We’re in the midst of the holiday season, and with that comes the annual employee holiday party. These get-togethers are a fantastic way to build camaraderie, reinforce your company’s culture, and of course, let loose and have some well-deserved fun.

But there’s a flipside: If not planned carefully, these festive events can turn into major liabilities, muddled coworker relations, and terminations.

Use these tips to avoid becoming another holiday party horror story.

Location

While it’s very tempting to have the party at your own restaurant after hours, it’s a much better plan to choose another location.

Why, you ask?

One, it helps employees separate the event from their traditional workday, creating a clear definition between business and non-business activities, which hopefully allows them to feel more relaxed. Because you do want them to have a good time.

Although, it’s worth noting, this isn’t an excuse for employees, management, or owner/operators to act inappropriately.

And two, should someone fall in the icy parking lot or trip on the steps in their high heels, you won’t be liable for the fall. The caterer or facility you rented would assume that burden.

Alcohol

Alcohol has ruined many holiday parties. We all know that sometimes people cut loose, drink too much and bad things happen – drunk driving, claims of harassment, overall inappropriateness or unprofessional conduct are a few biggies.

So if you’re planning on serving alcohol, there’s some things you should think through before you tap that first keg. For example:

• Your budget – Depending on the size of your staff, alcohol can get very expensive, very quickly.

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Carrie Luxem

Restaurant HR Group