Preparing for the Holiday Season

Here we are – November 2025! It’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by.

As the year winds down, the silly season can throw up all sorts of challenges – from business shutdowns and public holiday pay to office parties, gift swaps, and making sure workplace standards are still top of mind. A few missteps and you could end up with confusion over leave, pay, or expectations – or worse, an awkward HR moment at the Christmas party! Don’t stress, we’re here to help.

Whether it’s navigating shutdowns, checking public holiday entitlements, or making sure your festive celebrations stay safe and inclusive, we’ve got your back so your team can finish the year happy, safe, and productive.

 

Seasonal Top Tips

‘tis the Time for Parties…but avoid the HR Hangover

Tis the season to be jolly – but sometimes the festivities can get a little out of hand and employers can be liable for what happens, even at afterparties.

Set clear expectations around behaviour for any function, whether it’s your own business event or employees attending a client event, and remind your team that work tasks still need to be completed. 

Pick a safe, accessible location for your festivities, and keep activities inclusive and G-rated – no adult venues for work functions! Think about transport options or a buddy system to make sure everyone gets home safely. Make sure there’s food (especially if you’re serving alcohol) and non-alcoholic drinks and water on hand, especially if your event is outdoors in the summer sun. And don’t forget to nominate a few responsible team members and/or managers to keep an eye on things – they’re the unsung heroes making sure everyone has a fun, safe, time.

By thinking ahead, you can help your team enjoy the festivities while keeping the workplace, and everyone in it, protected.

 

It’s the Silly Season…but Good Behaviour Doesn’t Take a Break

The festive season is all about celebration, but it’s important to remind your team that workplace standards don’t take a holiday. Re-issuing relevant policies such as Drug and Alcohol, Dress Codes, Social Media Usage, and particularly Bullying and Harassment is key.

Employees need to understand that expectations for behaviour remain the same whether they’re in the office, at a client function, or attending an off-site party. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and protects both staff and the business.

If you need a hand, we can assist with re-issuing existing policies. This ensures everyone knows what’s acceptable and what’s not and can enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.

 

The Gift…of Good Taste

Speaking of workplace standards, keep it decent when you’re giving gifts. Not everyone on your team celebrates Christmas or wants to participate in gift-giving, and that’s perfectly fine. Consider hosting a lunch, morning tea, or a fun activity to acknowledge the season while being respectful of cultural and religious beliefs.

If you do organise a gift exchange, keep it light-hearted and inclusive: think novelty mugs, quirky socks, or chocolates. Avoid gifts that could embarrass or exclude anyone—like prank items, overly personal presents, or tickets to adult-only venues. The goal is to spread cheer without anyone feeling uncomfortable.

 

Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle…Plan Public Holiday Payments

Across all States, 25 and 26 December are official public holidays, and some States even give part-day public holidays on Christmas Eve. Make sure you’re across the rules for pay and entitlements if your team happens to work on these days – holiday rates can apply, and everyone likes to be paid fairly! Planning ahead means you can keep your team happy and avoid any last-minute surprises.

 

From Desks to Deck Chairs…Planning Your Shutdown

It’s that time of year when offices wind down and even the busiest teams need a breather! If you haven’t already, make sure your employees know exactly when the business will be shutting down, and confirm that any leave requests are approved and documented.

We’ve already shared our previous news advice on this, so check it out for all the details on notifications, leave entitlements, and keeping things running smoothly. Proper planning now means everyone can enjoy the break without any last-minute surprises!

 

Need Advice?

If you need further information or assistance, please contact BetterHR’s experienced HR consultants, and qualified lawyers on 1300 659 563 or visit: Subscribe to BetterHR.