Companies Upping Holiday Party Budget

How will holiday cheer be spread in workplaces this season? According to new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam, 93 percent of senior managers said their company will be hosting year-end festivities. For those planning a party, about 48 percent will go off-site and the same percentage say they will host a party at the office.

When it comes to seasonal soirees, 41 percent of organizations are planning to spend more this year, and only 7 percent anticipate cutting costs. Does that mean workers have to make an appearance at these events? No matter what the budget, 66 percent of managers indicated there's an unwritten rule that employees should attend. 

To Give or Not to Give?

Many professionals are in the holiday giving spirit:

• 58 percent hand out year-end presents in the office;
• half of those employees provide gifts to colleagues,
• 35 percent give one to their boss,
• 84 percent of workers who give out holiday presents do so because they want to, not because they feel obligated.

Among the 28 U.S. cities in the survey, San Diego, Miami, San Francisco and Chicago have the most gift-giving employees, while Seattle, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Denver have the fewest.

"Hosting holiday parties is a great way to recognize employees for their hard work throughout the year," says Stephanie Naznitsky, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Celebrations don't have to be elaborate to be enjoyable. Companies that go the extra mile to plan meaningful events that bring teams together will be rewarded with higher engagement."

Naznitsky's advice for employees? "While making an appearance at the holiday party is usually a good idea, gift-giving is optional. If you plan to offer someone a present, know that your thoughtfulness counts more than the price."

About the Research: The surveys were developed by OfficeTeam and conducted by independent research firms. They include responses from more than 2,800 senior managers at U.S. companies with 20 or more employees and more than 2,800 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments in 28 major U.S. cities. 

OfficeTeam, a Robert Half company, is a leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. Follow roberthalf.com/officeteam/blog for career and management advice.