The Working Partners for an Alcohol-and Drug-Free Workplace recommends that employers adopt a safe and responsible approach to company celebrations. Toward this end, the organization offers nine tips for office parties to reduce the potential problems that may occur if the company allows alcoholic beverages.

A recent Harris survey conducted for Spherion Corp. reveals 72 percent of workers age 50 and above say it is not important to them that their employer has an annual holiday party, compared to 56 percent of workers age 18 to 29. When it comes to those who do attend the office party, 23 percent of all workers admit to feeling obligated to do so, and women are more likely to feel this way than men, the survey results indicate. “Each organization’s approach to holiday parties should be based on its unique situation and the overall interest level from its own employees,” says Spherion Corp. spokesperson Loretta Penn. “Companies should consider creating a holiday party committee or task force made up of members from all four generations to ensure that all groups are represented and a collective decision can be made.”