Holiday Parties and Enforcing Office Etiquette

As the holiday season draws closer, many human resources departments are planning office parties. For HR professionals, parties are more than fun; they also involve the challenge of enforcing office policies and ensuring appropriate office etiquette. By planning in advance, you can help employees understand what is expected of them and create an enjoyable party for everyone.

When it comes to holiday parties, human resources professionals are faced with the challenge of keeping excited—and occasionally tipsy—colleagues from crossing the line of appropriate professional behavior. The problem is more of an issue when parties occur at non-office locations, but can happen at any type of festive gathering. To preserve office etiquette and prevent Monday-morning embarrassment, address party behavior in advance.

Alcohol is the biggest contributor to breaches in office etiquette. The more drinks your employees have, the more likely they are to shed their professional demeanor and lose their inhibitions. The easiest way to avoid embarrassing, alcohol-related situations is to set and enforce a drink limit. Announce the limit before the party so employees are prepared. If your company has a policy on drug and alcohol abuse, include it with the announcement; if not, you may want to consider drafting one and making it available to employees before the party season begins. This type of policy sends the message that the company is serious about responsible behavior.

Another common problem at office parties is romance between coworkers. Many companies prohibit employees from dating; at parties, however, office etiquette is often blurred. If you don't want to spend the party playing the romance patrol, keep the party in the open. Choose a location that is devoid of dark corners, empty rooms, and other hiding spots. If you're holding the party in the workplace, ensure that offices, closets, and supply rooms are all locked in advance. Keep all of the party activities in a central spot to encourage mixing and mingling and prevent couples from drifting off.

When it comes to holiday parties, it is important to make attendees aware of the expected dress code. If you don't, people may forget that the party is still a professional event and dress in inappropriate ways that violate office etiquette. According to a recent story in Glamour magazine, the best outfits for office parties have visual drama without showing too much skin. Include a note about the dress code on the invitation or party announcement so that it is visible to employees and their guests. If you are seriously concerned about guests' clothing choices, include the word "business" in the dress code; "business formal" is a gentle reminder that the party is a work event.

When it comes to office etiquette at parties, a few gentle reminders are usually all it takes to maintain a respectable atmosphere. If you prepare for potential obstacles before the party, you can give yourself the chance to enjoy the party and minimize the level of onsite policing.

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