Holiday Party Conduct
JM in ATL
305 Posts
It is that wonderful time of the year for office parties.
Now I am going to preface this by saying I am very grateful and proud to be a part of a company who can have such a party, but extremely annoyed that we are doing so...
Our holiday party this year is at a Ritz Carlton hotel. Each and every employee plus one guest are not only invited to this party, but will be put up at the hotel for the night as well as flown in (if from out of town) and driven to the party in a limo.
Pretty fancy, huh? Well, not all of our employees are what I would consider "familiar" with the Ritz and therefore may not conduct themselves accordingly.
What I am trying to say is... does anyone have any written material regardin behavior and conduct at company events.
No emptying the mini bar, not sticking bottle caps into the sheet rock, no running up and down the hall at two in the morning slamming doors, ya know, that kind of thing.
As far as the party, do not consume more than two alcoholic drinks in a one hour period to avoid intoxication, blah blah blah...
Written or suggestions will be beneficial! Can you tell I am thrilled that I even have to do such a thing!
Hey, I guess it's better than dealing with poop on the walls, right?
Now I am going to preface this by saying I am very grateful and proud to be a part of a company who can have such a party, but extremely annoyed that we are doing so...
Our holiday party this year is at a Ritz Carlton hotel. Each and every employee plus one guest are not only invited to this party, but will be put up at the hotel for the night as well as flown in (if from out of town) and driven to the party in a limo.
Pretty fancy, huh? Well, not all of our employees are what I would consider "familiar" with the Ritz and therefore may not conduct themselves accordingly.
What I am trying to say is... does anyone have any written material regardin behavior and conduct at company events.
No emptying the mini bar, not sticking bottle caps into the sheet rock, no running up and down the hall at two in the morning slamming doors, ya know, that kind of thing.
As far as the party, do not consume more than two alcoholic drinks in a one hour period to avoid intoxication, blah blah blah...
Written or suggestions will be beneficial! Can you tell I am thrilled that I even have to do such a thing!
Hey, I guess it's better than dealing with poop on the walls, right?
Comments
The intent of this clause was to cover us from those employees that travel and like to dance on tables.
If the party is not mandatory...you just may have to hope that people realize that they are surrounded by co-workers and like it or not, will be judged upon their behavior.
I know there have been past threads dealing with the employers liability in these types of party situations...you might want to look at that angle too.
Happy Holidays!!!
Okay. That having been said, a general information sheet handed out at check-in might be appropriate. It can be disguised as a "guide" that helps the partygoer enjoy the amenities available to them; and, oh, by the way, only the room is free - you will be charged for items taken from the minibar. Since this is a company function, appropriate behavior is anticipated and we appreciate your efforts in maintaining a sense of decorum and dignity, etc. -- or words to that effect (I'm generally lousy at not writing things like this without sounding condescending). Perhaps some of your colleagues might be able to assist with the wording. I'm confident that such a "guide" can be written in a manner that is not insulting, condescending or patronizing. Good luck.
I don't think I know anyone who has never slept in a motel or used silverware and sheets. Sounds like your employees have been raised in a bubble and never learned not to blow boogers across the room. If you feel that way about your employees, you have an impossible task. If I received such an instruction sheet, I'd roll it up and tell you where to stick it.
(Edit) Hold on! This is the SHRM party, right?
I personally consider office parties as a trap for the unwary. Those that overdo it, in whatever area, are forever remembered. It is not like the Vegas ad that says something like, "What happens here stays here." It is more like the infamous Tailhook incident that happened at a local hotel, it follows you for the rest of your career in that company. I am not for anyone letting them make an ass of themselves, but you can only go so far in protecting people from themselves. I think getting them all rooms is way more responsible than putting a bunch of drunks behind the wheel and have them try to drive home, engaging in pedestrian target practice all the way.
You would think that people would have enough common sense to dress and act appropriately. Probably they do know better, but choose to ignore their upbringing and revert to childish behavior. In September we had a banquet honoring all ee's who reached the 5 year milestone of service. It was held in the restaurant of a local hotel with a good reputation - actually the best in the county, but a ways below the Ritz in status. One of our more colorful mfg. associates showed up in his work clothes of the day which included a muscle shirt. His muscles were not worth showing off. It really was out of place, but we all survived.
I'm not talking about an elaborate guide. Just something simple that is given to each guest (or pair of guests) when they check in. Give 'em their room keycard, perhaps a brochure on the hotel itself, and a list of guidelines. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Something like "Welcome to XYZ's 2003 Holiday Party. We hope you enjoy your evening. As a way of thanking our valued team members, your room is being paid for by the Company and we hope you enjoy the accommodations. Instructions for local and long distance telephone calling are located near the phone in your room. There is a minibar available, but please remember that the Company will only pay for room charges. Telephone, minibar and other charges not associated with room rental remain the responsibility of the employee."
Personally that's about as far as I would go. HR, undoubtedly, is going to know who stayed in what room the morning after. If any of the rooms are trashed, you deal with the infraction appropriately. Just because the inappropriate behavior is off-duty doesn't mean the conduct can't be dealt with.
>no shoes in bed, no flushing of hair curlers, no
>spray paint on the TV screens, no urinating in
>the hallway, no hanging over the balcony without
>a spotter......c'mon.
You forgot to add the following:
-No beer bongs in the ballroom, no Jagermeister body shots on the CEO's wife, hmmmmm, what else?
I guess we had more faith in our employees that they would know how to dress and behave at a formal dinner dance at an upscale hotel. When we used to have these events, it was a grand occasion for those that you label "not familiar" with a ritzy hotel. The women would spend weeks looking for a new dress and talking about what they would wear - it was a big deal. While we didn't pay for hotel rooms, we had a block of rooms at a corporate rate. I don't recall anyone trashing them or any really bad behavior short of the usual few who got really drunk. There are always going to be those that over do it. I can't imagine why your company would have a function somewhere that you have doubts your employees can handle appropriately. I would never consider sending them a checklist - it's insulting. I think you would be surprised at the level to which people can rise to.
Elizabeth
"XXX staff members are highly visible professionals in the XXX community and must take care to represent the XXX and internally and externally convey the standards of professionalism which are those of XXX. Staff members are expected to use good judgment when conducting business and to adhere to high ethical standards."
I would expand on that for a strictly social event, possibly reminding people that drunken/wild/etc behaviour would not be tolerated. I also agree that you should state that only the room charge will be covered and the "extras" will be billed to the individuals. I also think you should have a cash bar only or limit the "free" drinks to 2 per person.
I would make it clear that being invited to company events is a privilege not an entitlement and anyone acting innappropriately should expect to not be invited to future company events.
Paul in Cannon Beach
"Approximately 8 XXX Police will direct traffic and 30 XX officers are on hand inside to ensure that everyone has a safe time. There is a “zero tolerance” policy on disruptive or belligerent behavior."
This is a huge party event involving mostly professionals, who are most likely "used to the ritz" but even so ....
Why shouldn't a large company event expect as much. Granted you wouldn't need the police officers but "zero tolerance" on poor behavior, in my humble opinion, is the only way to go.
I however have been in the hospitality profession before and have encountered less than "professional" people when it comes to such events. And all of things I listed ACTUALLY happened. So, maybe before you decide to take attitude with anyone, especially on a BB where 80% of communicational skills are not able to be expressed, you could reserve your nasty comments and ask for further clarification on a statement.
Anyway, for everyone else I appreciate your input and insight. I think at the very minimum we will discuss what charges will be covered and which ones won't. While the majority of our staff will be on their best behavior there are always a few that you need to spell it out for.
My wife, let's call her Scrooge, stopped me from buying eggnogg in the supermarket. She mumbled something about cholesterol. I'm thinking, isn't that what life insurance is for?
Merry Christmas everyone!
Paul in CB
In reading through this entire thread, I have to say that I agree a little with just about everyone. It sounds like an awesome party and that the company is going to a lot of expense for it's employees - kind of unheard of in this day an age. The spirit of generosity and willingness to throw caution to the wind & spend a bundle for one night for each employee and a guest is truly amazing - what a great company. x:-)
Reality sets in though, because as we all know, some employees will take advantage, some will complain about the amenities, the cost of the drinks, the decor, etc. & others will be extremely grateful & appreciative of the company's efforts. Here's the rub. About 10% (or less) will fall into the category of taking advantage/complaining and the rest 90% (or more) will fall into the other category. Don't become the party police and rain on the 90% group's good time - just to manage the 10%. I like Parabeagle's idea of an outline - friendly, as they come in the door - include the good stuff (what's free, schedule of events, etc.) and the 'bad' stuff (mini-bars are not comp'd, drink minimums, etc. - by the way - drink minimums were discussed on another thread & the idea is to hand out 'drink tickets' maybe 2 per person) - also make sure the good stuff outweighs the 'bad' stuff. Don't take a heavy handed approach as some suggested & don't do nothing - find the balance (the friendly outline). Anything less or more, would ruin the spirit of generosity and willingness with which the party was intended to provide. x:-)
But, I do like the guide that's handed out to employees that reminds them of the amenities and what is covered by the company and what isn't. I LOL'd x:7 at Lisa's reply who described an employee who had planned to trash the room until he read it on a Rules of Conduct list. Good one! th-up
JM - sounds like your company is really in the spirit for your holiday party. Should be fun - good luck!