Company event: Christmas party: When a faux pas leads to termination
Kissing, arguing, letting one's hair down: Office Christmas parties often get out of hand. What's allowed - and what's not.
Nathalie Oberthür, a lawyer specializing in employment law, warns that workplace Christmas parties can have serious consequences if attendees behave inappropriately. Unprofessional behavior, such as insulting a boss or colleague, making racist comments, or engaging in physical violence, can lead to disciplinary actions, including verbal warnings, written warnings, or even termination.
Oberthür notes that the consequences depend on the specific circumstances of each case. While consensual personal interactions between colleagues, including kissing, are not necessarily prohibited, they can still cross a line into unacceptable behavior. Employers have the right to decide whether to serve alcohol at a company-organized party and can also require attendance, although participation is usually voluntary.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
