After discovering that one-third of managers have witnessed harassment or inappropriate behavior at staff parties involving alcohol, the Chartered Management Institute recommends incorporating additional activities and limiting the number of drinks available per individual.
Limits should be set on the amount of alcohol served at work events, according to the professional body for management, which conducted a survey indicating that nearly a third of managers (29%) have witnessed inappropriate behavior or harassment at work parties.
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) poll found that 33% of women witnessed similar behaviour compared to 28% of men.
In general, women and younger individuals were more receptive to alcohol-free office gatherings.
42% of the 1,009 managers surveyed last month thought work parties should be non-alcoholic. Nearly half (46%) of women surveyed preferred alcohol-free parties, compared to 37% of males.
However, more than a quarter (26%) of respondents disagreed and the remaining respondents were hesitant.
Additionally, younger administrators are more receptive to alcohol-free events. Nearly half (48%) of 34-year-olds said office parties should focus on alcohol-free activities.
42% of managers 35–54 and 35% of those 55+ supported alcohol-free work events.
“Leaders may wish to reconsider what these social moments entail and implement any necessary safeguards,” said the CMI’s chief executive.
This may be adding activities to alcohol, restricting drinks per person, or stopping inebriated people from misbehaving.
Ann Francke urged party planners to consider the preferences of younger employees and women.
“Younger people and women are more interested in alcohol-free social activities, and that should be taken into account when planning professional social gatherings,” she said. “Alcohol does not always have to be the main attraction.”
The survey was conducted as significant companies renounced their CBI (Confederation of British Industry) memberships after a second female employee claimed she was raped while working for the organization and after a night out.
In 2019, a female employee had already claimed she was assaulted at a London party.
Additionally, at least twelve women complained of misconduct within the organization.
