Keep up the office Christmas party

11/11/2008

A corporate psychologist has spoken out to encourage companies to throw their staff a lively Christmas party this year.

Corporate psychologist Ben Williams told the Financial Times: "Companies want to cut costs at the moment. But when times are hard you need leadership. It is about encouraging people and making them feel valued.

These events bring people together. They allow them to let their hair down and have fun."

The annual Christmas party (while fraught with potential faux pas!) is often the only real opportunity to get to know and bond with colleagues outside of a work context - especially colleagues who work in different departments.

Christmas parties for staff have always been an excellent morale-booster, and this is more crucial now than ever before. Employers who defy the credit crunch to show their staff a good time at the annual Christmas party will earn their employees' gratitude and loyalty, especially at a time when - according to Yorkshire Bank - 79% of Brits will not be hosting any Christmas parties at home.

The bank's research shows that eight out of ten Britons would rather be invited to a Christmas party than host one. Employers who play host, therefore, will reap the rewards from a workforce that feels valued and appreciated.