Be it the christmas party, a merging party, the bosses birthday or any other type of corporate party it can often be a stressful time for the HR department.  Obviously the party needs to go well and the employees, if alcohol is involved, need to behave themselves so they don't experience any backlash on the next working day.  Take a look at the following tips which can aid in a smooth office or corporate party:

Let the staff know the risks before

Holding a meeting a few days before the day of the party is often a great way to drill into people the difference between a personal party and a corporate party.  Explain to the staff that the party has been planned for everybody to enjoy themselves however it is not an excuse to get extremely drunk, say things that you wouldn't normally say in the workplace or even do things that you wouldn't normally do.  A great way to enforce this to employees is use examples of real nightmare scenarios which have occurred in the past at other companie parties and made the news for being so bad and people losing their jobs.

Keep the office equipment safe

It´s of vital importance that if the party is going to be in the office building that all equipment which holds sensitive data is protected and can´t be accessed by someone who shouldn't be accessing it.  If possible it is necessary to explain to the employees before the party that all company equipment is out-of-bounds to them during the company party, this can avoid someone who thinks they are fine but has actually had a couple of beers thinking it is a great idea to send a big client a message that without the booze in their system they didn't have the confidence to send.

Get professional help

Often times, things can go wrong for the employees when it's an open bar with no bartender, meaning employees are helping themselves to alcohol without limits and there is no actual structure to the party.  Getting some help with the event and hiring event planners right can often mean that they will think of all of these things due to their experience.  Event planners have years of experience in planning office parties, ensuring that no corners are cut and keeping employees away from the danger of overindulging and creating a HR nightmare.

Enforcing misconduct afterwards

If everything above was done and still, employees have committed misconduct during the party then it will be HR who are involved in the company actions against this employee.  Inappropriate behavior is a serious issue and if performed at a party there is no exceptions, especially if you outlined the severity and dangers before the party.  

A company part is supposed to be a great time for the employees, which it can be, allowing the employees get merry but not too merry and making the event itself fantastic by limiting or completely without alcohol is a surefire way to have a smooth and successful corporate party.