Released on = November 24, 2005, 12:52 pm

Press Release Author = AmCheck

Industry = Human Resources

Press Release Summary = November 25th, 2005. AmCheck Payroll HR Benefits, Phoenix AZ.

" 'This the season to be jolly." The holiday season is fast approaching, signaling
the start of employer celebrations across the country. The end of the year is an
opportune time to show appreciation to hard-working employees whose dedication has
helped you succeed.

A holiday party can be a great way for employees to unwind and have a little fun;
however, such festivities can also spell liability for employers if they are not
handled carefully.

At their worst, events gone sour can result in considerable employer cost in the
form of negligence claims, lawsuits, lost employee man-hours, and a tarnished
company reputation in the workplace and the community.

Press Release Body = Finding a balance between fun and safety is the key, and a
little planning and caution can go a long way to keeping holiday celebrations safe
and employer risks at a minimum.

One of the biggest potential problems that businesses face when hosting holidays
parties is the liability that arises when alcohol is served. Employers may be held
liable if an employee consumes alcoholic beverages at a company-hosted event, then
causes injury to him or herself or injures a third-party. Add to this liability the
guilt and sense of responsibility you might feel if a company party directly
contributed to such an accident, and it is easy to see why taking safety precautions
is such a crucial step in event planning.

To reduce your company's liability during holiday party planning, consider
alternatives to the traditional evening holiday party where alcohol is served. For
example:
· Host a company picnic or field trip
· Close the office early and sponsor a company luncheon or potluck
· Start up a "Secret Santa" or gift exchange tradition
· Rent a game room or movie theater to treat employees to an afternoon of amusement
· Invite employees to an amusement park, carnival, or festival at the company's expense

The benefit of sponsoring such alternative activities is not just a reduction in
potential company liability, but also the opportunity it affords to involve the
families of employees. The success of a good business year or the strain of a bad
business year is felt not only by the employees of a company, but also by those
individuals closest to them.

As such, family and friends of employees may be equally deserving of a year-end
celebration. In addition, such family-friendly events foster a positive atmosphere
that recognizes the impact your business environment has on the surrounding
community, promotes strong family ties, minimizes the likelihood and occurrences of
distasteful behavior, and allows co-workers and their families to get to know each
other.

If your company does choose to host an event where alcohol is served, it is still
possible to minimize company liability and reduce the risk to partygoers. Consider
the following "Safe Celebration" tips:
· Provide plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives for partygoers
· Limit the length of time the bar is open and number of alcoholic drinks served to
each party attendee
· Provide transportation (taxis, buses) or pre-arranged designated drivers for all
partygoers
· Monitor party-goers' behavior to ensure that no one is putting themselves in
harm's way and identify those individuals whose alcohol consumption has exceeded an
appropriate tolerance level
· Hold the party in an establishment with a liquor license, such as a restaurant or bar
· Hire a professional bartender to serve all drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
· Look into obtaining liability insurance to cover the event

Holidays festivities are meant to be enjoyable and an opportunity to celebrate
another successful business year. By taking the proper precautions and with an
ounce of planning, your next company event is sure to be a fun-filled and safe
celebration.

Web Site = http://www.amcheck.com

Contact Details = 10201 S. 51st Street
Phoenix Arizona, 85044
Toll Free: 1-888 AMCHECK
Fax: (888) 810-5305
E-mail: sales@amcheck.com