Company Holiday Parties---Putting On The Ritz

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Nov 2006 03:12 PM

Have you received the invitation to your company's Christmas party yet? A recent survey shows that if you haven't received one yet, it will likely happen soon. The survey of human resource executives found that 79% of companies will be planning a holiday party this year. What's more, the survey found a high percentage of companies will be spending more to put on their office bashes. Nearly one in three companies said it plans to boost party budgets this year, up from 23% in 2005. While only 6% of firms said they are cutting their party budget.

The survey found that despite high energy costs and a slowdown in economic growth in the second and third quarters, many firms still have managed to achieve record profits, which means they are spending more on lavish company parties. Personally, I found the news quite interesting because in 2001 the company I was working for at the time cancelled our holiday party AFTER the invitations were sent out. They cited "recent restructuring" as the reason for the cancellation. I don't remember my co-workers taking the news very well, but I think at that point we were just happy we were still employed.

Fast forward five years to the year 2006, according to the survey, caterers, party planning organizations and party venues confirm that many companies across the country started planning their parties earlier this year. For example, in St. Louis, some employers started booking their holiday parties with event planners in April. The survey found some New York companies started booking corporate holiday events in May and June. One Houston restaurant that hosts company holiday parties told researchers that they will be hosting company holiday parties every weekend from December 1st through the end of January.

The survey also found that where firms appear to be spending more is on alcohol and off-site venues. According to the survey, 60% of employers plan to provide alcohol this year, up from 54% a year ago. And 66% of the companies polled are holding their parties outside of the office, compared with 55% in 2005.

Are you going to your office's Christmas party? Where is it being held?

Related Articles:

The Office Christmas Party---To Go Or Not To Go

Office Party Etiquette---Seven Tips To Preserve Your Professional Image

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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