As the year winds down, there’s nothing better than celebrating together - recognising achievements, sharing a laugh, and saying goodbye to another big year. A Christmas or end-of-year function is a great way to thank your team and boost morale. But it’s also important to make sure everyone can relax and have fun safely.

A little planning goes a long way in creating a great event where everyone feels included, respected, and comfortable - without any next-day regrets.

Set the Scene for a Safe Celebration

Employers have a duty of care to keep employees safe - and that extends to work-related functions, even after hours or off-site. That means company policies around bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and respectful behaviour still apply at all times. The festive season doesn’t suspend the rules; it just gives us a chance to enjoy them in a more relaxed setting.

Make sure everyone knows the expectations ahead of time - a simple reminder in the event invite or a quick note from the manager helps set the tone.

Go Easy on the Drinks

It’s easy for a few drinks to become a few too many at a Christmas party. While alcohol can be part of the celebration, it shouldn’t be the celebration.
Consider setting some limits, such as providing drink tokens, offering low - and no-alcohol options, or finishing up before things get too rowdy. A few jugs of mocktails or a coffee bar can go a long way in keeping the vibe upbeat and balanced.

Focus on Fun (Not Just Food and Drink)

The best parties are about connection, not consumption. Think about including a fun activity that gets people laughing and mingling - trivia, karaoke, games, or even a group activity like bowling, mini golf, or a themed quiz night. Structured fun can help take the pressure off and give everyone something to enjoy, no matter their comfort level with drinking or small talk.

Travel and Safety

It’s also smart to plan ahead for how people will get to and from the event safely. You could provide taxi vouchers, arrange a carpool option, or pick a venue with easy public transport access. No one should feel stuck or unsafe getting home.

Nominate a Go-To Person

It’s a good idea to have a manager or leader at the function act as the main contact person - someone people can go to if they need advice, support, or want to report something. That person should stay sober for the event to ensure they’re available and clear-headed if anything comes up. Having a trusted point of contact helps everyone feel more secure and supported.

In Summary….

You may be thinking to yourself - well, everything has been fine before, so no need to really think about any of this…..

Our response -  well…..‘it’s all good, until it’s not’ - so why not make sure you’re as protected as you can be.

Some of the things we have assisted clients with after end of year events include:

• A sexual harassment claim
• A manager caught kissing an employee’s wife at the function
• A 17 year old apprentice who was provided with alcohol, got so drunk he threw up and was stranded getting home
• An employee engaging in horseplay that ended in a broken ankle and a Workcover claim that was accepted, with the person off work for over 4 months
• A sexual assault charge from a member of the public by an intoxicated employee
• Investigation into physical altercation between employees (fights)
• Inappropriate language being used, including racist and homophobic comments, resulting in formal complaints being made that required investigation and disciplinary action

The Wrap-Up

A successful end-of-year celebration should leave everyone smiling, not stressing. With a bit of thought and care, it’s easy to strike the right balance - plenty of fun, laughter, and connection, all while keeping things safe and respectful.

After all, the best parties are the ones people remember for the right reasons!

Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with how you can make your event safe and fun for everyone.