HR space, many of my do’s and don’ts stay the same,” Bakay emphasizes.
“I would say to keep it professional and respectful.
Workplace policies still apply to workplace events, even after hours” Bakay goes on to say. While many holiday parties in the New Orleans area will feature alcoholic beverages, Bakay advises to take it easy (even in a party setting) when you’re still in the workplace and around co-workers. “Hopefully it’s a festive event, but it’s still a work event after all,” Bakay is quick to advise.
“We’re actually seeing a big trend in the last couple of years of offering non-alcoholic options during these parties and maybe even having an alcohol free event,” Bakay notes. “If you are going to serve alcohol, you certainly should limit consumption. You can actually hire professional bartenders for a very affordable rate to help monitor that for you so you’re not appointing someone from your administrative or HR team to be The Alcohol Police … because nobody wants that,” Bakay goes on to say. It’s also important, Bakay is quick to point out, that the party doesn’t end when the event is over and the safety of visitors is also paramount. “If you are going to serve alcohol, you need to include some transportation options: perhaps some ride-share credits, purchasing a shuttle or any other transportation options for the evening for your employees if alcohol is going to be served,” advises Bakay.
While bringing up intentionally edgy topics is definitely not recommended at holiday parties, Bakay notes that a feeling of camaraderie and closeness can improve the workplace environment overall. “We want to encourage connection at all of our events. When it comes to workplace topics, I would say keep it professional and respectful. We very often say at home and particularly during the holidays that we’re not going to talk politics or religion around the dinner table, but that’s nearly impossible these days,” notes Bakay. “My advice is just to keep it respectful and remember that workplace policies still apply after-hours. I think a work force that is very inclusive and one where everyone feels like they belong can have those conversations respectfully without it posing a work conflict,” Bakay goes on to say.
Enjoy your time with others, but in the end, it’s probably best to trust your gut when it comes to cutting loose at a work event. If it feels like a line too far, it probably is. Keep it light, keep it fun, and keep it respectful so everyone can feel like they’re part of the same team.