 Pull your paper hats on, get your crackers to hand and slip under the mistletoe, the festivities are just around the corner and now's the time to boost business morale at the office party!
No matter what the economic climate, in my opinion a Christmas party is vital for any company of any size. What's the point in slaving away all year round if you can't enjoy a festive meal and get partying with your colleagues for just one day in the year? Guy Rodger, Managing Director of the 'Ultimate Experience' the Christmas party market leaders certainly believes that partying in the season of good will, is key to an enthusiastic workforce and can be a great improvement to any company: 'Frankly if you can't afford a Christmas party what's the point of staying in business. It's an advantageous time; getting your workforce under one roof and delivering your message to them can be very powerful. The Christmas party market has survived the ravages of the loss of business confidence and people are going to proceed with partying. A Christmas party offers high return for little cost but to cancel has a high cost on morale,' he elucidated.
I write this piece on September 11th 2002, exactly one year after the horrific terrorism act in America. Somehow it feels wrong to write an article urging you to let your hair down, relax and spend, especially in times of economic and political uncertainty. However, in my honest opinion the phrase: 'live for the moment' has never been more applicable, why not celebrate life and living this Christmas by enjoying vibrant parties in restaurants throughout the city, it's time to party, and party hard!
Last year, in the aftermath of the terrorism, Christmas party after Christmas party became cancelled with businesses uncertain of their future. Now a year has past and we have survived turbulent times and it seems that companies throughout Britain are prepared to hold Christmas jamborees even if parties are a little smaller than the norm. Tony Robinson, Sales Director for Hospitality Line, a party organising company in London explains: 'Last year we encountered numerous Christmas party cancellations after the terrorism. This year people have had to work harder than ever before to keep their businesses going. In the aftermath of September 11th companies aren't pushing the boat out completely, but they do see the advantage of saying thank you to their employees through a good old knees up. We organise Christmas events for numerous companies large and small and business for us is absolutely booming this year. This is because this year especially, Christmas has had more media coverage and although purse strings still remain tight, businesses are prepared to spend, to inject enthusiasm into the workforce.'
It seems therefore that a simple party at Christmas can be a highly rewarding act. It's true to say that many companies are still remaining a little reluctant to dip into the Christmas budget but businesses are open to partying even if they are opting for cheaper alternatives to keep employees happy as Robinson elaborates: 'Another interesting trend we have noticed is that parties are switching from the evening to the daytime, instead of having Christmas dinners, people are opting for lunchtime festivities, this saves the cost of inviting spouses. Instead they meet up with their partners after the meal and carry on partying privately into the evening.
There's undoubtedly something a little special about a Christmas party with your fellow work colleagues and bosses. Surely this is the only time when you can openly speak your mind, relax and tell your colleagues exactly what you think of them without enduring too much comeuppance, due to the 'good will to all men factor.' Sean Tipton Spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents Limited enthuses: 'At work we need a Christmas party it's a good way of letting our hair down and telling the boss what you think of him/her, politely of course.' In charge of a young and vibrant telesales team, Sara Alliss Telesales Manager for the Travel Advertising Section of The Daily Telegraph Newspaper adds: 'It's imperative to have a really good Christmas party and show your team that you appreciate all that they have accomplished in the year, even in these difficult times, it's great for morale and great for team spirit!'
Restaurants are booking up already for Christmas already, bosses are being nagged by their secretary's to choose a location, Christmas jingles can be heard in the far off distance by employees and gradually workforces are looking forward to the festivities to come. Whatever your budget, don't neglect Christmas this year, make the most of a joyous time, treat yourselves to a slap up meal and make sure you reap the rewards of this very special time of the year.
By Rosalie Garrett
|
