Your SME survival guide

Christmas parties can be great fun

They reward staff for their hard work throughout the year

Encourage employees to get to know each other better

And build loyalty at your company

BUT sometimes the often alcohol-fuelled festivities can have disastrous results

So, follow this SME survival guide and have a very merry Christmas

#1Pre-party planning is essential to the success of your celebration.

#1Remind staff that the party is an extension of the office and they are to act appropriately

#1Enforce a dress code so that everyone knows what is expected of them

#1If employees need to work the next day make sure they know in advance the consequences of not turning up

#2Show sensitivity to those who do not wish to celebrate

#2Make attendance optional so staff with other cultural or religious beliefs don’t feel pressured into going

#2Try alternative party themes so no one feels excluded

#3Have plans in place for inappropriate behaviour

#3Alcohol-fuelled incidents are common reasons for disciplinary action post Christmas party, so plan ahead!

#3Watch out for potential troublemakers and get them home safely before they do something they’ll regret

#4Limit damage to brand reputation with social media restrictions

#4Employees will be tempted to share the office party antics online, but this can be damaging.

#4Ensure you have a social media policy in place which outlines what is and isn’t acceptable

#5Always lead by example

#5Christmas is a great time to socialise with staff but don’t do anything you wouldn’t want them to do.

#6Keep Christmas party games clean

#6Party games are great for teambuilding but they need to be done in a tasteful manner

#6Staff may want to share through Secret Santa but remind employees to keep it appropriate

#6Mistletoe has a time and a place – but it’s not the Christmas party, so make sure it’s left at home!

#7Avoid conversations better suited to the office

#7It’s easy to let the wine do the talking but salary and confidential information are off limits

#8Ensure all members of staff get home safely and don’t drink and drive

#8Make sure all attendees have a local taxi number or access to public transport

#8Or, if you can, organise transport or accommodation for your staff

#9Remember to relax and enjoy yourself

#9Whilst careful planning and effective execution are important so is having fun!

#9With the right mix you can host a great event that will keep staff excited for the next one all year!