Employers should act now to minimise the risk of sexual harassment issues at this year\u2019s Christmas work party, says HR Team Director, Breda Cullen.<\/p>\n
Ms Cullen is advising employers to ensure employees are made fully aware of the policies and procedures regarding behaviour at the annual Christmas work celebrations.<\/p>\n
Her followed the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s publication of a survey which found 20% of reports of sexual harassment arose from work-related social events. The survey further found Christmas work parties were the most common \u2018off-site location\u2019 sexual harassment at work.<\/p>\n
Ms Cullen told Irish media: \u201cThe findings of the ICTU survey regarding the reporting of sexual harassment during work social events such as the Christmas party may be shocking to many but will come as no surprise to HR professionals.<\/p>\n
\u201cSexual harassment is the most prevalent claim brought to employment tribunal following work celebrations and parties.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmployers are liable for the conduct of their staff during work parties and this responsibility applies to harassment on the grounds of gender, religion, age, disability, race and sexual orientation.<\/p>\n
\u201cEmployers are best advised to avoid a Christmas jingle hell by outlining the rules and clearly communicating them to employees well in advance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe list of Instructions and guidelines detailed in a Work-related Social Events Policy will clearly set out expectations regarding standards on behaviour at the party. Employees should be reminded to adhere to the code of conduct governing the workplace when they attend the Christmas \u2018do\u2019 or any other event organised by their employers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt may seem a little \u2018bah humbug\u2019 amid the festivities but having a robust Work-related Social Events Policy which is clearly communicated to staff could save an employer a lot of stress and financial risk in the long run. Employers who have not already delivered this information to their staff ahead of this year\u2019s festive celebrations are best advised to make it a priority to help ensure a merry Christmas for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Among the key findings of the survey from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions are:<\/p>\n
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