How Can HR Managers Plan Safe and Fun Office Celebrations Without a Hitch?

Nine Tips for Office Celebrations

1. Be honest with employees. Make sure your employees know your workplace substance abuse policy and that the policy addresses the use of alcoholic beverages in any work-related situation and office social function.

2. Post the policy. Use every communication vehicle to ensure your employees know the policy. Before an office party, use break room bulletin boards, office email, and paycheck envelopes to communicate your policy and concerns.

3. Reinvent the office party concept. Why have the typical office party? Try something new like an indoor carnival, a group outing to an amusement park, or a volunteer activity with a local charity.

4. Make sure employees know when to say when. If you do serve alcohol at an office event, ensure all employees know that they are welcome to attend and have a good time, but that they are expected to act responsibly.

5. Make it the office party of choice. Ensure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available.

6. Eat...and be merry! Avoid serving lots of salty, greasy, or sweet foods, which tend to make people thirsty. Serve foods rich in starch and protein, which stay in the stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

7. Designate party managers. Remind managers that even at the office party, they may need to implement the company's alcohol and substance abuse policy.

8. Arrange alternative transportation. Anticipate the need for alternative transportation for all party-goers and make special transportation arrangements in advance of the party. Encourage all employees to make use of the alternative transportation if they consume any alcohol.

9. Serve none for the road. Stop serving alcohol before the party officially ends.

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Some Keys to Success as a Human Resources professional

Know the business – have intimate knowledge of the mechanics of your business. Understand the vernacular, anachronisms, strategy and the preferred implementation methods.

Know what is confidential – Sharing of information is encouraged, but be sure the individuals receiving the information have a need to know. Information should help others meet business objectives.

Model Tri-level communication – Be an example of effective communication. Relate equally well with managers, peers and front-line employees.

Correlate organizational systems – Awareness of the interconnectivity between organizational systems is necessary. Make sure your business plan, recruiting plan, training plan, retention plan and reward mechanisms all mesh together with a singular focus.

Practice transactional excellence – the ability to process information with a seamless organized approach has critical impact upon the organization

Create policies, guidelines and programs – which are consistent with overall business objectives. Don't confuse great program design with absolute program need.

Maintain an understanding – of the latest technologies, resources and legislation. Don't put yourself in the position of expecting others to be responsible for your personal development.

Responsibility, Recognition and Reward – Understand what motivates individuals to reach exceptional levels of performance. Remember that reward takes many forms in additional to financial gain.