Businesses are being urged to make sure the office party season passes with as few headaches as possible and that any embarrassing behaviour is kept off the internet.
Noele McClelland, partner and head of the employment law team at Thorntons, said ground rules should be made clear to employees about behaviour at Christmas parties to avoid any possible complaints or disputes.
She said: ”It has been another tough year for businesses and economic climate is such that things may not be any better in 2012.
”Many employers do, however, still want to show their appreciation to their staff and will be thinking about their annual Christmas party.”
She said business should consider issuing a light-hearted list of instructions for staff, and also consider either providing transport or free soft drinks to designated drivers.
She added it is important firms issue clear guidance on the use of sites such as Facebook and Twitter that make it clear photos and comments should only be posted online with the individual’s consent.
Earlier this year, Wendy Moncur, a researcher in socio-technological systems at Dundee University, warned many potential employers now visit interviewees’ social networking sites and that embarrassing material posted online could stop some people from getting jobs.
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