Absolutely! Company-sponsored functions are an extension of the company itself. Employees are responsible for holding themselves accountable for all aspects of their conduct and behavior as if they were back in the office. Unfortunately, many employees forget their manners at company picnics and holiday parties by overdrinking or otherwise making fools of themselves. They then sit back and wonder
why they’re being disciplined or terminated the next day because things got out of hand at a party.

Let’s look at an example. A female employee at a company holiday party had way too much to drink. She then became ‘‘overly friendly’’ with some of her male supervisors, and her tongue made its way into a few of the gentlemen’s ears. She hung all over these people, and, to their dismay and shock, anyone who tried to stop her was yelled at and groped. In short, she was out of control in public, and her behavior repulsed those who witnessed it.When the nice people from human resources came to escort her to the women’s restroom, she became belligerent and pushed people away from her.

The result? She was terminated the next day for inappropriate workplace conduct. Unfortunately, she couldn’t remember what happened, but the human resources folks were able to recount enough of the details that she got a pretty accurate picture before too long. Her response, interestingly enough, was defensive: ‘‘Why should I be terminated for my behavior at a company-sponsored event? After all, I would’ve never acted that way in the office. Besides, you provided the alcohol! When there’s an open bar, I sometimes get carried away. I’ll apologize to the appropriate people for my behavior, but I want my job back!’’

Tell Me More
Does she have a point? Will an apology suffice, seeing that the company
provided the alcohol? Or can an otherwise stellar employee be terminated for a one-time indiscretion, even if it occurred off company
premises?

Taken From : The Hiring and Firing Quention and Answer Book