BrightHR Data Hints the Christmas Party Hangover Hits Hard as Employee Absences Surge

MANCHESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With December in full swing, employers and HR professionals are weathering a downpour of absences and sicknesses, struggling to maintain staffing levels—and one thing is intensifying the storm… the aftermath of the Christmas party.

Christmas parties are taking place every week in the run-up to the big day with Fridays being the nation’s favourite night to celebrate. And with good reason, by scheduling parties on Fridays, employees can let their hair down and enjoy the festive cheer—without worrying about the early morning alarm the next day.

But absence data from HR software firm BrightHR reveals a noteworthy trend: a significant number of employees are opting to extend their weekends by taking the Monday after the Christmas party off. While the exact reasons behind this upturn in post-party absenteeism remain speculative, Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, delves into the possible reasons why…

“The surge in absences is likely to have something to do with a combination of festive spirits (of the alcoholic variety), a touch too much merriment, and a dash of late-night revelry… Ensue the three-day hangover and the dreaded ‘hang-xiety’.

“Friday 9 December last year was a popular day for the Christmas party—and it looks like plenty of sore heads lasted into the following Monday which saw sickness rates soar by 61% in comparison to an average Monday in 2022. A nasty case of beer fear, or the hangover from hell, perhaps?

“And the next week saw 55% more people take annual leave on the Monday, indicating that some of the more responsible party animals are planning their days off ahead of time to rest up and recuperate from the comfort of their own home.

“And it looks like the trend has ‘tippled’ into 2023 as well, though to a lesser degree, as sickness surged last Monday (11 December) by 23% when compared to an average Monday in 2023.

“Of course, if employers experience a hike in sickness following a Christmas party, it can seem pretty suspect. But assuming an employee who calls in sick after a Christmas party is pulling a fast one can be as dangerous as drinking on an empty stomach. Genuine absences do occur, particularly as it’s the season of sniffles, but if you identify a pattern of absence, for example, an employee who calls in sick every time after an event, then you may want to investigate further.

“Employers need to allow some amount of flexibility especially as absences are rife at this time of year with winter flus and seasonal sniffles making the rounds—the term Christmas party fever could be literal. But, if it is determined that an absence is not genuine, then having robust systems to track absence rates and policies in place will discourage employees from taking advantage.

“But the best tonic to ease the HR hangover? Remind staff that the Christmas party is an extension of the workplace prior to the event, so the usual rules still apply.

“Celebrating with a few drinks at a work’s do is fine in most cases but having one too many can cause headaches – both the HR variety and otherwise – as any inappropriate behaviour can result in disciplinary action. And partaking in anything illegal is a one-way ticket to dismissal.”