Maintaining the Holiday Cheer Without HR Nightmares Before Christmas!

‘Tis the season to be jolly! It is that time of year when the countdown begins, and we are all gearing up for annual work Christmas parties. They are a great chance for colleagues to have fun, unwind, and socialise but they can also present unique challenges for you or your managers in the lead-up or aftermath of a Christmas party! We are here to help you navigate the festivities.  

Why Christmas parties are so important  

Work Christmas parties are usually talked about for months before in excitable anticipation. They are a fantastic opportunity to reward and thank staff, show your appreciation, and show that you care. They are essential for team building, networking, and getting to know your colleagues.  

Are Christmas parties a taxable benefit?  

In short, yes, HMRC gives companies a tax-free allowance for throwing a staff party. You can spend up to £150 each year per employee for an annual event and not have to pay tax or national insurance on this. However, there are a few stipulations, if you are unsure what you can and cannot claim speak to our Accounting Services team today.  

How best to deal with a Christmas party at work 

We all want our staff to have fun and enjoy themselves at any work social event, therefore, communication and reminders of what is acceptable behaviour are essential. Even when parties are not in work time, they are still extensions of the workplace; fighting, harassment, or other inappropriate behaviour could result in disciplinary action and lead to gross misconduct.  

Making sure you communicate beforehand and having the correct policies and guidance in place does not mean you are the office Grinch, instead, it helps reduce the chances of things getting out of hand and creates a safer, more relaxed environment for you and your staff to enjoy themselves.  

How we can help make a Christmas party fun 

Businesses must create a balance where colleagues can relax and have fun outside of work but also not damage professional work relationships, the work environment, or the company’s reputation. This is where HR policies, communication, and guidance play a vital role. From setting clear expectations on appropriate behaviour to addressing potential issues like alcohol consumption, our dedicated HR Advisory team can help you ensure you create a fun, safe, and inclusive atmosphere for all. 

Navigating HR matters at Christmas parties can be a daunting task for businesses. As HR specialists, we understand these concerns and have the expertise to assist you in making sure you have everything you need in place with our policies and guidance that align with your company values. 

We work directly with you to make sure our HR Services meet your specific needs, and we are currently offering a FREE HR Health Check for your business. Complete this today and we will send you a report highlighting any areas of potential risks.  

Together let’s make your Christmas party a memorable, incident-free, celebration and not a bad hangover or HR nightmare. 

If you would like to learn more, you can contact us here