Shawnee Love   •  
November 26, 2010

If after reading yesterday, you are still thinking about a holiday party, here is something you should know:

Holiday parties are the bane of HR’s existence.

Themes, venues, caterers, guests, entertainment, etc. Holiday parties are events.   Yes HR people manage projects.  So do project managers, but few companies put their project management team on event planning duty.  Hire event planners, not your HR team to plan your holiday party.  What does an HR person know about having fun at a party? We are all too worried about political correctness and reminding everyone to drink responsibly and remember that the party is an extension of the workplace.  Fun times.

Speaking of which, one holiday party area where HR can offer sound risk management advice is relating to alcohol consumption. Drinking and driving is a dangerous activity not to mention a serious offense. As with any health and safety related issue, when you are standing over a hospital bed with your employee in it, you will be wishing with all your heart that you took away his keys, limited the drink tickets, and/or provided a safe ride home.  Taxi vouchers or shuttles are far less expensive than the loss of an employee and potential lawsuits that ensue from accidents involving alcohol. Getting home safely is pretty much a prerequisite of a fun holiday event.