The tradition of office holiday parties is clearly back after a COVID holiday. According to Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, a Chicago-based outplacement firm 75% of companies will host a holiday party for their employees and the most popular time to do so is this week, ten days before Christmas.
On the positive side of the ledger, holiday office parties may boost company morale, encourage interaction between subordinates and their bosses, and increase office communication.
However, there is a darker side to the holiday office party where the party goes terribly wrong due to excessive drinking, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse of employees who are subordinate to their bosses. These behaviors cause more than embarrassment. They may lead to civil and criminal consequences for the company and its leadership.
However, there are some simple tips to avoid being the victim of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or unwanted sexual overtures. First, limit or avoid the consumption of alcohol. Secondly, avoid those who have imbibed excessively and try to avoid at all costs being alone with such a person.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, abuse, or talk call the police and contact a sexual abuse lawyer who has experience in handling such matters. Holiday parties are still governed by employment laws that protect employees from such behavior both criminally and civilly.
Sexual harassment and abuse of a subordinate by a supervisor during a holiday party is not an uncommon occurrence unfortunately. This behavior can ruin what should be a joyous holiday season.
