YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WHAT’S THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN IF I GET A BIT DRUNK AND PLAY UP AT THE WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY? HAVE PEOPLE REALLY LOST JOBS OVER IT?

EXPERIENCED DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

It depends on the circumstances. But in general terms, there have been cases where people have been dismissed for misconduct at a work Christmas party. For specific information on what does or doesn’t constitute misconduct, consult a legal expert. In general terms though, having a few alcoholic drinks is no excuse for saying or doing things that are not usually acceptable at work. Moreover, any misconduct at a work Christmas party could damage your professional brand. Our advice is to remember you are at a work function and you want to keep your professional reputation intact.

MID-CAREER SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS

Not only have people lost their jobs over poor behaviour at Christmas parties, people have had criminal charges laid against them. Everyone has the right to relax and enjoy themselves at the work Christmas party but if your way of relaxing is inhibiting someone else having a good time, then you need to change your behaviour immediately. If nothing else good has come from the debacle with Harvey Weinstein in the US, it has brought the issue of harassment in its multitude of forms to the surface, and no one in this day and age can plead ignorance of societal norms as an excuse for bad behaviour.

UP & COMING JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

Absolutely! Christmas parties are considered work-related events, meaning you must behave appropriately and within normal expectations of the organisation. HR will often remind you of expectations of employee conduct at these events, including potential disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Christmas parties are a time to celebrate with clients and colleagues, reflecting on the wins of the year. It can also be easy to take festivities too far and risk losing all you have worked for, not to mention the reputational damage which may influence your career options.

THE EXPERT DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

It depends on your definition of “play up”. Certainly I am aware of people who have lost their jobs because of sexual harassment at office Christmas parties. Unfortunately inhibitions are soluble in alcohol and this can lead to displays of behaviour we would never ordinarily do at work. One rule of thumb is to treat your colleagues at the party in a way that you’d be happy to repeat at work. View it as a work function – this sounds boring but you don’t want to taint your professionalism or reputation. Save the shenanigans for your personal Christmas catch-ups!