A recent study has revealed that although many commercial properties have faced a tough year, in terms of sales and economy, many microbusinesses (who employ 20 staff or less) still plan to host a Christmas party.
82 per cent of microbusinesses planned to host a party for the employees this year, whilst only 18 per cent of those who responded had decided to cancel their Christmas party, which was down from 27 per cent last year.
Out of the 500 commercial properties questioned, roughly half of the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are not having a Christmas party this year. So it does raise the issue that if a microbusiness, which has the toughest job of establishing themselves in this economic climate can afford to give their employees a Christmas celebration, surely a SME employing more staff and generating more revenue would have the budget to host a party.
This view is not only shared by us, but also Darren Fell, the owner and Managing Director of Crunch. Mr Fell put across: “With many larger businesses and the majority of SMEs cancelling their Christmas party this year, our research today appears to show significantly more optimism amongst the smallest business community.”
However, although businesses are happy to put on a Christmas party, maybe they should ask their employees what they want first, as Managing Director of Badenoch & Clark, Nicola Linkleter, stated: “As we move into 2012, it is important that employers listen to their employees and take stock of the benefits they are offering – questioning if they are really as valued as once thought. In tighter times events such as the Christmas party for instance might have dropped down the list of employee priorities.”
A survey showed that nine out of ten office staff would prefer a Christmas bonus over a party. The survey of 1000 office staff, conducted by a recruiting firm, Badenoch & Clark found that only 2.9 per cent of workers wanted a party, with the rest preferring a bonus or extra annual leave.
Speaking of the office results, Ms Linkleter expressed: “As excitement starts to build for the festive period, companies need to think about what is important to their staff. Though office parties are fun at this time of year and offer a way for employees to get together, in these troubled economic times pounds in the pocket appear more important than dancing to Noddy Holder tunes for one night.”
Are you having, or have you had a Christmas party this year? Would you have preferred the option of a cash bonus over a party?
