Should You Be Planning a Christmas Party During a Recession?
If your company is experiencing hard times, or even if you are simply apprehensive about the possible effect the economic downturn may have on business in the future, then planning a Christmas party may be rock bottom on your list of priorities right now.
Whether you are worried about the cost of organising a big event or are concerned a big festive celebration may send out an inappropriate message to staff and clients, it can be easy to let company get-togethers become the first casualty of a recession.
Before you decide what's best to do consider the implications of cancelling Christmas and whether it might end up being a bigger sacrifice than you intended.
Are you concerned about the cost? A Christmas party for staff does not have to be an expensive undertaking for your company.
There are plenty of budget options available, which still incorporate all the traditional elements of fun.
Consider downgrading from a three course sit down meal to a buffet this year, shop around for the most cost effective venue or reduce the guest list Do staff partners really need to attend this year? Should you leave clients off the list? Is it cheaper for each department to arrange their own party or would the company be better off hiring one big venue for all staff? These sorts of decisions, if taken early enough, needn't impact on the success of the event, and can enable a suitable budget compromise to be made which will make the figures stack up.
What are the benefits? Some sort of Christmas celebration may be vital to the well being and morale of staff particularly if it has always been a highlight of the company calendar.
You must weigh up the negatives of the costs involved with the possible impact of cancelling a long standing social event on your company's reputation in the business world.
At a time when UK employees are increasingly anxious about job stability and future changes in the workplace you may feel some sort of corporate recognition in the form of a party or meal provides a calming and stabilising influence.
Unstable employees can find their job performance is affected, it is therefore imperative that employers recognise this and work towards steadying the ship.
Remember the good times...
While the current economic climate may serve only as a sobering experience for your company, it's important that you draw on your memories of the good times and try to see this year's office gathering as a chance to relax and bond with your coworkers.
Why not use it as an opportunity for some valuable networking? Rather than using it to complain about how bad things are or could become try thinking about how you can work differently and what opportunities this could present to make office life more fulfilling for all concerned.
Whether you are worried about the cost of organising a big event or are concerned a big festive celebration may send out an inappropriate message to staff and clients, it can be easy to let company get-togethers become the first casualty of a recession.
Before you decide what's best to do consider the implications of cancelling Christmas and whether it might end up being a bigger sacrifice than you intended.
Are you concerned about the cost? A Christmas party for staff does not have to be an expensive undertaking for your company.
There are plenty of budget options available, which still incorporate all the traditional elements of fun.
Consider downgrading from a three course sit down meal to a buffet this year, shop around for the most cost effective venue or reduce the guest list Do staff partners really need to attend this year? Should you leave clients off the list? Is it cheaper for each department to arrange their own party or would the company be better off hiring one big venue for all staff? These sorts of decisions, if taken early enough, needn't impact on the success of the event, and can enable a suitable budget compromise to be made which will make the figures stack up.
What are the benefits? Some sort of Christmas celebration may be vital to the well being and morale of staff particularly if it has always been a highlight of the company calendar.
You must weigh up the negatives of the costs involved with the possible impact of cancelling a long standing social event on your company's reputation in the business world.
At a time when UK employees are increasingly anxious about job stability and future changes in the workplace you may feel some sort of corporate recognition in the form of a party or meal provides a calming and stabilising influence.
Unstable employees can find their job performance is affected, it is therefore imperative that employers recognise this and work towards steadying the ship.
Remember the good times...
While the current economic climate may serve only as a sobering experience for your company, it's important that you draw on your memories of the good times and try to see this year's office gathering as a chance to relax and bond with your coworkers.
Why not use it as an opportunity for some valuable networking? Rather than using it to complain about how bad things are or could become try thinking about how you can work differently and what opportunities this could present to make office life more fulfilling for all concerned.