Has the Grinch stolen the office holiday party? More than half (52 percent) of senior managers surveyed by OfficeTeam said their employer is not holding a celebration for the holidays this year. These seasonal soirees will be missed: More than three-quarters of executives (79 percent) and employees (75 percent) whose companies have holiday parties gave the festivities high marks.
The joint surveys of senior managers and workers were developed by OfficeTeam, a national staffing service specializing in the placement of administrative professionals, and conducted by an independent research firm. The manager survey includes interviews with 1,014 senior managers at U.S. companies with 20 or more employees. The survey of workers includes responses from 404 working adults 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.
Managers were asked, "Is your company holding a holiday party this year?" Their responses:
|
Yes |
44% |
|
No |
52% |
|
Don't know |
4% |
|
100% |
Managers and workers whose companies do have holiday parties were asked, "Do you enjoy your company's holiday party?" Their responses:
|
Managers |
Workers |
||
|
Yes |
79% |
75% |
|
|
No |
21% |
22% |
|
|
Don't know/no answer |
1% |
4% |
|
|
101%* |
101%* |
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.
"For many professionals, these gatherings offer a rare opportunity to get to know managers and coworkers on a personal level in a more relaxed environment," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Businesses that aren't able to organize formal year-end celebrations can plan inexpensive, cheerful get-togethers to celebrate recent successes. Holding casual, nondenominational events also helps to keep staff motivated."
Some companies may not be hosting holiday celebrations due to budget reasons, but these events don't have to break the bank to be effective. OfficeTeam offers five tips for frugal, yet festive, holiday parties:
- Make merry over breakfast or lunch. Offer an in-house catered meal or get together for lunch at an informal restaurant rather than holding an evening event at a fancy location.
- Get jolly in January. Hosting a celebration during an off-peak month like January may be less expensive, and it's a great way to kick off the year. Venue costs also may be negotiable for midweek or during the day.
- Spread good cheer. Schedule a potluck and include activities such as a white elephant gift exchange or office holiday decoration contest.
- Take your cue from Santa. He's not the only one who can travel. Organize a group activity like bowling or miniature golf to provide employees with an opportunity to mingle outside of work.
- Embrace the spirit of giving. Hold a holiday donation drive as part of your festivities or gather a team to volunteer at a local nonprofit organization.
Current Issue - May 2024