The holiday season is upon us once again. Many employers will cap off the year by hosting holiday parties to show appreciation for their employees and to provide an opportunity for socializing outside of the workplace. While these parties can serve as a boost to morale, party hijinks can also lead to employment law issues such as sexual harassment, social-host liability, and religious discrimination. So whether you're throwing an end of the year bash or looking ahead to the 2018 company picnic, make sure your party planning includes safeguards so you don't face legal drama later.

Here are our top 12 tips for a holiday party the lawyers will never hear about.

  1. Make it a holiday party, not a Christmas party, and keep decorations secular. With a diverse workforce, it's important to include employees of all faiths.
  2. Don't force employees to attend a holiday party. Not everyone celebrates the holidays, and some of your employees may want to opt out.
  3. Inform your employees ahead of time that what happens at the holiday party does not "stay" at the holiday party. Normal workplace rules about harassment and professionalism apply. If sexual harassment occurs at the party, investigate it promptly and thoroughly.
  4. Ensure the party location is accessible under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

And because alcohol is at the heart of so many holiday missteps, it gets the remaining eight tips.

  1. If you're serving alcohol, make sure your invitations specify that it is an adults-only event. Never serve alcohol to employees who are underage.
  2. Be sure to serve food. Don't let your employees drink on an empty stomach.
  3. Discourage overconsumption by using a ticket system or having a cash bar. A daytime or weeknight event can also help to curtail overconsumption.
  4. Consider hosting the party off company premises and hiring professional bartenders.
  5. Stick to beer and wine instead of hard liquor.
  6. If heavy drinking is a possibility, provide a car service, taxis, or shuttles for your guests.
  7. Instruct managers and supervisors that after parties aren't for them. Supervisors and managers should be "on duty" during the party—intoxication is not permitted. Don't let management serve drinks.
  8. Invite guests. Employees are more likely to behave in front of their partners and dates.

Bonus Tip: Have fun. Throwing a holiday party is a nice way to acknowledge your team's efforts and to enjoy each other's company.

We wish you well this holiday season.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.