Festive finances | Half of firms are concerned that employees won't be able to afford Christmas party

Half of businesses who are planning a Christmas, festive or end-of-year party are concerned about employees not being able to afford to attend due to cost -of-living constraints, according to research by employment law and HR consultancy firm, WorkNest.

For some businesses however, this won’t be a concern as 47% aren’t having an end-of-year celebration or Christmas party. 

The survey of employers found that two in ten businesses who are celebrating the festive period and end of 2023, also have worries about employees drinking around non-drinking employees.

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Jo Chambers, HR Consultancy Operations Director at WorkNest, said: “End of year parties are a great way to reward employees, allow them to let off steam and have teams socialise together to build good relations. However they also carry risks that need to be managed. Risks include improper conduct, managing various views on alcohol consumption and inappropriate sexual advances.