christmas party canceled/scaled back?

[Anonymous]

out of curiosity, are there many of you who have seen their company christmas parties either canceled altogether or scaled back entirely?

[Anonymous]

In past years, yes. This year it's actually expanded back to what used to be typical (I've only been here 4 years, but according to others with longer terms we're kinda back to what it used to be).

[Anonymous]

Scalded way back a couple years ago at my federal contracting company with the recession / sequestration. The amount of business we have is probably not ever coming back and the atmosphere is generally negative. Our private equity owners don't seem inclined to roll the savings from reduced benefits and training into a nicer holiday party.

[Anonymous]

Ours was scaled back in 2008 or 2009. Last year it scaled back up to what it used to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Scalded way back a couple years ago at my federal contracting company with the recession / sequestration. The amount of business we have is probably not ever coming back and the atmosphere is generally negative. Our private equity owners don't seem inclined to roll the savings from reduced benefits and training into a nicer holiday party.

Let me guess, you work for Booz Allen?

Our parties used to be legendary. They were scaled back about 8 or 9yrs ago when the company grew huge, but in years past have gotten even smaller, tighter and less worth going IMO. From open bars to two free drink tickets. Huge spreads of food and great entertainment to far more meager offerings. Doesn't bother me, but it is very noticable that times have changed.

[Anonymous]

Ours has been post-poned until January.

[Anonymous]

Never had a Christmas party.

This year we had a Christmas potluck in the conference room that cost $15 to attend (I didn't go).

[Anonymous]

Ah, the potluck pp. That is not a party and I'm glad you didn't pay to go.

Yes, of course, parties have been scaled way back all over the country. It's a employer's market and until that changes they will squeeze every damn dime they can off the work of their employees while the top people continue to prosper.

[Anonymous]

Ours was scaled back in 2009. We were given a budget of $15/person for our holiday party that year. That literally barely covered lunch from Potbelly. We tried to make it festive. After that it disappeared entirely. Then my business unit was shut down a few years later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never had a Christmas party.

This year we had a Christmas potluck in the conference room that cost $15 to attend (I didn't go).

Wait. What? You bring a dish AND you have to pay?

[Anonymous]

Yep. This year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Scalded way back a couple years ago at my federal contracting company with the recession / sequestration. The amount of business we have is probably not ever coming back and the atmosphere is generally negative. Our private equity owners don't seem inclined to roll the savings from reduced benefits and training into a nicer holiday party.

Let me guess, you work for Booz Allen?

Our parties used to be legendary. They were scaled back about 8 or 9yrs ago when the company grew huge, but in years past have gotten even smaller, tighter and less worth going IMO. From open bars to two free drink tickets. Huge spreads of food and great entertainment to far more meager offerings. Doesn't bother me, but it is very noticable that times have changed.

Were you at Booz Allen for the infamous Moulin Rouge themed party? The holiday parties after that were never the same...some folks had a bit too much fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ours has been post-poned until January.

Catering and hotel space are cheaper then. And Christmas decorations are about 70% off!

[Anonymous]

We've never had a party, but this week we had a deli lunch delivered to the conference room. About as festive as it gets around here. But at least we didn't have to pay!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never had a Christmas party.

This year we had a Christmas potluck in the conference room that cost $15 to attend (I didn't go).

Do you work for the fed?