Some companies taking steps to curb inappropriate behaviour at office parties: expert
TORONTO — Heightened awareness of workplace sexual harassment in the wake of recent allegations is leading some Canadian companies to take steps to limit potentially inappropriate behaviour as they plan office holiday parties, some human resources experts say.
Though the days of lavish, no-spouses-allowed bacchanals are largely over, navigating after-hours social time with coworkers can still be tricky, said Shelley Brown, president of Bromelin HR Consulting in Montreal.
“Especially throw some alcohol in there and that can add to the mix of discretionary behaviour, shall we say,” she said.
There has been increased demand for training around sexual harassment and for investigations into specific incidents since the flood of allegations against Hollywood powerhouses such as Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey began, Brown said.