Surprising reasons Aussies dread their work Christmas parties

While ‘tis the season to be jolly, a survey has found that many Australians actually dread their office Christmas party – for one reason in particular.

While ‘tis the season to be jolly, a recent survey has found that many Australians actually dread their office Christmas party.

According to the job search website Indeed, 37 per cent of workers don’t feel festive about their end-of-year celebration.

Indeed Workplace Expert Lauren Anderson, told news.com.au that “there are a number of reasons” behind the lack of Christmas cheer.

“The main reason people don’t necessarily want to attend is because they don’t really want to make small talk with their colleagues,” she said.

“There’s too much emphasis on alcohol. People are worried they might do something embarrassing.

“Around 90 per cent [of workers] have actually been put off by a bad experience in the past.”

Workplace Expert at Indeed Lauren Anderson

The survey also revealed that 1.2 million Australian workers believe their last work Christmas party was not inclusive of all employees.

Ms Anderson said it’s probably “the biggest reason” why a lot of people didn’t want to attend their annual function.

“The lack of inclusivity means the event took place outside of standard work hours,” she said.

“It wasn’t in a convenient or accessible location or they had to spend their own money to attend the event.

“So, that makes it just a little bit more difficult to then get excited about the end-of-year shindig.”

Around 37 per cent of workers don’t feel festive about their end-of-year party. Picture: iStock

Despite some people dreading their office Christmas party, the research indicated a number of workers will still attend because they feel obligated.

Ms Anderson said her best advice to attend a workplace Christmas party is to enjoy catching up with your colleagues.

“This is a great opportunity to reconnect with people as a number of businesses return to office and we will settle back into our modern ways of working,” she said.

“Just remember that this is a time to celebrate all the success we’ve had throughout the year.

“But to do so safely and in the best way possible to keep our colleagues and our workplace an enjoyable place to return to in the New Year as well.”