Managers must balance conduct concerns with Christmas party benefits

Managers are becoming increasingly wary of workplace Christmas parties, following examples of conflict or inappropriate behaviour at previous events, according to the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).

The research carried out by the industry body found that 40 per cent of managers were concerned about the 'possible fallout' following the festive party. One in ten managers reported that they have been forced to discipline employees for behaving inappropriately following past events.

Almost half of managers questioned in the survey reported that work Christmas parties were often 'fraught', with 43 per cent saying that they had witnessed several examples of poor behaviour in previous years, including staff members becoming aggressive or drunk.

It's not just managers who fear the festive season – 15 per cent of staff members are worried they will 'get drunk and behave badly' at this year's event.

Despite all these concerns, the festive party remains, in the eyes of both employer and employee, 'good for staff engagement', according to the ILM.

Chief Executive of the ILM, Penny de Valk, said, "Holding an office Christmas celebration is an important and fun way for companies to celebrate employees' hard work and success.

"However, if managers are concerned things may get out of hand they need to be ready to deal with problems that arise and respond effectively," she added.

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