New York, NY – December 17, 2025 – Phillips & Associates today celebrates the launch of The Holiday Party Survival Guide: Understanding Sexual Harassment at Holiday Parties, Office Events, and Off-Site Gatherings. Authored by Managing Partner William K. Phillips and released through HarassmentHelp.org, this new handbook offers clear, compassionate guidance for employees who experience uncomfortable or inappropriate situations at work-related gatherings.
The guide highlights a common yet often overlooked issue: the spike in workplace sexual harassment during holiday parties, company dinners, conferences, and off-site events where alcohol, relaxed settings, and power imbalances can blur professional boundaries.
“Sexual harassment does not pause when the office lights dim or the drinks flow,” said William K. Phillips. “These events are still work functions, and employees deserve to feel safe. Many people leave a holiday party confused, questioning themselves, or unsure how to protect their careers. This guide meets them there—with straightforward information, no judgment, and practical steps they can take privately.”
Written specifically for employees still on the job, the handbook uses plain language to explain New York protections under state and city human rights laws. It focuses on real-world scenarios drawn from decades of cases handled by Phillips & Associates, helping readers recognize coercion, document incidents discreetly, set boundaries, and understand retaliation risks—all while preserving options for future action.
Key chapters include:
- When a Holiday Party Crosses the Line
- Alcohol Changes People, Not Power
- How Supervisors Use Access at Work Events
- Off-Site Events and New York Employer Responsibility
- Harassment from Clients and Guests
- Digital Harassment After Work Events
- What Retaliation Looks Like After Saying “No”
- What Happens When You Report to HR
- How to Document What Happened
- What to Do in the Moment if You Feel Unsafe
- How to Support Someone Else Who Was Harassed
- Master Q&A: Real Questions and Clear Answers
The guide also features practical tools such as safety checklists, boundary-setting scripts, documentation templates, and a retaliation tracker. Each section includes real questions New Yorkers search online after difficult events, paired with empathetic, direct answers that validate common reactions like freezing, smiling politely, or second-guessing.
HarassmentHelp.org, founded by Phillips, serves as an independent educational platform offering confidential early guidance outside traditional law firm channels. The RGA approach—Rights, Guidance, and Action—frames the book’s structure, emphasizing employee choice and privacy at every stage.
“This resource reflects what we hear most from clients,” Phillips noted. “People want clarity and support long before they’re ready to confront HR or consider legal steps. They want to understand their experience without pressure or exposure. That’s exactly what this guide provides.”
Available now in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon, The Holiday Party Survival Guide arrives at a timely moment as companies plan end-of-year celebrations. Phillips & Associates encourages employers to prioritize clear policies and training while reminding employees that off-site events remain covered by workplace protections.
Employees seeking confidential guidance may visit HarassmentHelp.org or contact Phillips & Associates for a free consultation at (212) 248-7431.