Managing the risks of work-related social functions

Work-related social functions, such as Christmas parties, are often a cause for concern for employers. There are a number of issues that employers need to consider and act upon to minimise risk.

Work-related social functions do not necessarily create new risks, but present opportunities for issues such as sexual harassment or workplace injury to arise. In many cases, the risks are intensified by the presence of alcohol.

Readers of this article may also like to consider the following related resources:

• the Memo to Employees – Reminder of their obligations at work-related functions template; and
• the Reducing the risks of work-related social functions checklist.