An after work drink, a celebration and any office function in the workplace is a great way for workers to enjoy each other’s company, celebrate and relax after a job well done. Particularly with a startup, there is plenty to celebrate at the year end as we look at the past year’s accomplishments and hopes for next year.
Here’s a look at some simple things that you could do to ensure that everyone has a good time at your next staff function. These tips will make sure that your staff looks after each other so that no one ends up drunk and makes decisions they’ll probably regret later.
There are very many ways that staff can relax, celebrate and mingle with each other at an office function without alcohol. Having a quiz night, Friday night BBQ shared lunch or doing activities where your staff can bring their kids and partners along is another excellent way to have some fun and acknowledge people.
As the Boss, You Are the Host
As such, you need to consider offering the needed provisions. At the same time, it is your responsibility to ensure that the function does not spiral out of control. Set expectations beforehand. Make sure that everyone knows that you will not entertain any drunken behavior. And the best way to do this is to be a model of good behavior yourself.
Serve Food
Do your best to ensure that there is enough food rolling around and that it is available all through the function.
Offer a Variety of Drinks
Make sure that alcohol isn’t the only drink available by making sure that you also offer an exciting menu of non-alcoholic beverages. It will surprise you how people will enjoy something like tonic and grapefruit with chunks of mint for a change. At the same time, you need to consider that not everyone drinks alcohol.
Do not serve people already intoxicated
If it is an in-house function, brief your waiters to limit the amount of alcohol they serve, especially when people start getting intoxicated. If the function is on a licensed premise, then it should not even happen considering that it is illegal for people to be drunk. Sage Recovery & Wellness Center suggest that if you think there is a bigger problem you should address it at a later stage.
Plan Activities
Come up with some activities so that your staff members have things to do other than eating and drinking. If you want your function to be outside the office, choose a location or place that includes activities like dancing, bowling, and swimming, etc.
Limit the Tab
Something that could make a huge difference without people noticing, or even resenting it, is to set a time when you will stop paying the drinks bill. That does not mean that they stop drinking, it only means that they will pay for any extra drinks they drink.
Focus on Families
Since most employees have families, consider holding your event in a more family-friendly environment like the zoo. Provide the entertainment and make sure it is alcohol-free. Make sure your focus is about the company’s families getting together to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
Alcohol, Teenagers, and Children
Keep in mind that it’s illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to be given alcohol unless
– The person offering the alcohol if their legal guardian or parent
– The person offering the alcohol has been given consent by the teenager’s legal guardian or parent
If alcohol will be supplied, it is essential that it is done responsibly and maturely. If not, you could end up being required to pay a $2,000 fine for not abiding by the law.
These simple guidelines will help your office function have lots of spirit, just not too much of the wrong kind.
