Fast Lane: ‘Tis the season for the weird and wonderful work Christmas parties

Will you be throwing your staff a Christmas party this year?

As we hit the halfway mark of November, SmartCompany is starting to hear about some of the creative ways Australian businesses are marking this year’s festive season.

According to Corporate Challenge Events, a firm that specialises in corporate functions and events, this year some Aussie businesses are opting for celebrations that double-up as a team-building exercise.

“We have had an increase in bookings for some of our Christmas-themed team building activities like ‘Hunt for Santa’s Sleigh’, ‘Christmas Cluedo’ and ‘A Christmas Dinner’,” said Corporate Challenge Events managing director Dwain Richardson.

“They are fun, they are different and they provide that team bonding experience.”

But while a game of Christmas Cluedo may sound like the perfect way to blow off some steam at the end of the year, there is also a serious side to work Christmas parties and activities.

Like in the case of the plumbing manager who was sacked for buying two slabs of beer for a company Christmas party with the business’s credit card and subsequently lost his unfair dismissal case.

Or the case of the public servant who successfully argued he was unfairly dismissed for groping the breasts of five women at a work Christmas party.

Even organising an office Kris Kringle can be problematic, as the federal Department of Finance found when a former employee claimed a distasteful KK gift ruined his career and forced him to quit his job.

The festive season is an important time to spend time with your staff and celebrate what you’ve achieved this year, while also having a bit of fun.

But make sure you spend some time planning your Christmas parties so you’re not paying for them come the New Year.