According to research released by Close Brothers Invoice Finance, the majority of SMEs in the private sector ask staff to contribute financially towards their own Christmas party, despite believing that the event is important for staff morale.

A recent survey revealed that across the UK and Ireland, two fifths of office Christmas parties are fully paid for by the employer. In 18 per cent of firms, the business does not contribute towards the cost of celebrations at all.

However, over 86 per cent of senior managers across the country believe that this kind of event is important for staff morale and cohesion. Similarly, 85 per cent think that the leadership team should attend.

Businesses looking to organize such a party for their employees will be in need of Christmas party venues to consider. Luckily, there’s plenty to choose from online, many at competitive rates too! Hopefully, employers will consider the season of giving as their opportunity to be generous to their hardworking staff, many of whom have had Christmas as one of the biggest things they’ve been looking forward to in their social calendar for the year. Some employers may even consider marquee hire for their Christmas get-together. Marquees can be decorated however you like, and can even be heated to make them suitable for the winter weather.

Attitudes towards festivities vary based on region. Employers in Wales are most likely to ask their workers to contribute towards the office celebrations, with just a third of companies saying that they pay in full for a party for staff.

In comparison, nearly 60 per cent of businesses in London said that they pay for the Christmas party in its entirety, and a further 29 per cent stated that they cover the majority of the costs. London bosses were also most likely to believe the celebrations are needed for morale, with less than seven per cent saying they did not believe them to be important.