Christmas parties are a great way for businesses to bring their teams together, celebrate the year and thank employees for their hard work. But with budgets under increasing pressure, businesses may be thinking differently about how they approach their annual Christmas celebration.
One option worth considering is sharing the cost between the employer and employees. Rather than the business covering the entire cost of the event, the employer could contribute, with employees contributing towards the remainder.
This approach could make hosting a Christmas party at a venue such as Seckford Hall a more realistic option for businesses that may otherwise consider the cost too high.
Sharing the cost of a Christmas celebration
For employers, the Christmas party is often an expense that needs to be considered alongside everything else the business is paying for at the end of the year.
The cost of food, drinks, entertainment, venue hire and other elements can quickly add up, particularly for larger teams. As a result, some businesses may choose a simpler celebration or decide not to hold a Christmas party at all.
A shared-cost approach offers another possibility.
The employer could contribute an agreed amount per employee, with employees then paying a proportion of the remaining cost themselves. This could allow the business to set a clear budget while still giving employees the opportunity to take part in a Christmas event.
For example, if a company has allocated a certain amount per person, that contribution could go towards the overall cost of the event, with employees paying the difference. The exact arrangement would be up to each individual business, but the principle is simple: the cost is shared rather than falling entirely on the employer.
Making Christmas parties more accessible
Sharing the cost could give businesses more flexibility when choosing where and how to celebrate. Instead of viewing the total cost of the event as something the company has to cover alone, the employer contribution becomes part of a wider budget.
It is also important that employees understand exactly what they are being asked to contribute towards. Businesses could communicate the employer contribution, the employee cost and what is included within the event before making any arrangements.
For employees, knowing that their employer is contributing towards the celebration can also make the cost feel more manageable, while allowing them to decide whether they would like to take part.
Christmas parties at Seckford Hall
At Seckford Hall, Christmas parties offer businesses the opportunity to bring their teams together for a festive celebration within the hotel.
The venue can accommodate both shared and exclusive Christmas party options, meaning businesses can choose an arrangement that works for their group.
A shared Christmas party allows different businesses and groups to celebrate during the festive season, while exclusive options provide businesses with the opportunity to host their own Christmas event.
For employers considering a shared-cost approach, having different options available means there is flexibility when planning the event. The employer can decide what contribution works within its budget, while employees can contribute towards the remaining cost if that is the arrangement the business chooses to offer.
More than just a work event
A Christmas party is also an opportunity to bring employees together outside their usual working environment.
For teams who spend most of their time working remotely, across different locations or simply within the same office, the Christmas celebration can provide a chance to catch up, socialise and celebrate the year together.
Hosting the event away from the workplace can also help mark the occasion as something separate from the working day. At Seckford Hall, businesses can enjoy a festive evening within the setting of the hotel, with Christmas dining and all the elements that come with a seasonal celebration.
For employers, this can provide a straightforward way to bring the team together without having to organise every element themselves.
Is sharing the cost right for your business?
There is no one approach that will work for every company. Some employers may prefer to cover the full cost of their Christmas party, while others may have a fixed budget that they need to work within.
For businesses considering their options, asking employees to contribute towards part of the cost could provide another way to approach the annual Christmas celebration.
The key is making the arrangement clear and ensuring employees know what the company is contributing and what, if anything, they would be expected to pay.
It could also allow businesses to consider venues and event options that they may previously have ruled out based on the total cost being covered by the employer alone.
Plan your Christmas party at Seckford Hall
If you’re starting to think about your company’s Christmas plans, Seckford Hall has a range of shared and exclusive Christmas party options available.
Whether you’re planning a celebration for the whole company or looking for an option for a smaller team, our Christmas events provide a chance to bring everyone together and celebrate the end of the year.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch with the Seckford Hall team to find out more about our Christmas party options and discuss what’s right for your business or book your party now!
