Christmas and COVID: Can workplace celebrations still go ahead?

The short answer: yes –but it might look a bit different.

As we rapidly approach the end of another year, so too does the annual workplace Christmas party. Along with the usual challenges that come with hosting a workplace Christmas celebration, the impacts of COVID-19 mean that additional planning and preparation must be undertaken to ensure the health and safety of all attendees.

The timing and location for your event will be very important due to the changing requirements of each state.

Here is a state-by-state quick reference guide to assist you in understanding the requirements for your next event.

As well as the requirements that must be adopted to ensure your Christmas function is COVID safe, this is also a good time to review your workplace policies and procedures. It is important to remind employees that workplace functions like the Christmas party still involve the same standard of appropriate workplace conduct. This even extends to any form of virtual Christmas party that you may be organising as the same rules that apply in the physical workplace also apply in an online environment.

Our retainer clients can access our recommended template letter to employees reminding them of their workplace health and safety obligations at your Christmas function.