ARE you looking forward to your office or workplace party?
Or has your boss turned seasonal Scrooge by responding to the economic downturn by cancelling the annual shindig? If so, (s)he's in good company: the latest research suggests more than half of small businesses are expected to do away with the knees-up.
However the same research warns that ditching the festivities to save a few pounds is a big mistake. The Forum of Private Business says the move alienates workers "who have more than likely worked hard during a particularly tough year eroding morale further, and disincentivising staff to go the 'extra mile' for their company in future".
If you're nodding furiously in agreement and looking for a solution, the not-for-profit Forum has listed ten top tips. These very sensible solutions include actually explaining to staff that times are tough and asking for alternative ideas such as a low-key BYOB gathering in the workplace with nibbles or a festive quiz with a prize for the winner. Simply saying 'thank you' goes a long way too - as does letting staff away a couple of hours early in lieu of a party.
If you're one of those affected, feel free to leave this page of the paper conveniently open on your boss's desk...
CONTINUING the Christmas theme, have you sent out your Christmas cards yet?
A chilling new survey lifting the lid on "the true cost" of not sending a greetings card this time of year makes for grim reading.
Amongst other things, it concludes that:
l 18-44 year olds are most likely to have ended a relationship with someone who has failed to send a Christmas card.
l 16 per cent of people in the UK have retaliated after not receiving a Christmas card by removing friends and family from their festive greetings list.
It warns that "relationships could be at stake" if we fail to send out physical cards to friends and family.
All very dramatic. And the source of this alarming wake-up call? Yes, you've guessed it, the good old Royal Mail. The report is surprisingly silent on the impact on relationships of cards and parcels lost in the post...
JOURNAL reader William McDowell is less than impressed by all the pandemonium surrounding a couple of arrivals from China.
The Ness Road, Fortrose resident writes: "What a swop! Two pandas for Alex Salmond. Pity about the 10-year return clause."
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