So far, we’ve discussed two things that the workplace is not. Thanks for joining us again, as we shed light on the third! This one is all about the happy workplace. With that said, where do we draw the line?
- IT’S NOT A PLACE TO RUN WILD.
Let’s get this straight: sanctioned workplace parties are okay. With everyone’s cooperation and the guidance of a solid employee engagement program, parties can be organized celebrating anything from a particular month’s birthdays, to special holidays that have been ingrained in the popular public consciousness, to significant company achievements. These celebrations can be conducted inside the organization’s workspace, as well as outside at special venues.
When done inside the company premises, the most important considerations for parties are permission from the leadership and measures to ensure safety. Asking permission from the management ensures that a party will not be identified as a disruption to the business activity flow within the premises, and provides a means for the permitted and regulated consumption of alcohol within the premises for the duration of the party. Safety measures can be put in place to avoid injuries and other untowardly incidents. Safety measures are also much easier to implement when the management has been notified of the celebration.
When these two fundamental considerations are violated, however, parties and other celebrations at the workplace can become disruptive and even dangerous. Extreme disorder, horseplay and unsanctioned consumption of alcoholic beverages are some factors that consistently turn workplace parties into risky events, both in terms of safety and disciplinary action.
Prevention of such risks at workplace parties is quite simple: transparency and discipline are needed. Organizers must notify and seek permission from the company’s leadership for all large-scale celebrations. For simple potlucks for birthdays, there should be at least some form of notice given. For all occasions, proper office conduct and safety observances must still be promoted. At the core of these precautions is individual and collective discipline, which is to be expected from us as professionals.
Keeping these things in mind should help us work smart, and party smarter.