As the Government prepare to give an update on Covid-19 restrictions for the Christmas period later this week, new research reveals that many workplaces have already abandoned plans for their festive celebrations this year.
The research, from IrishJobs.ie, carried out among 2,610 employees in Ireland found that 42 per cent of workplaces will not host any form of Christmas party this year, with a further 10 per cent postponing their plans for a workplace Christmas event until Covid restrictions have been lifted.
According to the research, 84 per cent of workplaces typically host a Christmas party for employees every year. However, only 14 per cent will host a party this festive season.
Of those who will host a workplace Christmas party this year:
- Nine per cent will host a virtual party.
- Three per cent plan to have a party in the workplace under socially distanced guidelines.
- Two per cent hope to secure a booking in a restaurant or pub in line with Government guidelines.
A total of 26 per cent of employees do not know if their workplace will hold a Christmas party this year. Meanwhile, eight per cent say that they never host Christmas parties in work.
According to the research, almost eight in 10 employees consider workplace socialising to be an important aspect of their job.
However, when it comes to Christmas socialising this year, four in 10 employees think that it would be irresponsible to host a Christmas party given the current Covid risks. A total of 30 per cent think it would be more trouble than it is worth given current restrictions and risks.
Workplace socialising during Covid-19
Aside from Christmas parties, the research also suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a wider impact on workplace socialising levels for most workplaces.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 94 per cent of workplaces held regular social events, with four in ten holding a social activity for employees at least once a quarter.
Throughout the pandemic, this has decreased significantly with 81 per cent of employees saying that they no longer have any workplace social activities.
For those who have continued with workplace events, the large majority of these events have been online, with only 10 per cent of employees stating that they’ve met with colleagues in person.
Respondents reported a very mixed experience of online social activities including Zoom calls, virtual quizzes and comedy shows with colleagues. According to the research:
- 20 per cent of employees said they do not enjoy virtual workplace socialising.
- 17 per cent said they do enjoy virtual workplace socialising.
- 12 per cent said they enjoyed it at the beginning, but less so now.
- 50 per cent haven’t experienced a virtual workplace social event
