The Christmas party – it’s the highlight of the year for many, where colleagues come
together, wind down, and celebrate the festive season.
While these events are meant to be fun and memorable, it’s important to remember that they come with certain
responsibilities. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers have
a duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This extends to all
company-organised events. The responsibility to act appropriately doesn’t just lie with
the employer but also with the individual employee, who must remain mindful of their
actions and behaviour, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Beyond the usual risks—such as absence or lack of productivity the next day—there are
also more serious risks like accidents, harassment, unsafe behaviour, and conflicts
among colleagues.
With adequate planning, communicating and some ground rules, organisations can make
sure everyone has a good time without any of the unwanted consequences.
Setting the Right Tone with an Intoxication Policy
It’s not about banning alcohol; it’s about ensuring that everyone can enjoy the party
without putting themselves or others in a difficult situation. Having a clear and effective
intoxication policy in place can set the tone for responsible celebrations. By having a
well-crafted, clear and enforced policy, companies ensure that their employees enjoy a
safe, memorable, and respectful holiday celebration while safeguarding the company’s
reputation and overall work environment.
The role of intoxication policy is to set out clear expectations and rules around
intoxication in the workplace and during company events. It should outline the following:
- What the company’s approach to intoxication is
- What state, behaviour, substances etc. are prohibited
- Why it is prohibited
- What substances should be used with caution
- What are the risks associated with intoxication
- What process will be followed in case of a suspected intoxication or other breach
of the policy - What are the potential consequences of a breach of the policy.
At ERA Ltd we specialise in drafting and implementing tailored policies to inform and
protect everyone in the workplace.
Know the Boundaries: Intoxication & Professionalism
While it's common for people to enjoy a drink or two at a Christmas party, it’s crucial to
stay aware of the fine line between having fun and becoming intoxicated to a level
whereby you may not be in control. Alcohol may be allowed, but intoxication – whether through excessive drinking or other substances – can easily cloud a person’s judgement
and impact their behaviour. Whether sipping on a pint or indulging in a glass of wine,
managing alcohol consumption and respecting colleagues is key to ensuring the event
remains enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how to stay within the boundaries and avoid any
unnecessary headaches (the kind that last longer than the morning after)!
The main thing to keep in mind: don’t let intoxication affect your professionalism.
Just because it’s a party doesn’t mean the rules go out the window. Any behaviour that
could be perceived as inappropriate, unprofessional, or even harmful is still subject to
company policies. This includes things like sexual harassment, misconduct, or aggressive
behaviour – something no one wants to deal with during or after the celebrations.
Respecting Others: Creating a Safe Space
Everyone deserves to enjoy the festive fun, but respecting others and their boundaries is
paramount. Not everyone drinks, and some may prefer not to partake in alcohol
altogether. When in doubt, employees should always err on the side of caution. If we are
unsure if a colleague is comfortable with our behaviour, it is a good idea to step back
and reflect. Alcohol or intoxication is no excuse for inappropriate behaviour.
Employees concerned about someone else's conduct should report it to the appropriate
person. The company should then make sure it is handled properly. Organisations need
to keep in mind they are responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful environment for
all employees, even outside of regular work hours.
The Risks: It’s More Than Just a Hangover
A few too many drinks can lead to more than just a fuzzy head the next morning. The
potential risks of excessive intoxication can include:
- Impaired judgment and decision-making: Excessive consumption and
intoxication may seriously affect our ability to think straight and maintain our
usual boundaries. - Sexual Harassment: Alcohol can impair judgment, which can lead to
inappropriate behaviour. It's important to respect others and keep things
professional – even during social events. - Accidents & Injuries: Intoxication can lead to accidents, either at the venue or
on a way home. - Damage to Reputation: A party is a great time for team bonding, but
unprofessional behaviour or overindulgence can leave a lasting negative
impression. It could impact your relationships with colleagues, your professional
reputation, and the company’s reputation. - The day after – absenteeism, decreased performance and loss of
productivity: Employees may experience hangovers or lingering effects of
alcohol, resulting in disengagement, affecting their ability to attend work or to
perform effectively and safely at work the next day. - Disciplinary Action: The company's intoxication policy is still in place during the
party. Breaches, such as attending while intoxicated with illegal substances,
disruptive behaviour, or any form of misconduct, can lead to serious
consequences, including disciplinary action or dismissal. - Substance abuse: Employees who believe that alcohol or other intoxicants may impair their ability to work or behave appropriately should speak to their manager or HR. Early communication can help prevent any negative consequences.
Employers should be prepared to provide necessary support, either via EAP
(Employee Assistance Program) or with help of qualified professionals. At ERA Ltd
we have experience in supporting both employers and staff in situations of
substance abuse.
In this context, it is crucial to remind employees that while Christmas parties are meant
to be enjoyable, any behaviour that could negatively impact safety, performance, or the
company’s reputation will not be tolerated. It’s vital to remind all attendees about the
importance of respect, boundaries, and maintaining professionalism even in a social
setting.
Managing Post-Event Issues
Under most intoxication policies, lateness, loss of productivity, or absenteeism may be
treated as unprofessional conduct, with appropriate actions taken. Employees should be
made aware of the importance of their well-being and expected behaviour following a
festive event, including the potential consequences of substance misuse. Employers
should ensure members of all levels of management are competent in applying the
provisions of the policy as and when required, including:
- Reasonable Suspicion
- With Cause Testing
- Search
- Suspension
- Investigation
- Disciplinary Process
- Appeals.
Our contribution to your peace of mind
At ERA Ltd we understand that organising a safe and enjoyable Christmas party is key to
creating a positive company culture. Here’s how we can help:
- Tailored Intoxication Policies: We can work with your team to develop a clear,
company-specific policy that outlines expectations around substance
consumption, respectful behaviour, and the importance of personal responsibility. - Training & Awareness: We offer training programs that focus on promoting a
respectful workplace culture, including how to handle and prevent harassment
during social events. - Policies on Behaviour outside of work.
- Incident Management: In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, we
help you navigate potential issues, from handling complaints to providing support
for employees affected by inappropriate behaviour.
Enjoy the Party, But Keep It Safe
The Christmas party should be a highlight of the year, where colleagues come together
to celebrate their achievements and enjoy each other’s company. A time to relax and
enjoy each other's company. But it’s also important to maintain a level of
professionalism. Moderation is key. Employees should stay aware of their limits,
respect their colleagues, and adhere to the company’s intoxication policy to ensure that
the event remains a positive experience for all. After all, nobody wants to end up with a
headache that’s not just from the booze, but also from the consequences of our actions
or omissions.
So, here’s to good craic, festive cheer, and a Christmas party to remember (for all the
right reasons)!
