Workplace Law's 2018 Christmas Party Guide

November 14, 2018

Workplace Law's 2018 Christmas Party Guide

In our Guide we discuss some of the more interesting cases involving work social functions and offer you practical tips on how to plan and host a work social function and best practice strategies for dealing with the aftermath of an event gone wrong.

Welcome to Workplace Law’s 2018 Christmas Party Guide.

No, this wasn’t written by the Grinch! While we are lawyers we still believe that it is possible for employers to host work social functions that are fun and safe for everyone.

In our Guide we discuss some of the more interesting cases involving work social functions and offer you practical tips on how to plan and host a work social function. We finish off our Guide with ‘best practice’ strategies for employers and HR staff in dealing with the messy aftermath of an event gone wrong.

Happy reading and safe partying!

If you missed it...

We have had some great feedback from our last webinar of 2018, "Sorry for Party Rocking" - Managing the aftermath of a work function.
If you missed out, a recording of the webinar is avaliable via this link for you to watch and listen at your convenience.

Need a laugh...

Q: Why did all the pictures come out dark from the superhero party?
A: They forgot to invite the Flash.

Q: What do you call Iron Man without his suit?
A: Stark naked!

Should you require any further information or assistance, please contact our Director Shane Koelmeyer on (02) 9256 7500 or via email on sydney@workplacelaw.com.au.

Information provided in this update is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Workplace Law does not accept liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the content of this update, or from links on this website to any external website. Where applicable, liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

"Rein(deer) me in" - Managing workplace behaviour

For employers, poor workplace behaviour can be difficult to identify and address – and often when it is too late. Where poor workplace behaviour arises, including at end of year Christmas parties and social functions, employers are left to deal with the aftermath.

September 10, 2026

Events

Hosting and surviving social work functions

Many employees are excited about upcoming Christmas parties and end of year functions. However, increasingly complex employment laws and the rise in work-related complaints are causing employers to carefully think about hosting such events.

October 9, 2025

Events

"Bejewelled" - Hosting and surviving work social functions

October 9, 2024

Events

christmas party

Fair Work Commission proposes variation to facilitate working from home arrangements

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health orders which were issued saw employees stopping their daily office commute and work from their kitchen tables or bedrooms. In those circumstances, many employees were also providing domestic care and education support to their families and young children.

August 31, 2026

News Alerts

Annual Wage Review Decision 2026

The Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel has announced the outcome of its annual review of the national minimum wage and minimum wages under the modern awards.

June 4, 2026

News Alerts

Fair Work Commission varies the sleepover provisions in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award

In April 2026, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has issued a final determination varying the rostering provisions with respect to sleepovers in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010 to remove ambiguity or uncertainty and to achieve the modern awards objective to provide fair and relevant minimum safety net of terms and conditions.

May 5, 2026

Resources: News Alerts