Christmas parties can be a wonderful way to recognize the hard work that employees have done throughout the year, and they also help boost morale within the workplace. They can be stressful for HR professionals, who have to follow company policies regarding workplace relations.
Your Sexual Health, UK’s largest provider of private sexual tests, conducted a survey of 2,000 UK employees. The results showed that workers let their hair go during the holiday party season. A study by Your Sexual Health found that over 3.2 million UK workers would sleep with a co-worker at their Christmas party. In addition to sex among colleagues, one fifth of workers (29%) had or would cheat with their partner using a client or colleague. Here is where HR can help.
The report found that UK workers were most likely to sleep either with a co-worker in a department other than their own or with a person of similar seniority. The HR profession faces fewer challenges when it comes to sexual relations between employees, and their managers. One in twenty (5%) respondents said that they were most likely to have slept with their boss or line manager.
Remember that the relationship between bosses, and their employees can be a particularly difficult one due to an inherent power imbalance. This often causes the victims to be more reluctant to speak up and voice any concerns. This dynamic can easily lead to situations where authority is abused, causing ethical issues and workplace conflict. Organisations need to tread carefully in order to make sure all parties feel supported and respected while maintaining professional boundaries.
Where does this activity take place?
Most often, staff have sexual relations at their homes or in hotels. Over one-quarter (6%) of employees who confess to having sex at work did so with a coworker.
One in ten people will be caught being naughty at work, even though 90% of the population won’t! Those who are caught could face embarrassment, awkwardness and even be fired.
What other activities are employees getting up to during the holiday season?
The survey found that not only are employees having sex, but they’re also sexting or flirting with each other, or kissing. They may even be in full-blown relationships. Around one fifth (19%) admits to kissing a co-worker at a party. The same percentage also confesses to having a fling with a co-worker. Nearly one fifth (18%) of those who confessed to kissing a co-worker admit that they did so in the office.
What can HR professionals do to prevent inappropriate Christmas party games?
1. Clarity in policies is important:
It is important to have policies that are clearly defined and accessible. All employees must understand the expectations and boundaries around workplace behaviour and relationships, especially when it comes social events, where alcohol can sometimes lower inhibitions. Organizations should communicate these policies proactively before the holiday season to hopefully minimize potential issues.
2. Guideline on HR Intervention
In situations where there has been a reported concern, the intervention should be guided with clear evidence and context. To avoid being misled, it’s crucial to distinguish between confirmed incidents and workplace rumours. Inappropriate behaviour at an event organised by the company should be dealt with in accordance to policy. When these events take place outside of the workplace or in a private setting, the involvement of an organisation is less obvious. The focus should then be on the impact such actions have on the workplace.
3. How to Address Misconduct in Senior Staff
To deal with inappropriate behavior from senior staff, an organisation must take a more nuanced and sophisticated approach. They need to make sure that all policies are applied consistently at all levels. The same rules apply to misconduct, regardless of the position. It should be addressed appropriately. If you fail to deal with any misconduct by a senior staff member in a transparent and impartial manner, it compromises the integrity of your workplace and employee trust.
4. Other Alternative Celebrations
Many organisations are now considering alternatives to alcohol-based celebrations, as it can lead to inappropriate behavior from employees. Sober events offer a way to have fun and create inclusive gatherings, which reduces the risks of HR issues during the holiday season.
Full study results
