[TORONTO, ON] – Many workers are saying "Bah, humbug!" to company holiday parties, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. Although more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of senior managers interviewed said their employer is holding a holiday celebration this year, only 55 per cent of employees gave the festivities high marks.
The joint surveys of senior managers and workers were developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specialising in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals, and conducted by an independent research firm. The manager survey includes interviews with 342 senior managers at Canadian companies with 20 or more employees. The survey of workers includes responses from 452 working adults 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.
Managers were asked, "Is your company holding a holiday party this year?" Their responses:
Yes ................................. 77%
No .................................. 19%
Don't know .......................... 4%
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100%
Workers were asked, "Do you enjoy your company's holiday party?" Their responses:
Yes ................................. 55%
No .................................. 45%
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100%
"Involving employees in the planning process is a great way to generate enthusiasm for an event," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Year-end get-togethers that celebrate the team's successes can build camaraderie and help start the New Year on a positive note."
OfficeTeam offers five tips for hosting a holiday party that's enjoyable for everyone:
1. Find out what's on colleagues' wish lists. Invite employees to suggest a theme or location for the event. Also, encourage coworkers to help organise and promote the celebration.
2. Eat, drink and be merry. Casual events can be fun and relaxing for employees – and are easy to plan. Schedule a potluck, offer an in-house catered meal or get together for lunch at an informal restaurant.
3. Have a jolly time. Encourage interaction among staff with a white elephant gift exchange or office holiday decoration contest. Alternatively, organise a group activity like bowling or miniature golf to provide employees with an opportunity to mingle outside of work.
4. Embrace the spirit of giving. Hold a holiday donation drive as part of your festivities, or gather a team to volunteer at a local nonprofit organisation.
5. Spread good cheer. Reserve a few minutes during the event to thank employees for their hard work throughout the year.
