Five checks before December

December is a chance to thank your team and take a break. For practice owners and managers, it also means balancing holiday requests, patient cover and celebrations. A few checks now can help everyone enjoy the season with clearer expectations.

1. Confirm holiday arrangements and cover

Review leave balances, requests and closure dates. Apply your policy consistently and plan cover across clinical and reception teams. If you require annual leave during a shutdown, give the required notice: normally at least twice as many calendar days’ notice as the number of leave days required, unless a relevant agreement sets a different period.

2. Make celebrations inclusive

Invite colleagues on family or sickness leave, respecting agreed contact arrangements. Consider timing, accessibility and dietary requirements, and provide non-alcoholic options. Make attendance voluntary, without pressure to explain a decision to decline.

3. Assess the risks of your event

Consider risks of harassment, alcohol, interactions with guests and other third parties, travel and any overnight arrangements. Agree practical measures, such as limits on employer-funded drinks and safe transport options. Identify someone who can intervene if needed, and record the steps taken to address risks.

4. Set expectations before celebrating

Share your party policy and remind everyone that standards of behaviour apply to work celebrations. Cover photographs and work-related messages, too. If the practice opens the next day, explain attendance and fitness for work expectations. Handle any absence through your usual procedures.

5. Make speaking up straightforward

Tell people who they can contact during and after the event, including an alternative if their concern involves that person. Ensure managers know how to respond sensitively and investigate fairly. Make clear that raising a concern must not lead to unfair treatment.

Support for your festive preparations

If you don’t have a party policy, we can help you put one in place and set clear expectations before the celebrations begin.

For guidance beyond the festive season, our Oracle HR & Employment Law Service offers practical advice tailored to your business.

Call 0330 088 2275 or email info@buxtoncoates.com to discuss what you need.