Holiday Office Parties Face Decreased Budgets by Amy Winter on Creators.com

Recently

Tips to Deal With Difficult Bosses With the recent release of the movie "Horrible Bosses," how many employees empathize with the movie's miserable workers? A boss can make or break a company's environment. And according to a survey by OfficeTeam, a staffing service that …Read more. Personal Attributes Could be Hurting Your Chances For a Promotion Are you wondering why a promotion hasn't come your way? You have arrived to the office on time, done your work and showed interest in advancing your career. Well, your personal appearance could be playing a part. These features might be making you …Read more. Employee Perks are Beneficial to Companies The economic recovery has many positives for those in the working world. It means more opportunities and options for career growth. But companies may be faced with the challenge of trying to keep their top performers. As the economy improves, these …Read more. A Promotion Doesn't Automatically Include a Salary Raise If you are hoping for that big raise with your next promotion, it might not happen. At least, that's the case when it comes to the survey results from OfficeTeam, a staffing service. Although 63 percent of hiring managers say that their company does …Read more.

Holiday Office Parties Face Decreased Budgets

Celebrations and parties spreading holiday cheer will occur in fewer workplaces this winter season. With the current economy, a majority of offices must make cuts in their holiday party budgets. Some workplaces may choose to downscale the celebration with less expensive options, while other offices may cancel their holiday get-togethers.

Sixty-two percent of companies plan to hold a holiday party this year, according to a survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., a staffing service that questioned 100 human resource executives, compared to 77 percent of companies last year. In 2007, 90 percent of businesses hoped to throw a holiday celebration for employees.

When it comes to eliminating the holiday party, 10 percent of companies must cancel their celebration due to saving money. Only 7 percent of companies had to call off their gathering last year.

"The strength of the recovery, or whether we are even in recovery, is still unclear," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer. "Companies are postponing major investments, hiring initiatives and many other expenses, including holiday parties.

"For companies that have recently announced layoffs or other significant cost-cutting measures, such as wage freezes, it would be difficult to justify, let alone get in the mood for a holiday party."

Most companies (64 percent) plan to keep the budget the same as last year, while 29 percent want to decrease the party costs. There are options if companies want to keep the party and make it more budget friendly. Managers can hold a get-together for only employees. Instead of paying for a caterer, do a potluck lunch or dinner and have the workers bring the main dishes. Pass a list around the office with the different options for appetizers, main courses, desserts, drinks, etc.

Although some companies still want to hold their parties at an offsite location and serve alcohol, only 36 percent of companies plan to hire an event planner or caterer.

Another less expensive option would be a luncheon instead of a dinner. Or hold the party on company premises or at an employee's home.

A holiday party should be the time to enjoy each other's company without thinking about work. Show workers that you appreciate their efforts in this difficult economy. The party doesn't have to be extravagant for workers to enjoy. Plan a creative game or activity. Do a present exchange with gifts less than $10 each.

Money may not be the only risk associated with holiday parties. Swine flu outbreaks could inhibit large gatherings in a small area. Alcohol can lead to inappropriate behavior, which may present legal dangers.

"Beyond the threat of H1N1, there are other pitfalls that employers and employees must consider when planning holiday parties," says Challenger. "For employers, there is significant risk associated with hosting such events, especially when they include alcohol. There are also legal risks associated to the increased potential for sexual harassment claims.

"For employees, now is not the time to draw attention to oneself with embarrassing conduct at the holiday party, particularly at a time when everyone's job is at risk of being downsized."

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. provides suggestions for those attending office holiday celebrations:

— Get there early. This could be a great opportunity to talk with executives.

— Meet new people. Try to socialize with other people outside of your department. It is always a good idea to make more contacts.

— Drink in moderation. If alcohol is available, please don't overindulge. Avoid doing something humiliating. You don't want to get fired or lose out on a chance to advance in the company.

— Don't discuss business. Get to know your boss on a more personal level. Ask questions to find out more about his or her interests and hobbies.

A holiday party is the opportunity to mingle with workers outside of the office. Even budget-conscious celebrations can be fun. Consider different options in order to provide a time to spread holiday cheer.

For more information, visit www.challengergray.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.