Santa Claus may not be coming to town after all, as office holiday parties have become a casualty in many Canadian organizations facing budget considerations in a tough economic climate.
A survey of 892 employed Canadians, commissioned by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), revealed that 39% of respondents aren’t having a party this year. Additionally, 56% of those who indicated they typically do have a celebration said they would understand if spending for this year’s office holiday party was being scaled back or cancelled altogether due to economic concerns.
Respondents in Quebec were most likely to indicate they will have an office party this year (64%), compared with a lower likelihood of workplace parties in Ontario, Alberta and the Atlantic region (56%, 50% and 47%, respectively).
Claude Balthazard, vice-president, regulatory affairs and registrar, with the HRPA, says that companies focused on employee morale should find ways to celebrate the holidays with their employees, however modest that celebration might be.
“Whether this year has been good or bad for your organization, the holidays are a key time for recognizing hard work and thanking employees for a job well done,” he said. “But that doesn’t necessarily have to come in the form of a lavish party. It’s the thought that counts.
“If your organization isn’t able to have a party this year, perhaps you could consider planning something that is less costly that would still engage employees. Be clear about the reasons why the company is not holding a party and ask for their feedback/involvement with planning.”