End of year events: Make good choices
Your work end–of–year party is a great time to celebrate all that you and your colleagues have achieved. But don’t let this year’s celebrations become next year’s headaches.
Each year, the IEU fields inquiries from members who have enjoyed their workplace’s end–of–year events a little too much, resulting in injuries to themselves – physically or reputationally.
A year of excellent work can be undone by losing your composure at end–of–year functions.
When you’ve been stressed or overworked, like many education staff, and are ready to unwind, the likelihood you do or say something risky increases. Healthy venting can become aggressive, jokes can be misconstrued, feelings can be hurt, and a couple of drinks can turn into a couple too many.
The serious stuff: Maurice Blackburn’s festive advice for employees
Importantly, a work party is still considered to be a work event. So, when you’re starting to let your hair down, sipping a glass of bubbles and watching Kevin from Accounting hit the dancefloor, remember the following:
when you’re at a work party, you’re still considered to be at work
the same expectations around your behaviour in the office or workplace apply to your behaviour at the party
this applies even if the party is held outside normal work hours and away from your usual workplace
employers can discipline or potentially dismiss workers who have behaved inappropriately at a work party.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, who provide the IEU with legal support, add a cautionary note about social media:
“What you choose to post on your social media accounts when you’re not at work is entirely up to you. But since a work party still counts as being at work, you must abide by your company’s social media policy. Simply put, it might be okay to post a nice photo of you with some colleagues, but it’s not okay to share anything that could reflect negatively on any colleagues or your workplace. For example, sharing content that shows yourself or colleagues extremely drunk or behaving poorly. If your social media posts are deemed inappropriate, this could constitute unlawful behaviour and could lead to disciplinary action.”
So plan ahead, keep it light, eat, drink (responsibly) and be merry to ensure that your celebrations don’t become commiserations.
Stop press: Christmas scams, 2025
The crims are finding new and unusual ways to part you from your hard earned, so look out for the following when shopping this festive season:
Online shopping scams and “ghost stores” – stick to known or verified retailers.
Check ABN and contact details, look for real reviews, avoid “too good to be true” social media deals.
Fake parcel / delivery messages – don’t click links in unexpected texts or DMs.
Track parcels via the official AusPost app or retailer’s site, not message links.
Unsafe cheap products – especially toys with button batteries.
Be cautious with Buy Now, Pay Later – have a clear repayment plan and avoid stacking services.
Still have questions?
Contact the Member Services Unit:
Email: msu@ieuvictas.org.au
Phone: 9254 1860