Most restaurants hold parties for employees-usually a holiday party and a summer event. Besides just having fun and showing employees they are appreciated, parties are a way to build relationships among all staff in a more casual and social atmosphere. Some restaurants feel it’s important to include spouses and/or families in at least one gathering, which fosters a greater family atmosphere at work.

The objective is to provide a good time for employees, but it’s important to address some risks. When planning events and activities, consider employee safety-to protect them from injury and yourself from potential workers’ compensation claims. Also, verify insurance coverage for each gathering.

In addition, when a restaurant holds employee events and alcohol is served, there may be potential liability for the employer. While not the prevailing law, the evolving trend in some states is toward allowing individuals hurt by an employee who has had too much to drink at an employee event to sue the employer for negligence. By taking reasonable measures, employers can reduce the potential risk of liability. Some strategies:

* Limit the duration of events-set a beginning and an end. Don’t let parties go on for so long that people have too much time to indulge.

* Limit the number of alcoholic drinks per person. (Some do this with coupons.) Make sure those who serve drinks are trained to recognize when someone has had too much to drink.

* Appoint designated drivers and/or offer other transportation for those who may need or want it.

* Have plenty of food available.

Partners in Parties – The Ram, Brookings, SD

Like most restaurants, The Frog and the Redneck holds an annual employee holiday party. But, as owner Jimmy Sneed says, “By nature, it’s the same people you work with, plus spouses. Typically, everyone sits around with busboys on one side and servers on the other.” So he teamed up with a friend’s restaurant. The two restaurants rented a ballroom and hired a company to set up a casino. Everyone got chits at the beginning of the night to gamble with; at the end of the evening they used them at an auction for prizes.

Impact: “Pooling resources means you can do more and makes it more fun for employees. We had 150 people instead of 60 and it was a real party,” says Jimmy.

Employee Fun Fund – The Frog and the Redneck, Richmond, VA

At The Ram, fun is a group project. Owner Tom Yseth says, “Most of our employees are much younger than I am-I learned that what I thought was fun might not be fun to them.” So the Fun Fund was born. The restaurant puts in about $500 at Christmas; during the year employees also make contributions from “schemes they come up with,” says Tom. An employee committee administers the fund. The activities, such as lake outings and bowling, are publicized in the break area. The only rules are no activities that exclude anyone and nothing illegal, such as minors drinking; a manager is generally involved.

Impact: The fact that employees plan the gatherings means that they have broad appeal and many participate. Tom says that socializing together is particularly helpful in easing any front- and back-of-the-house tensions.

Happy Holidays to All – Lidio’s, Leominster, PA

Customers are a big part of the fun at Lidio’s Christmas party-the restaurant’s 35 employees can all invite their favorites. Cooks volunteer to work the buffet line, which goes through the kitchen so they aren’t left out of the party. Dinner and music is complementary for the 300 or so guests; a cash bar helps offset some of the lost revenue and slows down alcohol consumption. And no one leaves without a gift from Santa. Employees receive restaurant merchandise and guests get promotional gifts from purveyors-all wrapped by employees. “Vendors like it because it’s good advertising,” says co-owner Tasha DiNardo.

Impact: “Employees love the inclusive nature of the party and the chance to have a good time with fellow employees and regular customers,” says Tasha. It’s great relationship building all around.