We want you and your staff to enjoy Christmas. But as a business owner, you can’t afford to be lax when it comes to HR compliancy.
In fact, if celebratory drinks are added to the equation, it’s advised to be extra diligent with your duties.
Other considerations are inclusivity—are you allowing time off other religious holidays this period? And will you be bringing forward your employees’ pay?
Sexual harassment
Unfortunately, people’s behaviour at social events, particularly when alcohol is involved, may inappropriate.
Such behaviour includes sexual harassment, which is a very serious offence, and should be dealt with accordingly.
Whilst the actions of others are difficult to control, we do have resources available to mitigate unacceptable actions:
- Click here for our free Christmas party invitation template
- Download our free sexual harassment policy template
Inclusivity
Christmas isn’t the only holiday celebrated in December and January, so you may wish to accommodate for the following days:
- Hanukkah
- Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)
- Yule
- Kwanzaa
- Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Equality and diversity in the workplace are very important. Inclusivity helps with staff morale, which in turn improves productivity.
Payroll adjustments
Be it for business closure or to support staff, you may opt to pay your employees earlier in December. If so, you must communicate this clearly with your workforce, as well as:
- Report the normal or contractual payment date on the Full Payment Submission (FPS), not the earlier date you pay staff.
- The FPS must be submitted to HMRC on or before that normal payment date.
- Ensure any bonuses and overtime are calculated and recorded in your payroll system as a one-time adjustment.
- The value of Benefits in Kind (BiKs), non-cash benefits like gifts, might need to be reported to HRMC.
Whatever the season, Peninsula’s here to support you
HR compliance doesn’t stop because it’s Christmas. We provide 24/7 HR advice as well as unlimited support with your documentation.
Whilst Christmas is a joyous occasion for some, others find it to be overwhelming, or sometimes lonely.
Our award-winning Employee Assistance Programme gives your employees access to professional counselling and wellbeing resources.
We’re always happy to hear from you. Contact us here.
