Women Supporting Women: Staying Safe at Holiday Events
Trigger Warning: This post discusses sexual harassment in the workplace and includes sensitive content that may be triggering for some readers.
As we dive into this holiday season, our industries are buzzing with excitement. Parties, events, and gatherings are just around the corner, and for many of us working in our industries, that means long hours, celebrations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues, customers and clients. Unfortunately, we all know the harsh reality that these celebrations can sometimes lead to uncomfortable or unsafe situations, especially for women.
Let’s be real. As women in these industries, we know what it’s like to walk into a room and feel the weight of attention, unwanted comments, or inappropriate behaviour. We know that sexual harassment can happen at any time—whether in the workplace or at a social event after hours. Whether it’s a colleague who makes a suggestive joke or a manager who crosses boundaries, we've all seen, heard of, or experienced incidents of harassment. It's not just a distant possibility—it’s a reality that too many of us face on a regular basis.
And it’s especially heightened during the holiday season, when events are often relaxed, alcohol is flowing, and the lines between work and play become blurred. This is a time of year when the risk of harassment can increase, and it’s vital to take proactive steps to protect ourselves, our teams, and one another as women.
So let’s have these tough conversations, arm ourselves with knowledge, and create a collective culture where our fellow humans take control of their safety and well-being, especially in spaces where we’re expected to work, celebrate or network.
Taking Care of Yourself
Navigating holiday parties and work events means setting your own boundaries and prioritizing your well-being. No matter how important the client, customer or working relationship, nothing is worth risking your own safety. While the responsibility to not be harmed never rests with potential victims, having a plan may help you enter into the event space feeling more confident. Here are practical ways to protect yourself:
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, excuse yourself and step away. Excusing yourself to the restroom or needing to “make a call” can give you a moment to reassess or remove yourself from the situation.
Define Your Limits: Before you head to the event, think about boundaries that make you feel comfortable—whether it’s limiting physical touch (like hugs or handshakes) or politely declining to engage in certain types of conversations. It can help to have responses ready for handling uncomfortable situations. Something simple, like “I prefer to keep things professional,” can go a long way.
Work in Pairs: If possible, pair up with a colleague you trust, so you can keep an eye on each other throughout the event. It’s reassuring to have someone close if you need extra support or a quick exit.
Serve Your Own Drinks: If you’re offered a drink, consider the source and feel free to refuse. You are not obligated to drink anything just because someone offered it to you.
Know Your Transportation Options: If you’re working late, make sure you have a safe way to get home. This might mean knowing the event's end time and planning a ride ahead or even sharing a cab with a trusted coworker.
Taking Care of Your Neighbour
We’re all in this together, and creating a supportive, respectful work environment means looking out for each other. Here’s how you can help:
Be an Active Bystander: If you see inappropriate behaviour, speak up. Silence can sometimes be mistaken for acceptance. Calling out inappropriate actions—whether it’s a “joke” or an advance—can make a difference for someone who might not feel comfortable speaking up for themselves.
Trust Your Instincts: If you sense that a friend or coworker looks uncomfortable or unsafe, check in with them. Sometimes just offering a friendly presence can diffuse a situation or provide the support they need to exit it.
Offer Support: If a colleague confides in you about an uncomfortable experience, listen, support, and encourage them to take action if they’re comfortable doing so. Sometimes, being a supportive listener is one of the best ways to help.
Taking Care of Your Team
Managers and employers are responsible for shaping a safe, respectful workplace culture. Here are ways we as leaders can protect our teams:
Conduct a Risk Assessment for Events: Before hosting a holiday event, assess potential risks, especially if alcohol will be served. Consider limiting alcohol, offering non-alcoholic options, and establishing clear event guidelines for respectful behaviour.
Train Your Team: Provide sexual harassment prevention training, with a focus on respecting boundaries and understanding the impact of harassment. Resources like go2HR’s “Safer Spaces” training are invaluable for proactive measures, equipping employees and managers alike with the tools to create a safer workplace.
Set Clear Expectations: Establish a zero-tolerance policy for harassment at events and make it clear to all attendees that harassment will not be tolerated. Consider partnering with third-party groups like Good Night Out, which provides resources and even on-site support to help mitigate risks in venues that serve alcohol.
Create Open Reporting Channels: Encourage employees to report inappropriate behaviour without fear of retaliation. Make sure reporting channels are accessible and confidential so that team members feel safe if they need to speak up.
Building a Culture of Respect
The holiday season should be a time of joy and connection, but for many women, it’s a reminder of the challenges we face in navigating professional boundaries. Creating a culture of respect and accountability takes all of us—each of us can contribute to an environment where every woman feels safe, valued, and respected.