Every year the holiday season brings us all a variety of family excitement, children’s expectations and invites to extended family functions. No matter how enjoyable (or not) this may all be, it is healthy to recognise that it also brings pressures and some personal and professional risk. It’s timely then to take a bit of time to consider some of these risks and do some holiday season planning. 

While it is a time of year when you will be encouraged to get into the holiday spirit, there are probably more opportunities at this time of the year for work and personal issues to arise that can have serious consequences for your career. 

Here we look at a few of the riskiest situations that can arise over the holidays and our advice for making it through unscathed, so you can return in January in clear skies. 

Social media 

No matter what the privacy setting of your Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat accounts may be, there are a multitude of ways that a post can be repeated, copied on, or otherwise get in front of management. It is also worth remembering that if you sent it from a work computer, it is accessible by your employer. Before you press ‘send’, or post anything, ask yourself: “would I loudly say it, or show it to my management, while in a public space, and while wearing my uniform?” If the answer is ‘no’ or if in doubt, don’t press send. The courts have held that no level of privacy setting makes social media truly private, and if you don’t want your managers to see it, Murphy will ensure they do!

Workplace pranks 

On a similar note, those joke photos, workplace jests and gag gifts can lead to problems. A ten dollar secret Santa gift led to dismissal for one employee in 2012, when fake animal poo was gifted with a note that likened it to the colleague’s work. 

Keep your workplace humour appropriate and be sensitive to your colleagues. It is important to remember that we all have different tolerances and sense of humour; what one person finds funny can offend others. Harassment and bullying is viewed through the eyes of the offended, who may not feel that they can say anything at the time and may raise their concerns later with your manager. 

In this era of cellphone cameras, the internet and social media - nothing goes unobserved or unrecorded. 

Social functions and parties 

Whether organised by your management, or by you and your colleagues, whether at home or on an overnight, the opportunities for end-of-year Christmas parties to lead to a disciplinary consequence are numerous and well-known.  We've all heard the horror stories of employees (and managers) who drank too much, said or did inappropriate things, and found themselves in a disciplinary meeting before the year was even done. With a few ill-chosen words, your job or your reputation and the respect of your colleagues, will be at risk. And again, remember, someone is always nearby with a camera! 

Drink responsibly and look out for your colleagues. Observe your rest period guidelines. There is zero tolerance in aviation. Be familiar with your employer’s drug and alcohol policy (DAMP) and employer and CAA random check protocols. Equally important, never let a colleague, friend or family member drive under the influence. 

Not everyone has a happy time over the holidays for many reasons. It can be a stressful, isolating and/or a pressured time for some. Financial and relationship issues can come to a head. Remember to take care of yourself and those around you. Confidential peer support through NZALPA’s PAN network is available by calling the PAN Coordinators on 0800 PAN 100 or emailing [email protected]. 

NZALPA is here if you need us, but we all hope you don’t. 

Safe and happy holidays from us all, 

Your NZALPA legal team.