Lots of talk these days about the Corporate Holiday Party…should companies have one or cut it out? There are lots of different schools of thought on this one.
- On one hand, I completely understand the financial reality that, if a company isn’t making the numbers, they shouldn’t spend money on a holiday party.
- Then there’s the thinking that, if a company is making money and their employees have worked their butts off all year during these trying times…they deserve a little recognition (i.e. a holiday party.)
- And yet another school of thought feels that, when there are people hurting in your community, you should help them first…even if it means giving up a holiday party.
So who’s right? Sorry, no silver-bullet answer here. It’s all depends on your company.
The HR Maven recently shared with us that GE canceled their holiday party…a decision that was cool with her. The culture supports servant leadership and taking care of the people in their community who need assistance.
I’ve worked places where the corporate culture would have considered it majorly uncool to cancel a holiday party. So, when times were tough, management got creative and held celebrations to recognize the team without a huge expense. We held cookie receptions during work hours and allowed employees to bring their kids to work for cocoa and crafts. We gave out turkeys instead of serving fancy meals and, if they didn’t need/want it, people had the option of donating their turkey to a family in need.
Regardless of whether a company decides to cancel the party or not, management should be diligent about communicating this decision with their employees and explaining what options (if any) are available. It’s possible to have a heart full of good intentions and end up being called a Scrooge just because of poor communication.
And I hope that, if a company decides they are going to cancel the annual holiday bash…they don’t forget the reason the party was created in the first place. No – it’s not an excuse for free food and drink…it’s to show appreciation for the work and effort their people give to the organization.
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Laurie Ruettimann says
I’d like to see more work done on creating a year-round culture of appreciation and less discussion on the holiday party in Corporate America.
hr bartender says
Absolutely Laurie! And mad props for infusing a large dose of sensibility to this topic.
Rachel - I Hate HR says
At my office within the company we all contribute $2 a pay period toward a fund for these types of events. It’s a manageable amount for everyone and it reduces the pressure on the company to pay for it all.
HR Maven says
Great points and thanks for shout out. Michigan in particular is teetering, hinging on the talks that are ongoing with the automotive industry. Businesses are concerned, people are concerned and it looks like a bumpy couple of weeks here. Even if we did have a party, the mood would not be festive.
I love Laurie’s comment about focusing on appreciation year-round. We try and do that at my employer, a local college. And Rachel, what a great idea.
For Christmas, HR closes for an hour and we go out to breakfast. It’s perfect, affordable and low stress. And we will not be having a party this year either – the college just made the call and I think it’s the right choice.