Get ready for “Socially Distanced” Christmas parties from home as offices are forced to CANCEL it’s annual festive party plans!
Usually, the office Christmas party lets most of us enjoy a night full of fun, laughter, and sometimes a few (or a lot) of minor embarrassments, however according to Jonathan Ratcliffe from Offices.co.uk, the traditional British parties are set to be cancelled due to coronavirus.
Ratcliffe said: “Just as we thought 2020 could not get much worse, we’ve had to cancel our Christmas party – as have many of our clients. Our party venue isn’t sure how social distancing will work, so they aren’t bothering this year – it’s too much of a risk for them”
He also added “Restaurants and venues across the UK rely on the busy Christmas period to boost cash reserves going into the quiet January and February months. The restrictions that may be imposed on businesses reliant on social contact is going to be very damaging during what should be a boom time.”
We also asked Jonathan if he felt this could potentially change the way that Christmas parties are held in the future and if potentially this could see the end of office parties in the future? he said: “Office parties were at risk before Covid-19, what with risk assessments, potential for arguments and fights as the booze flows, so now we have to keep apart and also staff anxiety over germs, we simply don’t know what effect all this will place upon what used to be a happy time. All we know is that when you ask employees if they want a Christmas party the overwhelming reaction is always YES!”
With large gatherings of people likely to still be largely restricted by the end of the year, many have decided to celebrate via a virtual at-home office Christmas party. Games could include virtual drinks, fancy dress video calls – yes seriously and even better festive Zoom Karaoke, at least you can mute the worst of them!
It won’t just be offices who may have to cancel, we’ve already been told by some city’s councils that Christmas markets and pantos also might be cancelled. Let’s just hope Santa can spread a little extra magical cheer for 2020.
