Over the past two years, employers dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic were forced to hold their holiday celebrations virtually via Zoom, or maybe even scrapped such events altogether given the circumstances. This year, however, holiday office parties are back, as many employees have migrated back to the office. Indeed, employers are eager to reinvigorate and reward their employees with what will perhaps be their first “in-person” celebration in a long time. Many employees may even be meeting each other in person for the first time. While we all are ready for things to be back to “normal,” both employers and employees should not expect their holiday parties to be the same as they were “pre-pandemic.” While cases may be down this year, employers should continue to take added precautions and follow local, state, and CDC guidelines when planning any kind of event this holiday season. Regardless of the time and location of the event, company parties may be considered within the scope of employment and, therefore, subjecting employers to liability. Here are some important employment law considerations your company can use to plan a safe and successful holiday party this year.
Safety
The old adage “safety first” is more relevant these days than ever before, and safety should be at the top of every employer’s list when planning any kind of get-together this year. If the party is held off-premises, employers should perform a reasonable inspection of the property before the event...
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