
A study in November revealed that it’s quite common for Brits to snub colleagues when it comes to friend requests on Facebook.
That trend is probably only more likely to increase now that festive corporate parties will take place and the likelihood of becoming part of an office scandal grows. Eventbrite has compiled a Christmas Party Index by surveying senior decision makers and has found the UK’s companies are set to spend £955m on staff entertainment throughout the festive period. Indeed, some 72 per cent of firms plan on holding a party with an average spend of £42.48 per employee, which is up from just 40 per cent in 2009 following the recession. Unsurprisingly, this spikes to more than £100 for 11 per cent of businesses in the capital, but falls to a more reasonable £39.44 in the East Midlands and £37.72 in Yorkshire. But where was the least spent on employee entertainment? Northern Ireland, according to the results, with just £12.36 dished out per person.2. East Midlands – £39.44
3. Yorkshire – £37.72
4. South East – £36.98
5. North East – £33.44
6. South West – £32.64
7. North West – £31.78
8. Scotland – £31.58
9. West Midlands – £26.40
10. East of England – £26.12
11. Wales – £19.79
12. Northern Ireland – £12.36 However, for anyone planning to complain on the amount, they should think themselves lucky if their employer is paying – ten per cent of firms expect staff members to pay out of their own money. The near £1bn spend will be racked up as staff members expect parties to be exciting experiences, complete with professional entertainers, dancers, themes, top notch grub and cocktails, which has resulted in 93 per cent of businesses planning to be inventive. Indeed, just seven per cent of companies will host an office-based party, while 17 per cent will choose an exclusive external venue, the study found. With Daniel Craig currently starring in Spectre, it’s though James Bond will be a popular theme and so is Star Wars, with the latest in the franchise due for cinematic release before Christmas.
Read more on Christmas in the workplace:
- Four things your staff need from you to excel over Christmas
- Five corporate event ideas to give staff members a festive fattening
- 10 most compelling Christmas ads from UK high street retailers based on facial reactions
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