'Tis the season to avoid harassment, discrimination claims

Nation's Restaurant News,  Nov 27, 2006  

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF. -- Parallax Education, an employment training firm here focused on discrimination prevention in the industry, gave the following suggestions to avoid issues of employee overdrinking at company-sponsored parties and claims of sexual harassment or religious discrimination during the holidays:

* Set a two-drink limit at parties. If employees purchase additional drinks, they must be paid for by personal credit card.

* Provide free transportation home from the party.

* Avoid salty or greasy foods, which encourage increased drinking.

* Serve foods high in starch and protein, which slow absorption of alcohol.

* Invite spouses, significant others and domestic partners. People are much more apt to behave themselves if their significant others are in attendance.

* Review the language in the invitation to make sure that there is no exclusion of unmarried or nonheterosexual significant others.

* No mistletoe.

Parallax advises employers to keep in mind that the most common reasons for religious harassment claims include the following:

* Pressure from supervisor or organization to participate in religious events.

* Jokes, especially in e-mail.

* Overzealous conversion efforts.

* Failure to accommodate requests for time off to attend religious services or time off for religious holidays.

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