Women’s Safety at Christmas is More Than an HR Box-tick

For many women, the lead-up to Christmas brings more than social events and seasonal routines.

Darker commutes, late finishes and a rise in unwanted attention all add an extra layer of consideration to what should be a straightforward time of year.

Employers take note. This isn’t just a seasonal gripe. It’s a workplace issue with a very real business impact. It’s a major reputational risk and one you can’t afford to brush aside.

Every winter, research paints the same picture of how women are far more likely than men to adjust their routines because they feel less safe in the dark.

Many decline evening socials, juggle their working hours, or decide that the office party simply isn’t worth the stress of getting home afterwards.

Add Christmas into the mix and you get late-night parties, crowded bars, and alcohol-fuelled dynamics that don’t always bring out the best in people.

Unsurprisingly, incidents of workplace harassment and misconduct tend to rise at this time of year.

Sadly, the gap between how festive events are meant to feel and how they actually feel for many women can be enormous.

The conditions that increase safety concerns for women at Christmas events are well understood and documented.

Many stem from power imbalances, particularly in environments where junior employees and senior leaders mix informally. These can make inappropriate behaviour harder to challenge or report.

Venue choice also plays a role. Locations that are poorly lit, far from reliable transport or require tricky travel routes home create avoidable vulnerability.

When events take place late at night, staff may feel pressure to attend while simultaneously feeling uncertain about how to get home safely.

These factors disproportionately affect women, especially younger staff and those in junior roles. These are the very women who may feel less able to speak up or remove themselves from certain situations.

It’s imperative that employers care and are seen to care. This isn’t simply a HR tickbox exercise, it’s a safeguarding issue and a business issue.

When employees don’t feel safe, the consequences are direct and measurable.

Think reduced engagement, lower performance, higher turnover or damage to your business’s reputation

Decisions about staying late, attending events or travelling for work are often influenced by personal safety considerations.

This shapes career progression, access to informal networks and can severely impact long-term retention and business success.

Conversely, workplaces in which women feel comfortable, supported and safe are more likely to see stronger performance and improved innovation. This directly influences financial outcomes. It’s evident that safety is the foundation of inclusion, and inclusion is the foundation of productivity.

Employers can take practical steps to reduce risk without eliminating the social value of festive gatherings.

Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has long advocated for safer public spaces and transport routes, even contributing evidence to parliamentary work on improving rail safety for women and girls.

We’re equally vocal about what employers can do to support women.

At this time of year, employers choosing party locations should prioritise well-lit, accessible spaces with reliable transport links.

Ensuring staff have safe ways to travel to and from events should also be a basic standard.

Staff should know how to raise concerns and trust that these will be taken seriously and managed sensitively.

Employers may also consider making alternative travel options available such as pre-booked taxis or travel reimbursements, particularly for staff who live further from major transport hubs.

These are simple steps that build a safer environment for all. In short, promoting a proactive safety culture is good business practice.

While Christmas events often bring these issues into focus, the need for safe and equitable workplaces extends throughout the year.

In 2026 the Employment Rights Bill is likely to become law. This will strengthen organisational responsibilities around preventing harassment.

The legislation places a clearer duty on employers to take reasonable steps to protect staff from third-party harassment and to demonstrate proactive measures that reduce risk.

Businesses must move beyond reactive policies.

One way to do this is to introduce Gender Impact Assessments which allow organisations to evaluate where women may face heightened risks or disadvantages across everyday policies, spaces and processes.

This approach supports more informed decision-making and helps create an inclusive culture in which women feel valued and protected. When employees believe their organisation recognises and addresses their lived experience, trust and retention increase.

This festive season, Soroptimists are asking employers to prioritise women’s safety and not treat it as a seasonal add-on or an HR formality.

It’s a strategic business consideration that influences culture, performance and long-term organisational success.

At a time of year where risks are heightened and expectations are high, employers who take meaningful steps to protect and support women will see clear benefits.

The outcomes will stretch far beyond the festive period and throughout the years ahead.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – ABOUT THE CHARITY

Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland, a registered women’s charity founded in 1934, is part of Soroptimist International, a global organisation formed in 1921, born out of the service movement. 

The organisation – which has consultancy status at the United Nations – focuses on empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential and works to eliminate barriers and discriminations that hinder women’s progress. 

The charity does this through its 248 clubs throughout the UK, Ireland, Malta, Asia and the Caribbean – over 200 of which are in the UK – and currently has a total of 5,150 members. 

Soroptimist club members are part of a global movement, Soroptimist International, and are united by a desire to advance the lives of women and girls. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gillie O’Rourke is President of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, a registered women’s charity, which was originally founded in 1934. Soroptimists focus on empowering women and girls. With 30 years’ experience in senior roles spanning the private, public and voluntary sectors, Gillie brings a wealth of professional knowledge and experience.

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