Majority of Execs Say Holiday Office Party Worth the Cost

November 17, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - A new survey by The Creative Group shows a majority (52%) of advertising and marketing executives believe the annual holiday office party is a good investment.

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of respondents disagreed, and an equal number said their firms don’t have holiday celebrations.   

Executives whose firms hold a holiday party said the biggest draw is being able to mingle with coworkers (53%), according to a press release. Nearly three in ten (29%) said it is the free food and entertainment; 9% said employees feel obligated to attend and 8% indicated employees attend to schmooze with higher-ups. 

“The extra work employees have put in these past few years isn’t lost on the majority of executives,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group, in the press release. “Organizing an end-of-year party shows people their contributions are appreciated and provides a chance for staff to relax and enjoy each others’ company.” 

The survey results are based on 500 telephone interviews — approximately 375 with marketing executives randomly selected from companies with 100 or more employees and 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from agencies with 20 or more employees.

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