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Office parties could hit productivity

Dec 20 2010

Employees can get distracted around Christmas

Companies holding a Christmas party should be mindful of the cost of distracted employees, says serviced office provider Regus.

More than two thirds (72 per cent) of UK companies plan on holding a Christmas party this year, with some 32 per cent of small and medium sized enterprises planning to splash out £1,000 or more on their staff, according to a study.

However, two thirds (66 per cent) of firms feel that they will also have to ‘spend money coping with the cost of unproductive staff’ distracted by celebrations.

Celia Donne, Regional Director at Regus says, ‘It makes good business sense for companies to reward their staff with celebrations. However, businesses should be aware that that many employees may be feeling ‘spirited’ in the party season.’

Donne adds that processes such as flexible working could be the answer to absent or unproductive staff.

‘The businesses that will suffer the least are those that nurture productivity through innovative working practices,’ she adds.

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