Every year, Australian employers spends $10 billion a year on workplace harassment issues. As Christmas nears, potential legal woes also increase as Christmas functions are often launch pads for HR issues.

Workfoce Guardian, Australia's leading online Human Resources (HR) service, revealed that it has been fielding increased enquiries in the run towards the festive season. However, its managing director Adrienne Unkovich observed that even if workplace harrassment issues proves costly, "yet many small and medium businesses don't take steps to minimise their risk."

According to Unkovich, attending Christmas parties is considered to be "in the course of employment" which means companies have a duty of care to their employees.

"The law requires that employers take all reasonable steps to prevent inappropriate behaviour," Unkovich said.

To avoid a Christmas function turning into a full scale employment relations disaster, Workforce Guardian recommends five simple steps for employers:

  1. Before the party, ensure your business has policies in place covering bullying, harassment and discrimination. If you haven't, now is a good time to get started.
  2. Communicate with all staff that unacceptable behaviour could result in disciplinary action.
  3. Serve alcohol responsibly at the function with plenty of food as well as low alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks.
  4. Plan travel arrangements to and from the party - provide the phone numbers for local cab companies, cab vouchers and encourage staff to use them.
  5. Ensure that all staff understand that disciplinary action could be taken if they fail to turn up for work because of over-indulging

"It's critical for employers to have robust and Fair Work-compliant policies in place and understand that their responsibilities extend beyond the boundaries of the normal place of work," Unkovich said.

To help businesses make sense of their legal responsibilities, Workforce Guardian and Telstra Business are hosting a free webinar for small and medium businesses.

"Christmas headaches - functions & events" will give invaluable advice, hints and tips on how to host a Christmas party or function that is merry in all the right ways. It will be conducted on November 26 on 12:00 PM AEDST. Those interested may register here. Tweet