The Office Holiday Party: Top Reasons Employees Get Fired

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The decorations, food, presents and the much anticipated office holiday party. It’s time to let loose and enjoy some quality festive time with your colleagues. Holiday parties are meant to be fun, but some employees take it too far with their inappropriate behavior. This can sometimes lead to consequences, including termination. Enjoy your holiday party, but be aware of the top reasons employees get fired for their behavior.

Too Much To Drink

We all know that one too many drinks can lead to behavior that you may not be necessarily proud of. Alcohol consumption is the number one underlying reason employees get fired after the office holiday party. It’s not the drinking in and of itself, unless your company has a strict no drinking policy, but the behavior from impaired judgment. Drinking too much can lead to harassment, discrimination, violence and unprofessional behavior. Know your limit and stick to it.

Harassment

Employees tend to be way more relaxed in a party setting than the usual office environment. While there is nothing wrong with that, some employees take it too far and let their feelings and thoughts get the best of them. Harassment can take various forms including sexual, verbal and/or bulling.

Inappropriate comments, advances, or unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature are forms of sexual harassment. This can include letting your coworker know what you think of their physical appearance or dancing with physical contact. Even if you believe your co-worker feels the same way as you, the holiday party is not the place to display your feelings.

Verbal harassment can include offensive or discriminatory remarks related to a person’s race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. If you feel like you are going to say or do something, walk away. Employers have very little tolerance for harassment and it could lead to termination.

Unprofessional Behavior

Unprofessional behavior can take on many forms. The most common being foul language, inappropriate dress, and company gossip. If you tend to swear outside of work, try to keep it in check at the party. If your employer has a dress code policy, stick to it. And, don’t talk about other coworkers behind their backs. It’s not worth the risk. Employees have been reprimanded and terminated for swearing, inappropriate dress and gossiping.

Enjoy your holiday party, but remember you are on company time and are a representative of your employer. Follow your company policies and know your triggers and limits. If your employer does not like what they see or hear, you could be fired. It is perfectly legal for your employer to fire you for any reason other than that protected by law.

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