The Work Christmas party

[Tommy H]

I read a interesting article in the Age about this. The author wasn't too happy about them but it got me thinking what people think. I personally aren't against them but it doesn't mean I attend such things. I usually do, this year I haven't due to personal reasons. The organisation I work for actually make you work up the hours to cover for the thing and you pay your way. I found it amusing to say the least that there was one person at work who didn't quite work the hours up to cover the party so had to come back into work after spending an hour and a half there (they left work at 1230 today) and work until the end of the day. It has to be said that our lovely director has stipulated to the Executive that he will not work on Fridays because of work/life balance although will come in if absolutely needed (apparently he has endured a few of his family pass away in their 50's)

To me employers should be all about celebrating the effort their employees have put in during the year. Some employees think that it is a great idea to have one. Some think they don't want to spend anymore time with people from work and would rather spend their time with family.

Anyway the original article in the Age implied that maybe the work Christmas party is a thing of the past. What do people on here think of work Christmas parties? I have read there a couple of ex CEO's of their own businesses on the forum and would be interested in their thoughts as well.

 

[23.21.159]

I hate them. Where I live, they are little more than a hook-up fest. I'd rather spend the night at home.

I hate the fact that if you don't go, it's a black mark against your name for not being a "team-player". But that doesn't stop me from not going.

When spouses were welcome I used to go, but it's been a very long time since that was the case. Haven't been to one in years.

 

[TigerForce]

I was howled at 10 years ago when I told the Manager I had already booked a day/night out with mates at the Richmond Family Day.

 

[Tommy H]

Today instead of a phone shift of a maximum two hours I had a four and a half hour shift. A fitting reward apparently of not being able to attend our teams end of year. Oh well.

 

[TigerForce]

Today instead of a phone shift of a maximum two hours I had a four and a half hour shift. A fitting reward apparently of not being able to attend our teams end of year. Oh well.

Let's not forget the office politics (flirt, rape, assault, back stabbing etc) that are sometimes exposed in these 'get togethers'.

 

[mld]

I suppose it depends on the workplace culture. Our workplace Christmas parties usually work out pretty well, a few too many drinks with people you get on with, and front up for work the next day.

 

[Chiang Mai Tiger]

Christmas is about Jesus' birthday not about work p!ssups. We should all be thinking about the 12 year Mary that was forced to marry an older man and gave birth to a poor kid in a hovel only fit for animals ;D

 

[Tommy H]

Christmas is about Jesus' birthday not about work p!ssups. We should all be thinking about the 12 year Mary that was forced to marry an older man and gave birth to a poor kid in a hovel only fit for animals!

WTF are you on about. Maybe you should head down the road mate. Apparently they have a cabin up there for such things.

 

[Tigers of Old]

I hate them too. Work and a heap of alcohol is rarely a smart mix.

 

[Rfc4Ever]

One of my Xmas parties this year involves barefoot bowls and cheap bar drinks - missus will be picking me up from that one.

 

[TigerForce]

Let's not forget the office politics (flirt, rape, assault, back stabbing etc) that are sometimes exposed in these 'get togethers'.

I forgot to add that the Kris Kringle at work isn't exactly the best thing to have when you look at the offensive 'gifts' people can receive some times.

I was a victim once.....I think... ;D

 

[Chiang Mai Tiger]

WTF are you on about. Maybe you should head down the road mate. Apparently they have a cabin up there for such things.

FFS chill out Princess, it's just my attempt at black humor!

But hey, my mistake, I've just modified my original post with a ;D to reflect that, not much I post should be taken seriously.

Hope you are happy with that and your interesting thread can continue, if not here's a video just for you:

[youtube=560,315]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r26krlXFmOI[/youtube]

 

[Brodders17]

FFS chill out Princess, it's just my attempt at black humor!

But hey, my mistake, I've just modified my original post with a ;D to reflect that, not much I post should be taken seriously.

Hope you are happy with that and your interesting thread can continue, if not here's a video just for you:

[youtube=560,315]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r26krlXFmOI[/youtube]

great song. and Wendy James was HOT! (when I was 10 or whatever I was.)

 

[tigertim]

Working in a federal govt department our Christmas lunches are as racy or debauched as the Neerim CWA AGM.

 

[Baloo]

Are you still allowed to call them Chritmas Parties in Australia ? Surely it must be. Year end party, or a festive season party.

 

[tigertim]

Are you still allowed to call them Chritmas Parties in Australia ? Surely it must be. Year end party, or a festive season party.

Traditionalists still call them Christmas party etc, the more pc minded use the EOY term.

 

[Tommy H]

FFS chill out Princess, it's just my attempt at black humor!

But hey, my mistake, I've just modified my original post with a ;D to reflect that, not much I post should be taken seriously.

Hope you are happy with that and your interesting thread can continue, if not here's a video just for you:

[youtube=560,315]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r26krlXFmOI[/youtube]

Classic. Thanks CMT - no offence taken and great clip. But i do think it is an interesting topic.

 

[Tigertool]

Our whole office loves our Christmas/EOY parties. Working in an accounting firm we also have an EOFY party which we celebrate the same way.

No one contributes any money or has to work any extra hours, and its all you can drink (Beer, Wine & Spirits). Every expense is paid for by the firm. Christmas/EOY party is spouse friendly, but EOFY is no spouses. We have a Drunk & Disorderly award for who gets the most drunk (Been here 3 years and won 2 D&D awards ;D) and a best dressed as the parties are generally themed. Many don't choose to dress up which is totally fine also, you don't get howled down for it.

Very much looking forward to our next one which is December 6. They can be a really wonderful thing depending on the workplace.

 

[KiwiTig]

Our whole office loves our Christmas/EOY parties. Working in an accounting firm we also have an EOFY party which we celebrate the same way.

No one contributes any money or has to work any extra hours, and its all you can drink (Beer, Wine & Spirits). Every expense is paid for by the firm. Christmas/EOY party is spouse friendly, but EOFY is no spouses. We have a Drunk & Disorderly award for who gets the most drunk (Been here 3 years and won 2 D&D awards ;D) and a best dressed as the parties are generally themed. Many don't choose to dress up which is totally fine also, you don't get howled down for it.

Very much looking forward to our next one which is December 6. They can be a really wonderful thing depending on the workplace.

Sounds similar to ours. Spouse friendly, all laid on, Saturday night affair. This year has been dialled back a little though. December 6th too.

Looking forward to it.

 

[tigersnake]

Made a goose of myself years ago, just out of my apprenticeship, first job in the big city, company had a bumper year so laid it on, crownies (remember they they meant super-luxury?) champaign as far as you could see, fully catered with roasts. All too much for a 20yo country boy. The aftermath involved breakdancing in the middle of a Springvale rd intersection (apparently), breakdancing at chasers (apparently) and breakdancing at the sentimental bloke (apparently). Woke up semi-clothed at the bottom of an empty swimming pool at the receptionists house in Dingley, bless her. What a goose, but learnt a valuable lesson.

These days ours fluctuates year by year between a very tame lunch and a fairly raucious dinner. People think, 'that was a bit too raucous/ boring last year' and the pendulum swings. Pretty tame, work pays.