Don’t be a turkey at the office Christmas party
Employees are keen to celebrate the silly season with workmates this year even if it means shelling out their own money, a CareerOne.com.au survey has found.
Out of 952 jobseekers surveyed via email, most were willing to pay up to $50 per head for their end of year Christmas party.
When asked about how they would feel about a colleague who became the Christmas party turkey, 55 per cent of respondents said it wouldn’t change their perception of that person. Only 8 per cent said they would change their professional opinion of someone who made a fool of themselves at the office party.
Be warned though, 37 per cent of those surveyed said they would engage in post-party gossip.
Additionally, the survey found that 44 per cent said they used the office Christmas party as an opportunity to mingle with people they don’t usually talk to at work
CareerOne.com.au today also released its top 10 Christmas party tips for employees.
1. DO eat the food on offer – all those carb loaded snacks are there for a reason
2. DO keep track of how many drinks you’ve had
3. DO make the effort to meet colleagues you don’t normally mix with
4. DO turn up on time – better to leave the office party early than arrive late
5. DO help colleagues when you see they may have lost count of their drinks
6. DO NOT jump in front of every camera you see for a photo. You could regret it when the shots are circulated around the office the next day.
7. DO NOT leave transport to chance
8. DO NOT go for “a few drinks” before the party
9. DO NOT engage in public smooching
10. DO NOT whine about the Christmas party location or planning – whether it is a modest or lavish bash.
Kate Southam, editor, CareerOne.com.au said a scaled down Christmas party is likely for many companies still recovering from the economic downturn.
“The economy might be rounding a corner but that doesn’t mean companies are out of the woods completely. Don’t be surprised if parties are modest this year.
“What did surprise me was seeing so many of our respondents willing to kick in to ensure they get a decent office Christmas party.
“We have heard stories of companies planning lavish parties for Christmas but in secret for fear their extravagance will be regarded as bad taste, particularly if they made staff redundant earlier in the year.
“Employers don’t have to put on a party at all but hopefully most will realise staff deserve the reward. After such an intense year, everyone will be looking to let off steam.
“At the Christmas party, co-workers need to look out for each other and managers need a plan in place for keeping everyone safe on their watch.”
