With the Christmas party season underway timeTo, the industry initiative set up to tackle sexual harassment in advertising, has launched a comprehensive guide designed to encourage safe festive celebrations.

The Party Season Guide has been created for workers, leaders, managers and employers and is made up of advice and guidance designed to encourage respectful, safe and harassment-free partying.

While the festive season should be a time of celebration, as people socialise outside the work environment and alcohol flows free, for many the time of year can cause stress and anxiety. TimeTo is committed to fostering a respectful and harassment-free environment where everyone can feel safe to have fun. The Party Season Guide offers practical advice for attendees, employers, outlining clear steps to promote a positive and safe atmosphere for everyone.

“As we approach the festive season, it’s crucial that we all help create a joyful atmosphere without the shadow of sexual harassment. Our Party Season guide is designed to help everyone enjoy the festivities while feeling safe and respected,” explained Pippa Glucklich, Chair of timeTo, said.

She continues: “We want to guide people on maintaining a positive environment and remind them that support is available if they are affected by harassment. Let’s work together to ensure this festive season is memorable for all the right reasons.”

The guide comprises guidance for attendees and employers, senior leaders and HR. For attendees the guide covers the importance of knowing your rights and company policies, how to stay safe and support each other and self-awareness and setting boundaries. It also encourages party attendees to celebrate diversity and inclusion, as well as encouraging people to seek help when needed. For employers, senior leaders and HR it advocates for the training and education of staff, outlines how to manage risk, and establishes the importance of planning for safety. The report also includes information on the importance of designated points of contact and offering support resources.

The guide is essential reading for employees and follows the launch of the Worker Protection Act 2023 (Amendment of Equality Act 2010), which came into force in the UK on October 26th 2024 and mandates employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment of workers. The guide helps employers to comply with the act as non-compliance is a legal breach, subject to enforcement by the Equality and Human Rights Commission can take enforcement action.

Glucklich adds: “We want to guide people on maintaining a positive environment and remind them that support is available if they are affected by harassment. Let’s work together to ensure this festive season is memorable for all the right reasons.”

For more information about the guide addressing sexual harassment at holiday parties please click here.