"We are now all more alert to the dangers of psychosocial hazards at work and have laws to protect people from it, but what about the psychosocial hazard of having to make awkward small talk with people with whom all we have in common is work, all while pretending how pumped we are about hitting KPIs because the boss is there and paying for the drinks?"
"And don't get me started on office Secret Santas! I'm already up against it winding everything up and rushing around trying to find presents for people I actually know and like. Why do I have to work out what the weird guy in IT might like? And what if I get it wrong? And what if I am given something terrible? Has anyone ever received anything in an office Secret Santa they really loved?"
Office Christmas parties frequently force employees to socialise with colleagues they otherwise avoid, creating awkward small talk and extra social obligations during an already busy season. Workers may use after-work drinks to vent about work, but formal parties require monitoring speech and alcohol because bosses attend and regulations against inappropriate behaviour apply. The expectation to attend and employers' perceived obligation to host parties creates mutual pressure that can feel compulsory. Secret Santa exchanges add stress when employees must buy gifts for unfamiliar coworkers and fear receiving unwanted presents. These dynamics can undermine genuine morale and make festive events feel like another work requirement.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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