Emily Raunig
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start planning your holiday work party! It’s great to leave the business behind for a night and enjoy good food and drinks but take the proper safety precautions so employees can have a fun yet safe night.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan the event.
Plan out a menu
Planning a menu or having different food options is good for a workplace party. Your employees may have food allergies or not like the same food items. You may need to include some gluten-free options or other dietary needs. Talk to your employees beforehand and note any special circumstances so everyone can enjoy the food.
Monitor the alcohol consumption
The holidays bring fun new drink recipes but ensure employees and guests drink moderately. As fast as alcohol can liven a party, it can ruin one too. Consider handing out drink tickets to limit the number of drinks your employees have. You can provide festive mocktails for guests who don’t want to drink or can’t.
Make sure the entrance is cleared of ice.
Holiday parties may be hit by snow and ice. If the forecast indicates inclement weather, be prepared to shovel the sidewalks and entrances so your guests can arrive safely. If there is ice, sprinkle the sidewalks with ice melt before the guests arrive and leave. If any of your employees get hurt, you could be liable for damages.
Help everyone leave safely.
You may feel like you’ve finished your job by the end of the party, but this is the time you need to be most alert. Again, make sure to salt the sidewalks before people leave if there is ice outside. If some employees don’t have a ride home, order them a taxi or Uber. On top of that, make sure no one gets behind the wheel intoxicated. According to NHTSA, about 28 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving car accidents daily. Your company could also be held liable even after they leave the premises.
Protect yourself from the worst
Even if you follow the following tips, there is still the possibility of an accident happening. Liability insurance protects your business if it’s sued for negligence. You are liable for unintentional accidents or injuries involving you and your employees when throwing a work party. Want to learn more? Contact TrustPoint Insurance & Real Estate to discuss your options!
