Keep Super Bowl office parties small, informal: Lawyer

Companies that allow Super Bowl parties can boost employee morale but not without risks, which is why one lawyer is telling companies to skip the larger, sponsored events and go low-key, according to an article in Sunday’s New York Post.

Attorney Mark Spund, who chairs the employment law practice group at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron L.L.P. in Manhattan, told the Post that small, informal gatherings are the way to go.

“I advise employers against hosting company-sponsored [Super Bowl] parties. They are like Christmas parties. Don’t do it,” he told a reporter.

If not properly managed, parties can put organizations at risk, he said.

“An employee managing the office (betting) pool may start skimming off the top,” Mr. Spund told the Post. Also, alcohol consumption may get excessive, leading to inappropriate behavior, he said.