The office Christmas party is the most essential event of the year for boosting staff morale, according to new research.
Partying with the workmates is more important to office staff than gym membership, empowerment schemes or other incentives, West End Events has found.
Russell Davey, managing director of the group, said: "The most important thing about an office party is that it appeals to everyone and cuts across job titles and departments.
"There's nothing more than harmful than an event that has been organised with the bosses in mind where more junior staff feel uncomfortable and unable to relax.."
The group adds that there are a wide range of themes and entertainments available for offices with any budget.
With a YouGov survey showing that Scottish workers regularly spend between six and ten hours extra at the office each week, an office party at Christmas is becoming more essential to give people a morale-boost as they prepare for a new year of targets and paperwork.