Festivity, not debauchery | Now is the time to ensure that your Christmas celebrations don't turn sour

Now well into November, HR will likely be racing to ensure that the rest of the working year is as productive as possible. However, one big element of employee reward and recognition is yet to come – the office Christmas party.

Casting your mind back over previous celebrations throughout the years may bring back hazy memories of merriment and laughter, or perhaps uncomfortable formal dinners and polite chit-chat. It’s safe to say that in years past, the concept of an office festive celebration was synonymous with debauchery that could make any HR practitioner wince.

And whilst some employees may be able to embrace the chaos and still arrive on Monday morning, able to put the hazy memories of embarrassing behaviours behind them, it seems that many workers simply don’t find this kind of get together enjoyable. This is especially true among younger generations.

In fact, according to new research conducted by CareerWallet, a massive 91% of under 35s see the office Christmas party as nothing but an obligation, and actively dread it. One in ten employees actually admit that it’s one of the things they dislike most about their job, with many not wanting to be forced to socialise with superiors and work colleagues.