By The Editor
Over the past few weeks, we wanted to know if your business was intending to spread some Christmas joy this festive season. This was sparked by a report that found one in five companies in the UK will forego plans for an office Christmas party this year, due to the recession.
After voting closed on Friday, we found an overwhelming majority were going ahead with throwing an office Christmas party for staff this year. Of the remaining voters, 8% were following in the footsteps of our UK cohorts by cancelling party plans, while 5% had arranged an alternative reward for their employees. A small percentage was still undecided.
While the poll results revealed the general consensus, the comments board gave greater insight from our readers. Here are some of the opinions expressed:
- Several voters believe Christmas parties are a great way to show your employees that their efforts are appreciated – especially during this past year.
- One person raised the issue that it’s often not worth organising a staff party during Christmas because it’s the busiest season for certain industries (e.g. retail and catering). Instead, a “delayed” get-together in January/February is often the norm.
- Some have pooled their resources by deciding to have one “big bash” at Christmas, instead of several small, mediocre events throughout the year.
- Some were inclined to offer an alternative, because it was a way to reward all employees, since some are often unable to attend the Christmas party.
- Others believe that organising a Christmas party is not only integral to showing your staff you care, but also benefits your business. One reasoned that, by showing your staff you care, it boosts morale and this positivity results in your staff offering better service to your customers.
If we take the poll results coupled with the general sentiments on our comments board, it seems that most employers who voted believe in the old adage: “a happy worker is a productive worker”.
Christmas festive period for small manufacturers almost stops business in its tracks. Distributors and professional advisors shut for holidays, many not opening until 2nd week of January. There is still maintenance to be done and back-stock to fill so that when everyone begins ordering again, the business can deliver. Nevertheless, impact on cashflow is damaging and never recoverable and costs including wages still need to be met. Oh to enjoy Christmas again, when for now it is only an added stress.