Number of corporations planning holiday parties on the rise
Tales of liability and litigation, drunken workers driving and lewd employee behaviour have dampened corporate enthusiasm for holiday parties in the last decade, but according to a new survey out of the United States, holiday cheer may be back on the corporate agenda.
The study of 110 businesses by Battalia Winston International, a U.S. executive search firm, found that 94 per cent of businesses will be conducting some type of holiday celebration this year, a seven per cent increase from 2005. Of the events planned, 74 per cent will be in the evening and 86 per cent of companies will be serving alcohol, a 14 percent and 11 per cent boost from 2005, respectively.
“This year’s survey demonstrates once again that the holiday party remains an important tradition,” said Battalia Winston CEO Dale Winston.
More holiday party statistics from Battalia Winston:
•77 per cent of businesses are conducting their celebrations off-site, compared to 23 per cent celebrating at the office.
•52 per cent of the companies having parties are only inviting employees, while 37 per cent of companies are allowing spouses.
•95 per cent are not inviting clients
•28 per cent of companies will conduct more expensive parties this year, an 11 per cent increase from last year.
•66 per cent of the respondents say that this year’s celebration will cost about the same as last year.
•62 per cent of respondents say their celebrations will not include gift giving.
•91 per cent of holiday parties will be paid for by employers, with the remainder of respondents indicating that employees are footing the bill (4 per cent) or contributing to the bill (5 per cent).
The study of 110 businesses by Battalia Winston International, a U.S. executive search firm, found that 94 per cent of businesses will be conducting some type of holiday celebration this year, a seven per cent increase from 2005. Of the events planned, 74 per cent will be in the evening and 86 per cent of companies will be serving alcohol, a 14 percent and 11 per cent boost from 2005, respectively.
“This year’s survey demonstrates once again that the holiday party remains an important tradition,” said Battalia Winston CEO Dale Winston.
More holiday party statistics from Battalia Winston:
•77 per cent of businesses are conducting their celebrations off-site, compared to 23 per cent celebrating at the office.
•52 per cent of the companies having parties are only inviting employees, while 37 per cent of companies are allowing spouses.
•95 per cent are not inviting clients
•28 per cent of companies will conduct more expensive parties this year, an 11 per cent increase from last year.
•66 per cent of the respondents say that this year’s celebration will cost about the same as last year.
•62 per cent of respondents say their celebrations will not include gift giving.
•91 per cent of holiday parties will be paid for by employers, with the remainder of respondents indicating that employees are footing the bill (4 per cent) or contributing to the bill (5 per cent).
