Tis the season for avoiding office party lawsuits

The Conglomerate blog has a post on a recent article in the Boston Globe on how to avoid lawsuits over activities occurring at holiday office parties. The tips are provided by the Bryan Cave law firm. Some of the tips provided:

* Avoid salty foods such as chicken wings because they may result in excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

* Set the tone with a series of pre-party memos. Memos should note that the party is a business-related function, and they should also remind everyone of the company’s anti-harrassment policies. Pre-party memos should suggest that everyone should give gag gifts and provocative decorations a good leaving-alone.

* If party plans call for music, tell the band or DJ, “No slow dances.”

I have heard many tales of out of control office parties leading to foolish, and perhaps even litigious behavior. However, after having worked in a corporation, small law firm, and now academia, I have never seen anything that approximates such a holiday office party. I’m not complaining, it’s just that I wonder if I’ve missed out on an important life experience.

On the other hand, I’ve also never had to endure the ultimate awful spectacle of the holiday office party - the “Elaine Dance”…. (courtesy of “Seinfeld,” – caution, some cursing).