Christmas parties aren’t one-size-fits-all

Three in four (73 per cent) workers say that they will attend their Christmas party, but 36 per cent say they feel dread about the event, research has found.

The end-of-year pause

Workplace expert at Indeed, Lauren Anderson, said the pause at the end of the year comes at a “wonderful time”.

“That could potentially make or break someone’s experience in a business. That pause [is] either we respect you, we appreciate you, we see the work that you do, and that you are an important team member in achieving the goals of this business,” she said.

Anderson highlighted that businesses must ensure they are achieving the objectives they set out through the Christmas party – be it celebration or connection.

Financial barriers

Based on Indeed data, 48 per cent of people said they would prefer a day off instead of a Christmas party. In addition, 36 per cent of people said they felt dread at their end-of-year event, and 63 per cent felt obliged to attend.

Anderson said that financial cost was a big barrier to workers’ enjoyment of the party.

The research found that the average amount that someone would expect to spend out of pocket for a Christmas party is about $141. She noted that this figure could be elevated for people who are required to get child care or elder care outside of hours, as well as workers in non-metro or regional areas, who are expected to travel to a location to enjoy the party.

From a business costs perspective, if a “six-hour affair” is not possible, businesses can always opt for a potluck lunch, Christmas craft, making garlands, wrapping presents, or even a charity event, she suggested.

How to make the Christmas party an ‘enjoyable success’

The key component is “isolating the business” and acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all for Christmas parties, Anderson said. It is about figuring out what the company is comfortable with and what they want the end-of-year party to achieve.

Anderson said that naming conventions for the party can be a helpful change that can make end-of-year parties more inclusive.

“For others it’s not about the Christian connection of Christmas, but more the non-secular … experience of Christmas or the public holiday itself,” she said.

‘Just ask them’

Anderson said that “it speaks more to a larger cultural challenge if people are feeling watched at their Christmas party or that they’re being observed by senior leadership or other leaders in the business”.

Forty-seven per cent of workers said they would be more likely to attend a “light version” of a Christmas party. Anderson likened this to a more relaxed and casual experience, such as a barbecue or a picnic, as opposed to a more costly celebration.

“We are guilty in the HR and sort of employee space of doing a lot of surveying and a lot of pulse checking. But if you’re really confused as to what your people like or don’t, just ask them,” Anderson said.