So, should companies ditch the drama for direct deposits? Or is there still a little magic to the traditional Christmas work do?
AUT Professor of Management, Candice Harris, told The Front Page that traditionally, when we think of a work party, ideas of excess and chaos come to mind.
“If you look at the movies, there’s generally a romantic subplot and all things that we don’t really want at work in the modern age.
“They have moved from those lavish, late-night, open-bar-type risky behaviour events to being more modest, certainly better planned and structured, and more inclusive,” she said.
Under the Health and Safety Act, employers have a duty of care at these parties, even if they’re held off-site.
“One worry is that the Christmas party lives on forever through social media. Also, people are streaming the Christmas party live, and so it puts a whole new era of reputational and brand risk as well.
“It used to be just HR that were quite nervous about Christmas parties. I think you could put marketing and comms people in that camp now as well,” she said.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about:
- How work parties have changed
- Key risks for employers and employees
- Alcohol, power and conduct
- Parties v Prezzy cards.
The Front Page is a daily news podcast from the New Zealand Herald, available to listen to every weekday from 5am. The podcast is presented by Chelsea Daniels, an Auckland-based journalist with a background in world news and crime/justice reporting who joined NZME in 2016.
You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
