People Matters – with HRAnywhere

Preparing for the Festive Season 

As the year winds down, the silly season can throw up all sorts of challenges. Any missteps and you could end up with confusion over expectations or an awkward moment at the Christmas party! Don’t stress, we’re here to help.

‘Tis the Time for Parties…but avoid the HR Hangover

‘Tis the season to be jolly and we know you want everyone to have fun - but sometimes the festivities can get out of hand and employers can be liable for what happens (even at afterparties).  Pick an accessible, inclusive venue, keep activities G-rated, and think about how people are getting home. Provide food, water, and non-alcoholic drinks, especially if you’re outdoors in the summer heat. And don’t forget to nominate a few responsible staff or managers to quietly keep an eye on things, consider them your festive-season superheroes.

It’s the Silly Season…but Good Behaviour Doesn’t Take a Break

The festive season is all about celebration, but it’s important to remind your team that workplace standards don’t take a holiday. Re-issuing relevant policies such as Drug and Alcohol, Dress Codes, Social Media Usage, and particularly Bullying and Harassment is key. Take a moment to actually talk through them with your team. A quick, real conversation often lands better than an email no one reads. It reinforces that expectations apply whether employees are in the office, at a client function, or celebrating off-site. This ensures that everyone knows what’s acceptable and what’s not and can enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.

The Gift…of Good Taste

Speaking of workplace standards, keep it decent when you’re giving gifts. Not everyone on your team celebrates Christmas or wants to participate in gift-giving, and that’s perfectly fine. Consider hosting a lunch, morning tea, or a fun activity to acknowledge the season while being respectful of cultural and religious beliefs. If you do organise a gift exchange, keep it light-hearted and inclusive: think novelty mugs, quirky socks, or chocolates. Avoid gifts that could embarrass or exclude anyone - like prank items, overly personal presents, or tickets to adult-only venues. You can spread cheer without anyone feeling uncomfortable.

Need help? 

If you have any further questions or need any help you can contact us on you can contact us by emailing hr@hrcentral.support, or by giving us a call at 1300 717 721 and one of our experienced HR team will be happy to assist you.