Depending on what type of business you work for, chances are you're getting Scrooged this Christmas. Due to the tough economy, more companies are skipping their annual Christmas parties this year.
According to CNNMoney, just 81 percent of 108 companies taking part in Battalia Winston Amrop's annual survey said they will have a company-sponsored holiday celebration this year, compared with 85 percent last year.
This is nothing new of course. Whenever the economy has a downturn, or a company has a bad year, the frills such as free snacks, sodas and company-sponsored celebrations are the first things to go. It's all part of a company tightening its belt.
It could be worse, of course. The company could choose to cut costs by laying off employees, which many businesses are doing. Faced with that option, doing away with the company Christmas party doesn't seem so bad.
That's not going to do much for morale at the office. Lower morale at the workplace could lead to lower productivity, which means the company becomes even less profitable. Although the company may have saved money by cutting out the Christmas party and other perks, it evenutally pays in other areas. Fortunately, there is a happy medium.
1. Scale back. There is no law that says the Christmas party has to be held at the Four Seasons. Scale back the extravagant party plans to something less formal. Instead of a full four course meal and open bar, have a wine and cheese affair with a gift exchange.
2. Pitch in. If you work for a small business and times are tight, the employees can all pitch in a few dollars to help defray the cost of the holiday festivities. The company could give in other ways, such as an hour's worth of open bar, a certain number of free drink tickets, or entertainment for the event if it's an alcohol-free function.
3. Go family-friendly. Instead of a big formal evening that's adults-only, make it a family-friendly affair. The company could host a night at the local ice rink and serve hot chocolate, or rent out a movie theater and host a Christmas movie night. If there is a professional sports team in town everyone could go out and catch a game, with the boss picking up the tickets. The possibilities are endless.
4. Keep the spirit. Still can't splurge for the company Christmas party? Do something completely different and do some giving instead of receiving. Co-workers and managers could band together and volunteer for a specifc charity, serve or deliver meals, wrap gifts for needy children or hold a toy drive. Nothing will make you (and your company) feel better than doing something for someone whose needs are greater than your own. Besides, isn't that what Christmas is really about?
