Employees set to splash the cash on Christmas festivities

The festive season could prove costly for many partygoers this year, with employees set to splash out £150.28 on their office Christmas party.

In preparation for the annual celebration, workers have revealed they are willing to spend an average of £53 on a new outfit and shoes, and £34 on food and drinks at the event.

According to a poll of 2,000 office workers by Printerland.co.uk, women will spend the most during the season, clocking up an average spend of £156.

Meanwhile, men are more likely to spend £10 more than women on food and drinks.

“It’s great to see that so many workers are set to enjoy the Christmas party, but they should be mindful that their behaviour will be on full display for their colleagues – and managers – to see,” said Catherine Bannan, HR manager at Printerland.co.uk.

“Remember that you’ll still have to work with your colleagues after the party and any embarrassing errors you make are likely to be recalled – and laughed about – for years to come.”

Getting drunk at the Christmas party is a major worry for 40 per cent of those surveyed, who fear they will embarrass themselves.

10 per cent said that they used the festivities as an excuse to flirt with their manager, while six per cent revealed that they oped for a smooch under the mistletoe.

In comparison, 15 per cent stated that they’d rather not have a Christmas party at all, while a quarter disliked having to mingle with management.

A further 17 per cent claim they didn’t like feeling forced to dance, while the same number are shunning the December do altogether.