Budget restraint for Christmas parties
Dec 10 2009
Some 31 per cent of small businesses say they are not planning an office Christmas party at all this year. Of those who are having a party, a quarter say budget cuts are likely to mean the event won’t be as good as past years, according to research from stationery company Euroffice.
However, 74 per cent who are expecting a party say they are looking forward to a ‘fun and lively’ celebration after the difficulty of the last 12 months.
Simon Drakeford, group CEO of Euroffice, says: ‘Christmas parties are a great way to end the year on a high note, especially after such a tumultuous year as this one. Employees and bosses all need the opportunity to unwind once in a while and a good party – big or small – can motivate staff, boost morale and help everyone relax.’ Of the 613 business owners and staff surveyed, 48 per cent admitted to indiscretions at previous parties including kissing the boss or a colleague, passing out from drinking too much, or getting into a fight.