Too many drunks and lawsuits are ruining Christmas
The office Christmas party is dying out because of fears that workers could sue over other employees’ drunken antics and a prevailing “Scrooge” mentality.
A third of companies will not hold a staff party this year, according to a survey. This is twice as many as in 2002.
Of those that do hold a seasonal get-together, four in 10 do not plan to make any financial contribution. Employers in the West Midlands were the least generous, with fewer than half funding a Christmas bash.
It seems the dwindling number of parties is accompanied by an increasing indifference to them among staff.
A Chartered Management Institute (CMI) survey of more than 500 managers found that more than half believe the atmosphere at end-of-year celebrations is “forced”.
A fifth feel Christmas celebrations are “a chore” and one in three claims there is too much “political correctness”.
More than four in 10 think they would be better if partners were invited. Almost the same number say the party season has become too long.
While 52 per cent of those surveyed said Christmas parties improved the working environment, only three in 10 organisations actively promote a relaxed atmosphere as Dec 25 approaches.
Despite their misgivings, more than half of managers give gifts to colleagues and 45 per cent send Christmas cards.
READ: Health and safety ‘ruins’ holiday staff parties
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Some interesting points Jim, but I for one will be looking forward to my Xmas party, as I work remotely and look forward to being part of the team again!