How to make a business case for Christmas party budget

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By Go Ask eve

Increasingly businesses want to see a return on their staff entertainment events. A Christmas party can have benefits such as developing a more cohesive team, recognising and encouraging excellence and team bonding leading to increased productivity. But, understandably, it can be difficult to justify spending money on work social events and time out of the office for a jolly – so how do you get your boss on board?

When creating a business case, the very first step is to go back to basics and think why on earth are we doing this? Why would we want to spend company money on buying everyone what is essentially a night out? Understanding the benefits that your Christmas party can have on the business is absolutely vital to getting that all-important sign off.

Return on investment

In business terms, the annual Christmas party isn’t a frivolous activity devoid of return on investment (ROI). The good news is, you can justify the expense of a Christmas party and be smart with the gains you get from it.

Much to the joy of your manager, the Christmas party can actually make employees more engaged and work better and more productively in the long run. As companies try to keep wage demands under control to ensure competitiveness, showing staff you appreciate and care about them should never be an afterthought – it should be the top of your agenda! In the current work climate, many companies now have employee engagement surveys and the CEO and management team are measured as much on this as they are on profits.

According to Talent Works International most offices see a 31% rise in efficiency when workers have higher morale. What could be more morale-boosting than a Christmas shindig to celebrate the year and all the successes that your company has seen? This will show in those employee engagement surveys – and in the day-to-day manner of staff.

Bang for buck

Add an element of team building into your Christmas party for a two-for-one. Most managers are aware of the positive impact of team building activities – and the Christmas party is no different. If you’re unsure about whether you’ll get the go-ahead, don’t just propose that your boss buys everyone dinner and wakes up with a sore head to show for it. Research team building activities for staff to take part in at your Christmas bash and treat it as your annual team building exercise: you can always have a Christmassy meal or a drink or two afterwards.

No need for time off

Remind your boss that there is no need to take time out of the office to celebrate Christmas and your company’s success over the year. You can just have an evening do – find a local venue that provides what you’re looking for and leave the office at the usual time.

Reduced staff turnover

It’s no secret that ensuring that employees feel valued and appreciated reduces staff turnover. People are moving around in their jobs more than ever and, if your company is one that sees staff leaving often, your Christmas party is going to be even more important!

Remind your manager that there is no need to do something elaborate and bank-breaking, but something that shows appreciation for staff will go a long way for encouraging them to stay with you.

Your business case should focus on the benefits that a Christmas party can have on your team, your boss and your business. Ask yourself why your manager would agree to this – and why they wouldn’t.

Perception of management

It’ll make your manager look good. We’re all humans and we all have opinions of the people we work with, and let’s face it, coming across as stingy or unappreciative will do your boss no favours. Perhaps don’t say it like that, but it’s worth noting in your business case that humanising employees can work wonders for ensuring that they work well together.

Don’t forget to go ask eve for the best team building and corporate Christmas party venues