How can you plan a company Christmas party and still be accommodating to all the employees?

Question

I thought it would be easy to have my assistant take care of it. But she has just given me a list of things that the company must consider.
1. No peanuts or nut products. (possible alergic reaction)
2. No shell fish or shrimp. (same as above)
3. No meat. (possible outrage by the vegan employees)
4.No milk or milk products. (lactose intolerable employees would feel left out)
5. No beer, wine, or spirits. (4 employees are members of AA)
6. No dancing. ( several fundementalist employees can not join in and the handicapped ones would feel left out)
7. No smoking within 90 feet. (state law)
8. No fraternization (possible law suits)
9. No mention of Christmas.( insulting to people of other relgious faiths)

Doesn't sound like much of a party to me. Maybe I should just hand out some bottled water the day before and forget about the party.

Answer 1

The water sounds like a great idea. To make it festive, tape a couple of round peppermints to each one!

Oh, wait. That won't work. Some of your employees may conclude that you're telling them they have dog breath, and thereafter file a harassment suit against you.

How about passing out some sugar-free gum!

Oh, wait. That won't work, either. The gum might pop out an already slightly loose filling, resulting in that employee suing you for "dental mental anguish."

Ah, screw it. Just give 'em each a $20 bill while crowing "Ho Ho Ho!" in a surly, sarcastic tone.

Answer 2

You can satisfy some of the people all the time, all the people some of the time, but you can not satisfy all the people all of the time. I guess that you need to have a party with a lot of options and let people know what the party is about. The only thing that I would agree on your list is no alcohol at all. It is not only for the AA members but the danger is too great for many reasons. The rest can be covered by giving options and making sure that people understand the purpose is to bring the company together and not divide the company because of the differences.

Answer 3

Your assistant is practicing "passive aggression" and strategic incompetance. She doesn't want to be involved in your party. But company parties are a good thing. So, first consult your employee handbook to make sure you won't be breaking any rules there. next. Call it a Winter party or a year end party.
1) Peanuts should be out OR foods should be clearly labeled.
2) Shell fisjh and shrimp are OK if they are not hidden or disguised OR foods should be clearly labeled
3) meat is ok. most vegans are tolerant and non-judgemental
4) Milk products are ok, just label them
5) Wine is ok. members of AA know they will be around booze and its part of their healing process
6) Dancing probably doesn't need to happen
7) no smoking except outside - most people who smoke understand the new paradigm
8) no control over fraternization - just be clear that employment policies will apply
9) Call it something else.

If you want a cool party, have it at your house, call it what you want, and invite just the people you like to hang out with. No rule against that.

Answer 4

Please tell me you didn't just rip this out of an email joke that keeps going around.

It's simple, throw it the way you want and make it optional. Since it's optional, those who would be offended can do their own thing.

Mandatory Christmas parties at work are not a good idea anyway. They would either have to take place during work hours (no productivity that day), or, after work hours, when many people would much rather be spending time with their family.

Though, I am pretty sure that this isn't even a serious question.

Answer 5

Make it a "Holiday Party" instead.
-Decorations - blue and white, snowflakes, snowmen. Winter themes are non-denominational.
-Food - find a caterer with a chocolate fondue fountain. Elegant, exciting, and delicious! Most of the dipping items are fruits and vegetables or sweets, so that will satisfy the dietary restrictions. Make sure the caterer knows the restrictions so she doesn't accidentally include any prohibited items.
-Drinks - Soda, water, hot chocolate, and coffee will be fine. Let them get drunk afterwards somewhere else if they want.
-Entertainment - have some simple games, like icebreakers or childhood favorites. People are generally happy to just not be working.
-Fraternization - keep lights on and doors open so people stay in full view, and don't get molested in dark corners by frisky coworkers.

Answer 6

Vegetarians would be the ones outraged by the meat. Vegans would be outraged by any animal product. Yay, dictionary. If you don't think it's a party without alcohol tobacco, and dead animals, you probably would have thrown a lame party anyway. Leave the planning to someone who isn't so bothered with following laws and respecting people's beliefs and dietary restrictions. You can go home and suck on a candy cane by yourself.

Answer 7

If you want to have a "holiday" celebration to accomadate everyone, it will never happen. I suggest having a luncheon at a local restaurant (depending on the size of the staff), or have a luncheon catered at your facility. (Serve both vegetarian or vegan and standard items.) Most catering companies can accomplish this.

Also, you dont have to call it a holiday or christmas party, but rather an "End of the Year Celebration".

I think it stinks that the "minority" of employees end up dictating what the "majority" end up being able to do, but that is the state of the country now.

Answer 8

Your employees seem way to hard to please. Maybe your assistant needs to loosen up. Most employees who would feel slighted by the reasons you listed, probably would not come to a holiday party anyhow. Why not let them (the employees) supply the food and drinks. That way they can't complain. Or maybe you should forgo the party and divide the funds you would have spent on the party for the employees a small bonus or give them all gift certificates to a local restaurant.

Answer 9

Will depend on the context really. Which is better as a snack - fruits for me personally. It's tastier and gives you that little bit of sweetness. Which can be better as a snack if you are trying hard to minimize back on sugar and lose weight vegetables

Answer 10

Do you own the company?

Say "WTF" and have a Christmas party anyway. Tell the people that are offended not to attend.

Post a sign at the entrance that says, "By passing beyond this point you agree to indemnify and hold harmless your employer, this venue, and anyone else you come into contact with from any and all liability concerning anything that offends you."