THE MAJORITY of Irish employers will not be funding a Christmas party for their staff this year because of the effect the economic downturn has had on business.
About four-fifths, 79 per cent, of employers are said to be attempting to control spending and will not offer festive parties to their employees, according to a survey by employment law consultant Peninsula Ireland.
Alan Price of the firm said many employers have had to take an Ebenezer Scrooge-style approach to Christmas spending this year and deny staff a night out.
"With the economic conditions the way they are, firms just cannot warrant spending money on a Christmas party," he said.
"These events represent a considerable cost to any firm, whether they employ five people or 50 and many employers consider this another process in tightening their belt and making their company more cost-efficient."
The survey of 2,043 employers in a variety of industries was conducted between October 1st and October 20th. Peninsula Ireland said they did not know what percentage of employers had paid for Christmas parties last year.
The survey found some 68 per cent of employers have received complaints of harassment from employees following the seasonal events. "If employers do plan on having a party, they should ensure they brief staff so that they are aware of the implications their actions will have," Mr Price said
It also found some 71 per cent of businesses believe Christmas parties are a waste of company money. Mr Price argued that this is not always the case.
"Christmas parties do have some big advantages. They are an effective way to encourage staff to bond as a team and . . . They also have a noticeable impact on staff morale, something that employers need to keep on top of during this period of economic uncertainty."
