It’s the time of year that many of us start to wind down and get ready for the festive period to officially begin. For employers, it is also the time where they start to think about holding Christmas parties in the workplace. So this blog is likely going to be quite timely for some…
Christmas parties in the workplace – ‘tree-mendous’
Let’s start with the positives of organising a Christmas party. They are a great way of showing employee appreciation. After all, nothing says ‘thank you’ quite like an evening eating, drinking and dancing the night away! Christmas parties are also a good chance for people that would usually work in separate areas of the business to come together.
Following on, Christmas parties are a great time to publicly thank employees for individual achievements. They are also the time for personal recognition, alongside making announcements such as promotions.
Then we come to employee morale. These kind of events are great for ensuring a positive environment, especially at the end of a year. It also helps to start off the new year in the right way – positive vibes only!
Christmas parties in the workplace – ‘bah humbug’!
Time to state the obvious – Christmas parties cost money AND time. As much as these types of parties may come to be an expectation of employees, it’s important to weigh up all the pros and cons.
The cost of holding Christmas parties in the workplace can be significant. Food and drink can really eat into the finances – no pun intended! And if alcohol features, this is going to cost even more. Alcohol can also be a problem in and of itself.
For many, Christmas parties are a way to let loose, and sometimes excessive drinking can take place (there’s always one)! Throw a range of different personalities into the mix, and you may be looking at a pressure cooker that could explode at any time. Potential liabilities may be something you want to bear in mind when making the final decision.
The way forward
The way forward will differ from business to business, as each will have their own unique set of circumstances to take into account. Whether you choose to hold a big extravaganza or opt for a smaller, scaled back party instead, we are here to help. To discuss holding Christmas parties in the workplace (or any other business-related topic), don’t hesitate to get in touch.
And a Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year when it comes from the AvloHR team.
