As Christmas approaches and workplaces prepare for the festive party season, Swindon’s HR experts are urging businesses to tread carefully when it comes to the annual Secret Santa tradition and other seasonal activities.
Peter Jones, Managing Director of HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, has shared timely advice to help employers navigate potential pitfalls during the festive period.
“We hope we don’t sound too ‘Bah, humbug!’ and we certainly aren’t trying to put a dampener on Christmas, but it is the time of year when employers and employees can slip on a banana skin – or should that be a mince pie?”
“Whoever is organising the Secret Santa should ensure everyone has an opportunity to take part, even if they don’t celebrate Christmas, and equally that it’s fine for them to opt out. Remind people to be respectful of boundaries with their gifts – what one person considers funny may not be so well received by someone else.”
Beyond Secret Santa, businesses should also stay mindful of working practices during the hectic holiday period. Peter reminded employers to adhere to the Working Time Regulations, which limit working hours to 48 per week unless an opt-out agreement is in place. He also highlighted the need to provide contracts, training, and proper health and safety protocols for temporary staff.
“Keep in mind the Working Time Regulations and its 48-hour maximum working week (unless opt outs are in place). If you have temporary staff in, they’ll still need proper contracts, adequate training, and don’t forget health and safety.”
Extreme weather is another factor businesses should plan for, with Storm Darragh recently reminding the region of the havoc severe weather can bring. “Flooding, snow, and high winds create dangerous travel conditions,” Peter advised. “Make clear to staff that you still expect them to attend work where it is safe/possible to do so. But have contingencies in place to manage scenarios where they cannot get in.”
The festive season wouldn’t be complete without the office Christmas party, but this, too, requires careful handling. “A survey once found that one in ten employees had been disciplined or dismissed for misbehaving at the office Christmas party,” Peter revealed.
“So before you go ahead, check you have up-to-date disciplinary and grievance policies, and set expectations by reminding staff that parties are an extension of the workplace and so are still subject to the same rules. Apart from that, have fun and Happy Christmas!”
For more information about the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, visit https://www.hrdept.co.uk/swindon-north-wiltshire-east-cotswolds/, email peter.jones@hrdept.co.uk or call 01793 683 398.
