How to Get Your Office Holiday Party Off Without a Hitch

As one of the top staffing firms in Miami Lakes, we know that office holiday parties are a great way to show employees that you appreciate all their hard work during the year. They’re also an opportunity for employees to get to know each better outside the office, facilitating stronger relationships as a result.

However, in order for your office holiday party to get off without a hitch, you need to set a good example and also protect your business from any potential liability. Here’s how:

Get contracts with your vendors.

To avoid any last-minute headaches, make sure all the vendors – like the DJ and caterer – sign contracts and clearly state in them the payment amount and terms.

Be clear about the dress code and who’s invited.

Whether you send a company wide email, post a flyer in the lunchroom, or mail out a formal invitation, be clear about whether spouses and significant others are invited, as well as the dress code.

Consider avoiding the “open bar.”

The words “open bar” can be a license to go crazy for some people. Instead, offer a cash bar; or if you still want to do an open bar, provide only beer and wine.

Know your risks.

As one of the top staffing firms in Miami Lakes, we know that it is important for employers to protect themselves in today’s litigious society. And this holds true even for something as innocent as a holiday party.

  • Be sure to serve food along with the alcohol.
  • You may even want to think about transportation options for your guests to ensure no one gets behind the wheel intoxicated.
  • To make sure you’re well protected, you can also add a rider to your business insurance policy for a short, specified period of time to protect against any liability that could occur at a holiday party.

Set a good example.

With alcohol involved, things can get inappropriate fast, especially if you’re leading the way. So set a good example by demonstrating proper etiquette and also make sure all the company managers know how to handle any situations involving inappropriate behavior. Otherwise, it could lead to problems down the road in the form of a sexual harassment claim.

Deduct your expenses.

Most, if not all, of your expenses should be tax-deductible as a team-building event, as long as the party isn’t overly lavish (otherwise you might raise a red flag with the IRS).

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