Are Holiday Office Parties Dying Off?
One of my Facebook friends shared a picture recently that said "This probably isn't the year to hang mistletoe around the office". Ain't that the truth. It seems that alcohol-infused, ugly sweater, out-of-hand holiday office parties are a thing of the past. In an age where sexual harassment, especially in the workplace, is the main headline everyday there is just too much risk.
A survey was done by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. to find out what the latest trends are when it comes to holiday office parties. Here is what it found:
- 11% of companies said they weren't having a party this year. That is a 7% jump from last year (4% not having one)
- 48% are serving alcohol at their party, compared to last year when almost 62% of parties had alcohol.
- Nearly 60% of parties this year will be employees only, that is up from 2016 when only 52% had an employees only rule.
There is no denying that companies have scaled back on the parties. Whether it be for financial reasons or just fear of a sexual harassment case coming from it. What is your company doing to celebrate the holidays this year? Share it in the comments!