I can’t afford the staff Christmas party. Now what?

Dear Aunty B,

Well thanks a lot for the story on SmartCompany yesterday. I had just about convinced my staff that most employees pay for the Christmas party when one of my staff sent me this story.

I think it is biased because in my experience lots of companies charge staff for all or some of the Christmas party costs.

Anyway, my problem is that I simply can’t afford our party this year. The last few months have been dreadful for the business, but my dilemma is it’s not my staff that have been at fault, it is simply a rotten marketplace.

There is no point telling me to find some way to make the revenue. It is either staff contribute to a bit of the costs or we don’t have a Christmas party.

Where do I go from here?

CBD

Dear Where do I go from here?

Oh for goodness sakes! I feel sorry for you but you really are brainless. You don’t have to do anything fancy. If times are hard, sell them on this: a great afternoon by the Yarra drinking their favourite wine instead of working! How do you know what their favourite wine is? Because they are going to bring it! And it gets better. Everyone loves homemade food. So that’s what you’re eating.

Book a BBQ on the Yarra and tell everyone to bring a plate of their favourite food. Tell them you are providing the meat, sunscreen, labour (you’re cooking) and a bit of extra booze.

That’s going to cost you a few hundred dollars and yes, you can afford that. Tell them that next year you’re going fancy but this year you would appreciate it if everyone helps out. And unless they are a bunch of tossers, they will agree!

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!