Q: During an office holiday party, several employees became very intoxicated. As the party wore on, Jeffrey, a supervisor, began making a number of sexually explicit and offensive remarks to Heather, a female employee. Could the Company potentially face liability for Jeffrey's actions, even though the holiday party was held offsite and outside working hours?
A: Yes. Despite its festive character, a workplace holiday party is an extension of the office environment even if the party is held offsite and outside of working hours. Employers are therefore likely to remain liable for acts of harassment, assault, discrimination or other unwanted conduct carried out by their employees. If any such allegations are made during or after a holiday party, employers should ensure that any complaint is investigated thoroughly and promptly.
'Tis the season for holiday workplace gatherings and festive out-of-the-office celebrations. Unfortunately, employers may face headaches from events occurring at these parties even after the hangovers subside. It is important to keep in mind that although holiday parties are laid-back in nature, they do not give employees a free pass to act inappropriately. Employers should be aware of potential risks such as sexual harassment, alcohol-fuelled conduct, and even religious discrimination that may be sparked by a festive get-together.
An office holiday party is still a work-related activity, so employers should ensure that they set the boundaries of acceptable behavior by employees, while acknowledging that employees will want to celebrate and enjoy the festive gathering. Indeed, workplace holiday parties can be a great boost for employee morale. For example, employers may want to consider providing clear written guidance to all employees regarding acceptable standards of behavior at work-related social gatherings, prohibitions against harassment, as well as the disciplinary sanctions that could result from improper conduct. Employers should make it clear that excessive alcohol consumption, the use of illegal drugs, fighting, and inappropriate behavior and comments will not be tolerated. Setting and enforcing such guidelines may be a valuable precaution for employers and will help demonstrate that an employer took reasonable action to protect employees if inappropriate conduct or actions occur at a holiday party.
What is a hostile work environment?
At the outset, it is important to acknowledge that many behaviors and statements made at a workplace holiday party may make some employees uncomfortable, but will fall far short of creating an actionable hostile environment. Although one passing instance at a holiday party may not reach the level of a hostile work environment, a pattern of offenses or one egregious act could constitute a hostile work environment. In order to spark a hostile work environment claim, the behavior or statements must be both objectively and subjectively offensive as well as severe or pervasive. Title VII is violated when the workplace is permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, and insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the victim's employment and create an abusive working environment.
To prevail on a hostile work environment claim under Title VII or New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination, an employee such as Heather must show that (1) she is member of protected class, (2) she was subjected to unwelcome harassment, (3) the harassment was based on her membership in the protected class, (4) the harassment was so severe or pervasive that it altered conditions of her employment and created abusive work environment, (5) the objectionable conduct was objectively and subjectively offensive, such that a reasonable person would find it hostile or abusive and the victim in fact did perceive it to be so, and (6) a basis for employer liability has been established.
Even if it seems unlikely that a hostile work environment claim may be initiated at your company, employers can and should take careful steps to stop conduct at workplace holiday gatherings from getting out of hand. Unfortunately, even innocent conduct has been known to lead to litigation. These cases can be very fact-intensive and expensive.
Steps Employers May Take To Keep Holiday Parties Hassle and Harassment Free
In order to avoid potential litigation, employers may want to consider the following five tips to avoid workplace holiday party headaches:
1. Remind your employees that company policies remain applicable at holiday and other company-sponsored social events. Give employees advance notice that all workplace rules and policies will still be enforced during the party, including prohibitions on sexual harassment and alcohol and drug use. It may be prudent to re-circulate workplace policies prior to the event.
2. Do not utilize mistletoe as a decoration at your workplace holiday party. Such decorations may lead to unwanted kissing or touching and may become the basis for a hostile environment claim. Indeed, it is in an employer's best interest to limit opportunities for sexual harassment at holiday gatherings.
3. Use precautions regarding the service of alcohol. An employer should not over-serve employees. If an employer decides to offer alcohol, it may be a good idea to serve food in addition to spirits. Depending on the situation and venue location, an employer may consider providing a taxi or shuttle bus service to discourage employees from driving while intoxicated.
4. Refer to the party as a holiday party, not a Christmas party. It is important to include employees of all faiths. Furthermore, do not make attendance mandatory at your holiday party. Not everyone celebrates the holidays, and some employees may want to opt out of the party.
5. Have fun! It is the holidays, after all. Workplace social gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with your co-workers and boost employee morale.
If an employer is confronted with allegations that improper conduct occurred at its holiday party, an employer should consult counsel to discuss legal issues and next steps. Employers should ensure that a thorough and prompt investigation is conducted concerning the complaint.
Amy Goodridge is an Associate in the Employment Law Practice Group at the law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
