Christmas parties boost staff morale

23/05/2008

Research published by recruitment firm Office Angels found that, although many workers "dread" Christmas parties, actually they turn out to have a host of positive ramifications.

Of the 1,500 workers question over the issue of Christmas parties, a large number said they anticipated them with some worry and anxiety, stating concerns that drink-fuelled antics may be a source of more than a sore head the next morning.

High up on people's lists of concerns were making inappropriate advances, accepting inappropriate advances, and photocopying delicate parts of the anatomy, as well as just a general sense of unease at being around professional colleagues in a social and informal setting.

However, Paul Jacobs, corporate communications director of Office Angels, has stated that these concerns tend to be overruled by how much fun Christmas parties end up being, and what positive consequences they have. He views Christmas parties as "a positive opportunity to network and bond with bosses and colleagues as well as strengthening relationships with clients and suppliers."

Ashley Gerrish, account manager with recruitment firm TMP Worldwide, also gave Christmas parties the thumbs up: "From my experience it is valuable to socialise because you make wider contacts and better friends both within a company and externally," she said.