From Photocopiers to Phone Cameras: How Work Parties Have Changed — And What You Need to Watch Out For

At a recent work gathering, someone was celebrated for hitting 20 years at the firm. Naturally, the stories started rolling — tales of wild Christmas parties, long lunches, pub lock-ins, and some behaviour that would now cause HR palpitations. Someone even joked, “Back then, you only had to be careful if the photocopier was nearby.”

It’s a funny line — but it’s also telling. Back then, there were no camera phones, no Instagram stories, no Teams message screenshots waiting to go viral. There was no automatic evidence trail. Fast forward to today, and every “just a laugh” moment has the potential to live online forever.

Workplace Culture: Then vs. Now

Let’s be honest: workplace parties used to be a bit lawless. People let loose, and what happened at the party often stayed at the party (unless you ended up on the rumour mill). But today’s workplace has evolved — not only in how we work, but in how we’re expected to behave, on and off the clock.

Remote working, DEI initiatives, and a growing awareness of professional boundaries have shifted expectations. You can’t undo a dodgy joke or inappropriate behaviour with a sheepish coffee the next morning. One screenshot or video clip can become an HR case overnight.

A January Spike in Legal Action

Employment lawyers often say January is their busiest month. Why? Because December party antics catch up with people. Complaints get filed. HR investigations begin. Sometimes jobs are lost. It’s not about being overly cautious — it’s about recognising that the social atmosphere at work functions still falls under the umbrella of professional behaviour.

5 Things to Watch Out for at Work Events Today:

1. The Phone Problem

   
   

   Assume everything can be recorded — and might be. That comment over a drink? Someone could be filming. That dance on the table? It might end up on TikTok.

2. Lines Still Exist

   
   

   Just because it’s “out of hours” doesn’t mean it’s out of bounds. Offensive jokes, inappropriate flirting, or over-sharing can still be misconduct.

3. Alcohol Isn’t a Free Pass

   
   

   Drinking too much has always been risky, but now it’s less socially tolerated. Moderation isn’t just smart — it’s professional self-preservation.

4. Social Media Fallout

   
   

   Posting photos or videos of colleagues without consent can land you in hot water. Especially if it paints someone in a negative or compromising light.

5. HR Are Still Watching

   
   

   Informal gatherings are still connected to work. If someone files a complaint, HR is obligated to act — even if the incident happened at 10pm in a pub.

   
   

Celebrating Responsibly

We’re not saying work parties should be dull — far from it. They’re a great chance to relax, connect, and blow off steam. But the environment has changed. What was brushed off ten years ago now has serious consequences.

So raise a glass, enjoy the evening — but remember: it’s not the 2000s anymore, and the photocopier is no longer the biggest threat at the office party.