Is the work Christmas party really worth it?

Whether it is Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Holidays, companies are getting festive this time of the year, but has the way we view the holiday season changed? 

The way companies view the festive season varies not only country to country, but business to business. Some companies gladly accept Christmas gifts from clients or suppliers as a thank you for the year, while others frown upon it. Some companies go all out for their Christmas party, whilst others keep it low key or don't do anything at all. The conversation that a lot of people will be having this time of year is "what's your company doing for Christmas?"

It seems that after cost cutting through the credit crunch some big companies are making their Christmas budget bigger than ever. Google employees were treated to a Ferris wheel, ice rink and a whole room dedicated to balloons! The theme was New York and they even had actors dressed as New York Cops riding round on police horses. The whole extravaganza was rumoured to cost €300,000!  While most of us would be happy with a hot meal and a glass of wine it seems some companies go all out this time of the year.

Is the Christmas party a good thing or a bad thing? I think the end of year Christmas party is a nice way of showing employees your appreciation for their hard work throughout the year, but should we need that? Should it be left to the office Christmas party to show your appreciation or is it all just about getting together as a company and letting your hair down and forgetting about stress for one evening a year?

Whatever you do this year whether it’s a buffet in the office or an all-out extravaganza enjoy it, but remember, if your outing is on a work night and the next morning you ring with "the flu" your employer might be a little suspicious!

Kubo would love to know what your doing this year! Leave your comments below!