This holiday season may see fewer celebrations in the workplace. Some companies are eliminating holiday parties, while other businesses plan to reduce the party fund. Seventy-seven percent of companies, according to a survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement agency that questioned 100 HR executives, expect to have holiday celebrations this year, compared to 90 percent in last year's survey.

Seven percent of companies had to cancel their holiday celebrations this year in order to try to save money. Last year, no surveyed businesses eliminated their holiday party.

"The comparative data from this year to the last is very telling," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer. "The effects of the housing slump that began around August 2007 had not been fully realized when companies were planning year-end parties. With the impact of the housing collapse rippling throughout many sectors of the economy, we are seeing the toll on holiday parties."

Most companies plan to keep the same celebration budget, but 13 percent must reduce spending this year; those cuts were approximately 53 percent. Only about 4 percent of businesses expect to increase their holiday funds this year.

Of those offices that plan to hold parties, 57 percent will have the celebration during a workday or at the end of a workday. And 65 percent of managers are limiting the parties to employees only.

"Even companies spending the same as last year will have to settle for less extravagant parties, thanks to higher costs for food, alcohol and venues," says Challenger. "However, many companies will find that holding a more low-key or low-budget party is better than canceling the party entirely.

"These year-end celebrations are an effective way of boosting employee morale, especially in tough economic times."

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. provide tips for holiday party attendees:

— Come early: This could be a great opportunity to socialize with the senior executives.

— Expand conversations: Talk with employees in other departments; networking can come in handy.

— Remain in control: Steer clear of too much drinking when free alcohol is available. You don't want to embarrass yourself or any other workers.

— Don't be too friendly: The office party is probably not the place to try your latest pickup lines.

For more information on the survey, visit www.challengergray.com.

NO LOVE FOR THE BOSS'S JOB

A majority of employees don't want the manager's power; they have no desire to gain the responsibility of running a company. Seventy-seven percent of workers, according to a survey by OfficeTeam, a staffing service that questioned 602 employees, wouldn't take their manager's position. Sixty percent of respondents even said that they can't perform better than their boss.

It seems that younger workers have more drive in gaining their boss's rank. Thirty-two percent of employees in the 18- to 34-year-old group displayed an interest in rising to the top, compared to 24 percent of workers in the 35- to 44-year-old group. Male workers (32 percent) showed more motivation to take over the manager's position; only 10 percent of female employees answered the same.

"Employees who observe their boss often don't envy the budgeting and personnel decisions he or she has to make, particularly in a challenging economy," says Dave Willmer, executive director. "And they may conclude the job isn't for them."

Willmer says it may not be a positive aspect if hardly any employees want to advance to managerial roles.

"If no one on your staff is interested in assuming greater responsibilities, it will be hard for you to advance," says Willmer. "Supervisors should have a succession plan in place to identify top performers and groom them for promotion opportunities."

For more information, visit www.officeteam.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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