CELEBRATIONS and parties spreading holiday cheer will occur in fewer workplaces this winter season. With the current economy, a majority of offices must make cuts in their holiday party budgets. Some workplaces may choose to downscale the celebration with less expensive options, while other offices may cancel their holiday get-togethers.

Sixty-two per cent of companies plan to hold a holiday party this year, according to a survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc, a staffing service that questioned 100 human resource executives, compared to 77 per cent of companies last year. In 2007, 90 per cent of businesses hoped to throw a holiday celebration for employees.

When it comes to eliminating the holiday party, 10 per cent of companies must cancel their celebration due to saving money. Only seven per cent of companies had to call off their gathering last year.

“The strength of the recovery, or whether we are even in recovery, is still unclear. Companies are postponing major investments, hiring initiatives and many other expenses, including holiday parties,” says John A Challenger, chief executive officer. “For companies that have recently announced layoffs or other significant cost-cutting measures, such as wage freezes, it would be difficult to justify, let alone get in the mood for a holiday party.”

Most companies [64 per cent] plan to keep the budget the same as last year, while 29 per cent want to decrease the party costs. There are options if companies want to keep the party and make it more budget friendly. Managers can hold a get-together for only employees. Instead of paying for a caterer, do a potluck lunch or dinner and have the workers bring the main dishes. Pass a list around the office with the different options for appetisers, main courses, desserts, drinks, etc.

Although some companies still want to hold their parties at an off-site location and serve alcohol, only 36 per cent of companies plan to hire an event planner or caterer. Another less expensive option would be a luncheon instead of a dinner. Or hold the party on company premises or at an employee’s home.

A holiday party should be the time to enjoy each other’s company without thinking about work. Show workers that you appreciate their efforts in this difficult economy. The party doesn’t have to be extravagant for workers to enjoy. Plan a creative game or activity. Do a present exchange with gifts less than $1,000 each.

Money may not be the only risk associated with holiday parties. Swine flu outbreaks could inhibit large gatherings in a small area. Alcohol can lead to inappropriate behaviour, which may present legal dangers.

“Beyond the threat of H1N1, there are other pitfalls that employers and employees must consider when planning holiday parties. For employers, there is significant risk associated with hosting such events, especially when they include alcohol,” says Challenger. “There are also legal risks associated to the increased potential for sexual harassment claims. For employees, now is not the time to draw attention to oneself with embarrassing conduct at the holiday party, particularly at a time when everyone’s job is at risk of being downsized.”

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc provides suggestions for those attending office holiday celebrations:

. Get there early. This could be a great opportunity to talk with executives.

. Meet new people. Try to socialise with other people outside of your department. It is always a good idea to make more contacts.

. Drink in moderation. If alcohol is available, don’t overindulge. Avoid doing something humiliating. You don’t want to get fired or lose out on a chance to advance in the company.

. Don’t discuss business. Get to know your boss on a more personal level. Ask questions to find out more about his or her interests and hobbies.

A holiday party is the opportunity to mingle with workers outside of the office. Even budget-conscious celebrations can be fun. Consider different options in order to provide a time to spread holiday cheer.

– Creators News Service

Sluggish economy contributes to employee absences

HOW many times have you not wanted to go to work? Did you resort to making up excuses, even if they sounded ridiculous and far-fetched? Some workers have no shame and will come up with the most unique lies.

Almost one-third of employees have missed work this year at least once when they weren’t truly sick, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey that questioned at least 4,700 workers and 3,100 employers.

Office absences can be blamed on the flu or colds, but the economy may also play a part. Fatigue and stress from the sluggish economy can cause workers to play hooky from the workplace. At least that is what 28 per cent of employers think. Certain employers go as far as to check up on the employee who is supposedly sick. These managers either required a doctor’s note from the worker, called the worker at home, gave a co-worker permission to call the employee or drove by the worker’s home.

Fifteen per cent of employers fired an employee for playing hooky without a genuine excuse. Even if it is tempting to take a day off work, employees should be careful. Some workers called in sick to miss a work-related activity, such as a meeting, or they needed extra time to finish a project or assignment. Other employees decided to take the day off to go to a doctor’s appointment, to take time to relax, to get more sleep, to run errands, to finish housework or to spend more time with family and friends. Thirty-two per cent of employees just didn’t want to go to the office that day.

“Longer hours and heavier workloads are common in the current economic climate and employers are becoming more flexible with their time-off policies,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice-president of human resources. “Sixty-three per cent of companies we surveyed said they let their team members use sick days for mental health days. If you need time to recharge, your best bet is to be honest with your manager.”

Employers provide the most bizarre examples of employee excuses:

. I got sunburned at a nude beach and can’t wear clothes.

. I woke up in Canada.

. I’m convinced my spouse is having an affair, and I’m staying home to catch them.

Talk with your manager if you are in need of a break or a mental health day. It is better to be truthful than to get caught in a lie.

– Creators News Service