A friend of mine told me about her company’s holiday party. My reaction was that it’s kind of disgusting to have a holiday party the same year the employer laid off workers. It’s not quite to the level of “Let them eat cake”, but it’s close. Perhaps it’s my poverty upbringing talking: if you proclaim austerity, then all extravagance should be curtailed. It’s like the guy saying he is broke, yet orders foods on DoorDash everyday.
Are you though?
My employer also held a university-wide Christmas party, of which I did not attend. The optics of it is not great when just a month ago the university President declared a financial emergency. For sure the thousands of dollars to throw a party is pissing against the wind of labor costs. But that money is enough to save one course for the Spring semester. Wouldn’t that be more worth it?
Don’t bring up the argument of boosting morale. A holiday party is but a distraction if the employer cannot guarantee the employee’s future. You know how to best boost morale? Promise the workers there will be no further layoffs. What employees want most is security, not some trinkets gifted at a party. If the company really wants to spend the money, make it a lottery to give to one lucky employee.
Hey, kids!
