Workplace expert says companies need to keep the office Christmas party
原始发布日期： 2015-11-21 发布者：虫子字变大 字变小
Cheap and cheerful holiday office party ideas for the economic downturn Cancelling the office Christmas party is not good for morale, says one workplace expert. (iStock) The days of lavish corporate champagne-filled Christmas parties may be over during the economic downturn this holiday season, but companies who are planning to outright cancel celebrations may want to rethink that idea, says a workplace expert. Caterers and event planners are already seeing a dramatic downturn in business - as much as 90 per cent this year. Corporate Calgary's Christmas parties 'killed' by economic downturn 
Melanie Peacock, a workplace expert, says companies should strive to show employees a little recognition over the holidays, even it means a small social gathering. Melanie Peacock, associate professor at Mount Royal University's Bissett School of Business, is also hearing from many sectors and business, big and small, that holiday parties are scaling way back or being kiboshed. But many employees are saying, 'I hope we get something,' Peacock says. Is your workplace having a Christmas party? Tell us in the comments section below Affects morale"If companies do absolutely nothing, it's sending a message to employees that they're not valued. It's very de-motivating and it might even be a spiralling effect that we're saying 'the economy might be even worse than we think,' " she says.On the flip side, if a company proceeds to have a party, she advises it needs to be mindful of the optics. "It would be very inappropriate to have a lavish or extravagant holiday party, when your colleagues have just been let go." Workplace research shows there is 'survivors' syndrome,' something that can affect people left in a company after many workers have been laid off. "We have to remember to recognize and be very aware of the mental and physical capabilities of the people who remain behind " says Peacock. "This is one simple way to say thank you." There is always value in having some kind of social event for morale and showing gratitude to people. It doesn't have to be fancy. "Just getting people together at an appropriate venue or at an appropriate time ... to have informal conversations ... to say Happy Holidays ... can do amazing things for teamwork and for people to connect. "Social events of any kind can also serve as a great motivator, because people will feel recognized and people will be more apt to help the company move on," Peacock said. There is a also lot of research about the power of interaction. Peacock's research has shown that it's important colleagues see each other as human beings. "If you take the time to recognize employees — even in a small way — it's the message you're sending. There are lots of creative way to do it." Here are a few cheap, cheerful ideas and workplace tips from Peacock.
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