Managers must balance conduct concerns with Christmas party
benefits
Managers are becoming increasingly wary of workplace Christmas
parties, following examples of conflict or inappropriate behaviour
at previous events, according to the Institute of Leadership &
Management (ILM).
The research carried out by the industry body found that 40 per
cent of managers were concerned about the 'possible fallout'
following the festive party. One in ten managers reported that they
have been forced to discipline employees for behaving
inappropriately following past events.
Almost half of managers questioned in the survey reported that
work Christmas parties were often 'fraught', with 43 per cent
saying that they had witnessed several examples of poor behaviour
in previous years, including staff members becoming aggressive or
drunk.
It's not just managers who fear the festive season – 15 per cent
of staff members are worried they will 'get drunk and behave badly'
at this year's event.
Despite all these concerns, the festive party remains, in the
eyes of both employer and employee, 'good for staff engagement',
according to the ILM.
Chief Executive of the ILM, Penny de Valk, said, "Holding an
office Christmas celebration is an important and fun way for
companies to celebrate employees' hard work and success.
"However, if managers are concerned things may get out of hand
they need to be ready to deal with problems that arise and respond
effectively," she added.
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