Nearly a quarter of employees avoided the office Christmas party this year

A new survey has revealed that many UK employees chose not to attend their annual Christmas party this year.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of UK office workers decided to ditch the workplace festivities this year.

According to the Team Tactics report, the top reasons given for not partaking were:

• not enjoying them (cited by 31%)
• not wanting to spend time with colleagues (24%)
• to avoid drunk colleagues (19%)

While 43% of respondents admitted that they drink alcohol at their Christmas work parties to relax and enjoy themselves, a quarter said they feel under pressure to drink and 45% said they find drunk colleagues annoying.

Nearly half of workers said the focus on getting drunk at parties doesn’t appeal to them and another 42% believe these events are too reliant on alcohol and getting drunk.

Tina Benson, founder and managing director of Team Tactics, said, “Among the different attitudes and preferences towards work Christmas parties, it’s sad to learn that so many employees feel negatively towards spending time with coworkers outside of office hours and that some are made to feel excluded, pressured or uncomfortable as a result of alcohol-fuelled behaviour from colleagues. For those that want to celebrate it, Christmas should be about coming together, building on relationships, and having fun.

“While many employees may still enjoy and look forward to a Christmas party, it might be time for organisations to rethink their typical festive ‘knees-up’ or consider organising an alternative activity that’s more inclusive and appealing to all members of the team.

“Uniting colleagues behind an important cause or charity mission can be incredibly powerful, simultaneously driving positive change for team dynamics and communities in need.”

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