Don’t cancel Christmas!
Desperate times call for desperate measures – but do not ditch the all important Christmas party this year for the sake of a few pounds and a bit of thought, the Forum of Private Business has warned.
Research this year has suggested more than half of small businesses are expected to do away with the annual festive bash for staff.
The Forum warns bosses that to risk alienating their workers – who have more than likely worked hard during a particularly tough year – eroding morale further, and disincentivising staff to go the ‘extra mile’ for their company in future.
The not-for-profit Forum has said while cash may be in short supply for many SMEs, festive frolics don’t have to cost the earth.
The Forum’s chief executive, Phil Orford, said: “The benefits of an annual get-together cannot be underestimated. They encourage communication, motivate staff, and reward them at a time when other perks, such as pay rises and bonuses for many just aren't an option.”
The Forum has come up with 10 top tips for employers:
1. Ask your staff
If you have to cut the Christmas party budget – as your staff for alternative ideas that do not cost much money.
2. Host a low key event
An informal get together with a few nibbles, with staff invited to bring a bottle, is better than nothing.
3. Make your own entertainment
For free entertainment that gets everyone talking, you could hold a festive quiz and donate a present as the prize for the winner.
4. Go for lunch
Rather than the Christmas party and an evening meal, you could take staff out for lunch at a local pub or restaurant.
5. Use discount websites
If you want to take your staff out for a meal or drinks, be sure to look for the best price. You can use group deal websites to source big discounts for staff nights out.
6. Say thanks
Showing staff you recognise their hard work can mean more than any gift or monetary bonus. Take the time to go round your place of work and talk to every member of staff. ‘Thank-yous’ still go a long way as it shows hard work has not gone unnoticed.
7. Recognise exceptional work
Make people feel valued by giving awards for exceptional work in your organisation.
8. Secret Santa
Allow staff to arrange a ‘secret Santa’, where participants each buy a present for one other member of staff.
9. Wind down
If it won't affect productivity too much, you could allow staff to go home a couple of hours early on the last day before the Christmas holidays, especially if this time would usually have been taken up by the Christmas party.
10. Deck the halls
Allow staff to get into the festive spirit by decorating the office with Christmas decorations.
