What Happens at the Christmas Party Rarely Stays There, Warns Whitney Moore
Dublin, Ireland, 9th December 2025
Irish businesses are getting ready for their Christmas parties, and most teams welcome the chance to relax after a demanding year. Yet every January, employment lawyers see the same familiar pattern. A disagreement that seemed minor on the night. A question over a bonus. A video or message that was never meant to be shared. These issues usually start small, but they rarely stay that way.
Emma Richmond, Managing Partner at Whitney Moore, says many employers forget that festive celebrations are still work events. “A Christmas party feels informal and light-hearted. That is exactly why people let their guard down,” Emma said. “Even if it is off-site or outside normal working hours, employment law does not switch off.
When something goes wrong, it follows people straight back into the workplace and can escalate very quickly.”
In recent years, problems have been more likely to come from phones than from drinking. A careless comment posted online, or a short clip shared with the wrong group, can cause reputational and personal damage within minutes.
“People put too much faith in privacy settings,” Emma said. “Once something is shared digitally, it can move far beyond its intended audience. Irish employment forums have made it clear that offensive or damaging posts about an organisation or its people can justify dismissal. It only takes a moment’s thoughtlessness to create a very big issue.”
Bonus season adds another layer of complexity. With the small benefit exemption now at €1,500, more companies are offering gift cards or year-end rewards. These gestures matter to employees, but they also require clarity.
“Where bonuses are linked to overall performance, employers need to be careful not to exclude staff unfairly,” Emma explained. “If contracts do not clearly state that a bonus is discretionary, entitlement can arise through established practice. Clear communication now avoids difficult discussions in the new year.”
Health and safety questions also surface every year, especially when employees return to work the morning after a late night. Even slight impairment can create risk in roles that involve decision-making, client interaction, or handling sensitive information.
“A simple policy on intoxicants, applied consistently, helps everyone,” Emma said. “It protects the business and supports staff too.”
Emma emphasises that none of this is intended to take away from the enjoyment of Christmas. “These celebrations matter. They lift morale and give people a chance to spend time together away from the pressure of day to day work,” she said. “A little advance planning and a short reminder of expectations go a long way. Most January problems can be avoided entirely.”
With the festive season approaching, Emma encourages employers to act early if they sense any difficulty. “A quick conversation at the right moment can save time, cost, and goodwill. It is always easier to address something before it becomes a bigger issue.”