Budget cuts, change of values or geographical distance, there are plenty of reasons which push certain companies not to organize party Christmas. Communicated with transparency, the news goes down well with employees — but if the situation brings its share of inconsistencies, then it makes people unhappy.
Published at 6:00 a.m.
Jean-Thomas Robert, 28, is a computer technician for a Sherbrooke SME. Working 100% from home, he couldn’t wait to see his colleagues again.
“We are a small team in my department,” he said. I met them “in real life” only three times in 13 months. Let’s just say that I was quite disappointed when I found out that we didn’t have any party This year. »
He says the company is struggling financially and all extras, including the small budget allocated for social activities, have been cut. THE party Christmas, usually organized in a reception hall, will not take place this year.
“We decided to have a potluck at one of us’s homes, but it’s not the same,” confides the young man.
Economic situation
Federal civil servant, Magali*, 40, experiences the same thing: there is nothing officially organized by her ministry.
“They clearly told us: “We don’t pay anything, we don’t organize anything.” My teammates are going to organize something, but since I live in another region and I work remotely, it would require long trips. It’s a bit flat. I feel isolated. »
The current economic context seems to weaken the social activities of many companies — and this includes parties Holidays. Some are creative. They put aside the traditional festive happy hour and choose other avenues such as giving small gifts, writing personalized cards or organizing an office lunch with a catering service.
“We gave everyone a surprise day off,” says Isabelle Blais, head of a small accounting office in the Laurentians. It’s a simple formula which had little impact on our activities and which really pleased us. »
Meaning and coherence
According to Manon Poirier, general director of the Order of Certified Human Resources Advisors of Quebec (CRHA), the party office still has its place in 2024: it not only represents an opportunity to thank the teams for the work accomplished during the year, but it is also a moment of reunion.
“It’s fun to see your colleagues in a different context and not to carry out tasks, attend a meeting or make decisions,” she emphasizes.
Generally appreciated by employees, party office is often expected. Its cancellation must be prepared and announced, believes Mme Poirier.
If we make the decision, as an employer, not to do so, then it must be consistent with the financial situation, it must make sense and it must be explained.
Manon Poirier, general director of the Order of Certified Human Resources Advisors of Quebec
The risk of frustration is great if, for example, the party for all is revoked — but it is maintained among middle managers or big bosses. “What message is being sent then? This risks causing cynicism,” notes Manon Poirier.
Premier party
Previously an administrative assistant in a presbytery, Marianne Fortier has been working at the Lac-Mégantic primary school since the start of the school year. There she combines the jobs of supervisor, daycare assistant and classroom assistant.
This year she has her very first party Christmas.
“There are a dozen of us,” she says. We go bowling and then we go out to a restaurant. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s my first happy hour ever! »
* Magali testified on condition of anonymity, for fear of reprisals from her superiors.
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