Brit workers get ready for a virtual Christmas party

More than a fifth of workers are planning to throw a virtual office Christmas party – at home.

A study of 2,000 employed adults found 22 per cent will have an online celebration with their colleagues this festive period to avoid missing out on the annual festive get together. Almost a quarter will make their own cocktails at home to recreate the party atmosphere while another 28 per cent will get some nibbles in. And one in five will even buy a new outfit for the occasion, with the average worker spending 35 minutes getting ready for the virtual do.

A further 16 per cent plan to arrange a festive quiz with colleagues or will arrange a postal Secret Santa.

The study, commissioned by Smirnoff, also revealed that 44 per cent of employees believe it’s important that the working year ends with an occasion of sorts. Nick Payman, head of Smirnoff GB, said: “It’s great to see how people are celebrating at home this year. The working year has without a doubt been different and no one expected to be away from colleagues for this long.

“But this December we reclaim the cocktail hour and inspire our consumers to take an hour of indulgence, time to switch off and connect with your loved ones and bring fun and a little bit of intrigue back to the early evening hours at home.”

The study also found 47 per cent hope to have a proper Christmas party at a later date, following a virtual party this year.

In preparation for celebrations at home this year, more than half of adults have tried to make their own cocktails. And during the Christmas period, 14 per cent plan to experiment more with their drink choices, while one in eight have even invented their own festive tipple.

One in four adults made their own drinks for virtual birthday parties and quizzes, while 17 per cent even did so for online hen and stag bashes. But of the 23 per cent who haven’t made any cocktails at home this year, 46 per cent put this down to not having the right ingredients. And a further 23 per cent lack the required equipment while 15 per cent simply don’t know how to make them.

The research, via OnePoll, also found ‘drink o’clock’ typically starts at 7.30pm in British households.

Payman added: This festive season we’re bringing back the cocktail hour with our ‘Hour of Infamy’ – a reason to break away from everyday life, adding intrigue, spark and excitement into a moment when we’re more housebound than usual.

“It’s an open invite to enjoy the moment, mix up the daily routine and serve up a bit of elegance with a range of cocktails during the festive party season.”