More than half of Christmas parties will go on past midnight, but less than a quarter of businesses ensure that their employees get home safely, according to Driven A to B.
97% of respondents said that their company would host a party this year. Almost 50% opt for dinner and dancing, with 29% planning to go for drinks after work.
Nearly one third (31%) of parties will finish between 10pm and midnight, with more than half expecting to go on after midnight (54%) and 6% will go on past 4am.
Despite this, very few firms arrange travel to get people home safely.
Less than a quarter of those surveyed (22%) will pay for a car service or taxis with the majority of party-goers - 71% - left to find their own way home.
Despite 57% of people seeing the events as a great opportunity to chat and have fun with people in the office, the same amount would rather have a bonus than a Christmas party.
Mike Bell, chief executive at Driven A to B said: “Christmas parties can be good for morale and help employees to get to know each other, but it’s important that businesses consider their safety too.
"The combination of too much alcohol and late nights can lead to people putting themselves in potentially risky situations and with an increase in unlicensed vehicles on the road, there is more chance than ever of getting into a car where the driver has not received adequate training or checks.
“There are also legal considerations for businesses. UK law states that the office Christmas party is an extension of the normal working environment and as such employers are still liable for the safety of their employees.”
GCM. Warwick - 07/11/2014 13:07
Should we also be offering a nappy-changing service for those same employees attending the annual Christmas party again? When did abdication of personal responsibility replace common sense exactly? We want our employees to have a great time and socialise - but what is so different between this event and a 'normal night out'? Attendance is not compulsory, but taking responsibility for ones actions when over 18 (and alcoholic drinking is not allowed under that age) should be.I can't be the only person fed-up to the back teeth of constant scare-mongering - generally from self-opinionated and vested sources, that seek to instil fear to any employer that might want to simply say 'Thank you' to their hard-working staff and show they are appreciated! Grr!