Swindon HR experts warn of Secret Santa pitfalls

Businesses planning to run a Secret Santa are being advised by Swindon HR experts to be careful what they buy.

While a jokey or saucy gift may seem a good idea, it could lead into hot HR waters.

Peter Jones, Managing Director of HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, said: “We hope we don’t sound too ‘Bah, humbug!’ and we certainly aren’t trying to put a dampener on Christmas, but it is the time of year when employers and employees can slip on a banana skin – or should that be a mince pie? “Whoever is organising the Secret Santa should ensure everyone has an opportunity to take part, even if they don’t celebrate Christmas, and equally that it’s fine for them to opt out. 

"Remind people to be respectful of boundaries with their gifts - what one person considers funny may not be so well received by someone else.”

This is just one piece of seasonal advice from the HR Dept team, who provide HR support to businesses in the Swindon area, as well as to London organisations via their sister company.

For businesses that are particularly hectic over Christmas, Peter had a reminder about working practices.

“Keep in mind the Working Time Regulations and its 48-hour maximum working week (unless opt outs are in place). If you have temporary staff in, they’ll still need proper contracts, adequate training, and don’t forget health and safety.”

Peter said businesses, should make clear their expectations from staff in the event of extreme weather, like Storm Darragh, which triggered a red weather warning:

“Flooding, high winds and snow all create dangerous travel conditions, or make some routes impossible. 

"Make clear to staff that you still expect them to attend work where it is safe/possible to do so. But have contingencies in place to manage scenarios where they cannot get in.”

He had a final piece of advice relating to that seasonal highlight, the office Christmas party.

“For all the fun that is had at the party, it’s interesting that a survey conducted a few years ago found one in ten people had been disciplined or even dismissed for misbehaving at the office Christmas party. 

“So before you go ahead, check you have up-to-date disciplinary and grievance policies, and set expectations by reminding staff that parties are an extension of the workplace and so are still subject to the same rules. Apart from that, have fun and Happy Christmas!”

For more information about the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, people can visit https://www.hrdept.co.uk/swindon-north-wiltshire-east-cotswolds/, email [email protected] or call 01793 683 398.