Should companies be responsible for the conduct of office partygoers?
Category: Poll & Survey
Created: Dec 13 2001 - 13:52
Updated: Apr 16 2007 - 11:02
· 58% said that employers should closely regulate holiday office parties, including behavior of the partygoers and the use of alcohol and drugs, even where the party takes place off site.
· 65% believe that employers should not be held responsible for the actions of their employees at a holiday party, whether held on or off site.
· When surveyed on their own personal experiences, 43% said that they have been to an employer-sponsored holiday party at which there was drunkenness or drug use.
· 13% said they had been to an employer-sponsored holiday party at which they observed conduct that they would consider to be inappropriate sexual behavior.
· And, asked about holiday party plans in the aftermath of September 11, 76% said that their organization had neither eliminated nor scaled back on this year's holiday celebration because of the tragedy.
Maryland is one of just three jurisdictions that do not hold employers liable for the accidents of intoxicated partygoers (the same rule that applies to bars and social hosts). Maryland employers, of course, are as vulnerable as any to claims of sexual harassment from party-related conduct. Even if your holiday party is coming up this weekend, it is not too late to avoid the after-party liability "hangover" by taking some simple measures:
· Invite spouses or partners since their presence has a "leveling effect" on conduct.
· Inform employees that company policies regarding sexual harassment and discrimination extend to parties, even off premises.
· Instruct supervisors that they are to set an example at company social functions and, yes, assume the role of "adult supervision", by monitoring behavior at the event.
· If alcohol is served, consider distributing drink tickets to limit consumption (cash bar only after that) and provide for designated drivers or taxi vouchers.


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