While the economic recovery failed to make great strides in 2011 and, in fact, appeared to stall in the second half of the year, nearly 70 percent of companies still plan to hold holiday parties in the coming weeks, according to an annual survey of human resources executives conducted by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
The percentage of companies hosting parties is about the same as a year ago, but remains well short of a pre-recession 2007, when about 90 percent of companies surveyed held holiday festivities. The non-scientific survey of about 100 human resources professionals found that the overwhelming majority of companies holding parties (95 percent) are budgeting about the same amount for their events as a year ago.
The economy is not improving as fast as many had hoped. While some companies are seeing improvements, most are still stuck in first gear and continue to hold off on hiring, equipment upgrades and other big expenditures. Yet, despite the less-than-celebratory business conditions, the majority of companies refuse to abandon the year-end holiday party.
For many employers, the holiday party is a way to demonstrate appreciation for employees' hard work throughout the year. Others see the parties as a low-cost morale builder. The nice thing about holiday parties is that they do not have to be full-blown extravaganzas to be meaningful to employees. A small company on a tight budget can easily host a potluck lunch, where employees bring in a favorite dish to share with co-workers.
The most surprising finding of the survey was that about half of the respondents said their companies would be serving alcohol at their holiday parties. In addition to the added cost, serving alcohol adds a level of risk that most companies should strive to avoid. Yet, many companies still embrace it as part of the festive atmosphere.
For workers whose companies are holding parties this year, particularly those where alcohol is available, remember there is a fine line between having fun and having too much fun. The economic recovery is still very fragile, so it is not the time to draw attention to oneself with embarrassing conduct at the holiday party. Guidelines for Office Party Goers 1. • Arrive early: This might be your best opportunity to talk with senior executives while things are still relatively quiet.
• Work the room: It is easy to simply socialize with the members of your department, with whom you work with day in and day out. However, you gain if you use this occasion to meet people in other departments. You never know who can help your career.
• Do not over indulge: Do not over indulge: Free alcohol can quickly lead to excessive drinking. Stay in control. You do not want to do anything embarrassing to you or your employer. • Be friendly, but not too friendly: Be friendly, but not too friendly: The company party is not the place to try out your latest pick-up lines. The risk of such behavior being seen as sexual harassment is high.
• Avoid talking business: This is not the time to approach your boss with a new business idea. Save that for Monday morning. Instead, find out about his or her interests outside of the office. Find a connection on a personal level. That connection will help you on Monday when you bring up the new idea. John A. Challenger is chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. To find previous Job Hunt features, visit NorthJersey.com and click on Jobs.