A new study reports a change in attitudes toward traditional office Christmas parties. Nearly a quarter of UK office workers (23%) plan to skip this event this year.
According to the findings commissioned by Team Tactics (a team building and corporate event company), workplace tensions and dissatisfaction with alcohol-fueled events are driving this trend.
A survey of more than 1,000 office workers reveals that the main reasons for not attending meetings are a lack of enthusiasm (31%), a reluctance of spending additional time with co-workers (24%), or avoiding drunken colleagues (19%).
Alcohol is at the Center of Controversy
Opinions about alcohol are divided. One in five respondents admits to drinking a lot of alcohol. While 43 percent believe that drinking at Christmas parties helps them relax and have fun, they also say it is a good way to unwind. Many workers, however, are turned off by the drinking culture.
Nearly half of the participants (45%) find drunken colleagues irritating. This is especially true for Gen Xers (49%) as well as Baby Boomers (53%). A further 48 percent of respondents said they were not interested in alcohol-focused events, and 42 percent agreed that the focus on Christmas parties is too heavy on alcohol.
Research also highlights the potential risks of alcohol consumption at work functions. Of the respondents, 47 percent reported seeing inappropriate behaviour in drunk colleagues. And 41 percent said they felt uncomfortable when working with drunk colleagues.
Tina Benson said in a statement about the research that “among the different attitudes and preference towards work Christmas parties it is sad to learn that many employees feel negative towards spending time outside of the office hours with coworkers and that others are made to feel uncomfortable, excluded or pressured as a consequence of alcohol-fueled behaviour by colleagues.” If you want to celebrate Christmas, it should be a time of fun, togetherness, and building relationships.
Different Attitudes between Generations
Gen Z workers are divided on the issue of alcohol in workplace events. Although 24 percent of Gen Z workers admit to drinking heavily, and 35 percent claim that alcohol helps them relax (the highest rate in any age group), a significant portion (22%) refrains from drinking at all – the most among any age groups surveyed.
The millennial workforce is more open to alternatives to the traditional Christmas party. Nearly half of millennials (48%) said they prefer non-alcoholic or activity-based events. This is in line with the general sentiment expressed by 40 percent of respondents who prefer alternative ways to celebrate.
The findings indicate that organisations need to reassess how they approach holiday celebrations. It is possible that the traditional format and emphasis on alcohol may not be appealing to today’s employees, especially as they express a desire for inclusive and engaging alternative formats.
Benson continued, “While employees still look forward to and enjoy a Christmas Party, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the traditional festive ‘knees up’ or to consider an alternative activity which is more inclusive and appealing to everyone in the team.” It can be powerful to unite colleagues around a charity or important cause. This will simultaneously drive positive changes for team dynamics as well as communities in need.
