Christmas is a time to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the festive season, but for some New Zealand workplaces, it can also bring its fair share of challenges. With Christmas parties, tight deadlines, and holiday excitement in the air, there’s a risk of things getting a little out of hand.
One big issue during this time is alcohol. Christmas parties often can come with an open bar or a few rounds of drinks, which can lead to lowered inhibitions and poor judgment. This can result in inappropriate jokes, harassment, or even heated arguments. Nobody wants their festive event to turn into a regretful Monday morning. To keep things under control, it’s a good idea for employers to set some boundaries, offer non-alcoholic drink options, arrange sober driving or uber services and remember you may even have policy in your handbook about alcohol use, so it always pays to read up on that at this time of the year!
Another common problem is absenteeism. With summer holidays on the horizon, some employees might try to stretch their time off or call in sick after a big night out. While it’s fair to enjoy the festive vibes, unexpected absences can throw a spanner in the works for teammates trying to keep things running smoothly. Having a clear plan for holiday leave and workload management can help avoid last-minute stress.
Let’s not forget the end-of-year crunch. Deadlines and targets can create tension, especially with everyone juggling work, family, and holiday prep. Add in a little Christmas stress, and you might see tempers flare. Encouraging open communication and reminding people to take a breather can go a long way. You’d be surprised how many extra calls our people and cultures specialists get at this time of the year when bad behaviour seems to be the norm! This time of the year can be really hard difficult for a lot of people so remember those check ins with your team members. A quick wellbeing check in can be really helpful!
The key to a drama-free season at work is preparation. Whether it’s having clear policies on what is and isn’t acceptable, organising thoughtful events, or simply being mindful of your team’s well-being, small steps can prevent big problems. By keeping things respectful and relaxed, everyone can enjoy a safe and cheerful holiday season at work.
Kia kaha and Meri Kirihimete everyone!
Senga Allen | Managing Director