Ye Olde Holiday Crossword With Clues for Solving the Office Party Puzzle | Littler

May 2024 · 2 minute read

As the end of the year approaches, many employers are preparing for the annual office holiday party. This occasion presents an opportunity for employers to express appreciation for the hard work performed by staff all year. In turn, many employees appreciate the chance to interact with their coworkers outside the hectic workday.

While it might sound like a simple task, preparing for a workplace holiday event is surprisingly complicated. As we have detailed in prior articles over the years (such as here and here), there are numerous legal and practical concerns that should not be overlooked. For example, employers should be thoughtful in selecting decorations, menus, party locations, activities, and guest lists. In addition, there are tax considerations that come into play when employers give gifts to staff—and a host of other complications that can arise when employees exchange presents.

This crossword puzzle reviews some of the issues surrounding this festive holiday tradition. Answers can be found in the footnotes—but no peeking! Readers interested in clues, and more information about holiday party planning considerations, may wish to read our prior articles.

ACROSS

DOWN

3   One reason your food gift might fail to impressa

1   Requests submitted a lot this time of year, which must be handled in a consistent and fair mannerj

5   Federal law protecting employees from discrimination and harassmentb

2   A good way to limit alcohol consumptionk

7   May be owed to hourly employees if required to attend the partyc

4   Fun to share with staff – but can carry tax consequencesl

13   Ground rules keep these swaps simple and fun for coworkersd

6   An appropriate holiday themem

16   Type of beverage that should be offerede

8   Not an appropriate party themen

20   It’s a good idea to remind employees about this policy beforehand, especially if alcohol is served.f

9   Someone who serves (but doesn’t over serve) drinkso

21   Never excludable as a “de minimis fringe benefit”g

10   Employees assigned to post about the party on social media should be_____.p

22   Describing employee attendance at the holiday partyh

11   Be careful how you post, comment, and share, here!q

23   What should be festive, but inclusive?i

12   Decoration no-nor

 

14   Alternative party theme to promote inclusivenesss

 

15   Generally not excludable as a "de minimis fringe benefit”t

 

17   If invited, these guests can help keep the party in check.u

 

18   What type of guests should be limited for safety and security?v

 

19   Sorry about your brownies...but still banned federally!w

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7q7DSrqermV6YvK57y56emqSemsS0e9ieZKiklJp6qbvLopuasV2Yv7C%2F0rCmq5xdrLa1tIyco66do2KGeIOQa2Y%3D