🍺 January is always a busy time for Iceberg — partly because people are chasing a fresh start, and partly because of incidents that definitely started at staff Christmas parties. It’s a sad reality we see year after year.
What begins as a “quick drink” to celebrate the end of the year can quickly turn into something that follows you straight into January… and sometimes beyond. Alcohol, blurred boundaries, and end-of-year fatigue are a risky mix, especially when work colleagues are involved.
If you’re attending your work Christmas party this week, please — please — be responsible.
It’s not about skipping the fun. It’s about being prepared during and after the party, knowing your limits, and not getting so loose that you can’t recall your boss’s name — let alone your own. A great night shouldn’t come with a HR meeting hangover.
Follow these tips to keep it real!
➡️ Know your drinking limit
➡️ Have a curfew for yourself
➡️ Ensure you have transport to get home safely
➡️ Behave responsibly & leave the event if you feel that you are not in control
➡️ If you see a staff member being bullied or harassed, go straight to HR, your Manager or another senior manager
Employers, you also have a responsibility (and may be liable) so following a duty of care code for your staff if you are hosting an event is paramount.
How? It’s easy.
➡️ Ensure everyone understands the “rules” (no kick-ons at the office afterwards) and policies for behaviour
➡️ Ensure the alcohol limit is clear (2x drinks per person, or even better, have a zero-alcohol policy in place)
➡️ Provide transport for your staff to get home safely
➡️ Follow-up on any claims (injuries etc) straight away
Stay safe x
Iceberg is Melbourne’s go-to recruitment company! Specialising exclusively in recruiting for digital, marketing, PR, digital, experiential & advertising jobs. Permanent, freelance and contract roles are available! Sign up for our weekly newsletter HERE.
