Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The character depicted had just been informed that his Christmas party had not been cancelled this year
Dread is a word usually reserved for use before visiting the dentists, or before major surgery. One dreads a make or break meeting, a flight through turbulent weather, or being forced to listen to Christmas music for several hours on a loop. But, today, as well as those things, people also dread that most convivial of Christmas carousals, the office Christmas party.
Nearly a third (32.3 percent) of employees do not have an office Christmas party, according to a new survey commissioned by Reward Gateway . And of those who do, 54 percent of employees ‘dread’ them, like one dreads the removal of a tooth.
It’s not all bah-humbug though.18 percent of respondents are apparently very dubious characters and named the Christmas party as their office highlight of the year. Which is funny because most people’s office highlight of the year occurs daily at 5.30.
The office Christmas party was found to be most popular with people aged 16 to 34, who famously have nothing better to do with their lives than drink copious amounts of alcohol while wearing silly jumpers.
When asked if their employer does anything nice for the entire company over the festive period, of the 39 percent who have an office Christmas party, 25 percent said they will enjoy an all-expenses paid for event, and 14 percent said it will be subsidised. 15 percent will be getting a Christmas bonus and nearly 10 percent will receive a gift, such as a satsuma or a Christmas bauble.
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.
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