Attorney Jonna Spilbor stopped by the Boris & Robyn Show to share some important tips for both employers and workers to avoid legal issues at the company holiday party.

  1. Call it a holiday event. Keep it “religion neutral” to avoid an employment discrimination lawsuit down the road.
  2. Remind your employees that company policies still apply to company sponsored parties. Don’t forget to include what will be acceptable dress code for the event. And, for example, if your employees are not allowed to repeat “dirty jokes” during regular business hours, they should refrain from the same during the company party.
  3. Make attendance optional! Otherwise, you MAY be required to PAY your employees to attend.
  4. Alcohol is a four-letter word when it comes to company parties.  My rule is to supply free transportation home to avoid the possibility of an employee hurting himself or someone else. Instruct managers to look out for employees who may have been over-served and MAKE SURE they do not get behind the wheel.
  5. Lastly, limit opportunities for sexual harassment.  This is tough because employees typically like to relax and “let their hair down”.  But having a company party is not an excuse to make unwanted advances.  Rule of thumb, keep it in your sneaker.

Jonna Spilbor Law has an office on Main Street in Poughkeepsie. For more information, visit her website.

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