Kissmas at the Office Party

A survey for TGI Fridays has revealed how various office workers let loose their inhibitions at the Christmas party.

According to the poll of 2,000, 23 percent will end up snogging a colleague at the Xmas bash and one in ten will tell a workmate exactly what they think of them.

The poll revealed an occupational distribution of inhibition. Those in HR are most likely to have kissed a colleague, with 55 percent admitting to having done so. PR and media workers are the most likely to have slept with a co-worker (33%).

Bankers are the most likely to get drunk and make a fool out of themselves (33%). Teachers are more likely than others to call in sick the next day (10%).

Says relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam, “The T.G.I. Friday’s survey certainly reflects what’s happening all over Britain. But it also reflects psychological reality. Psychologically, people need an occasional break from the normal social rules and constraints that the workplace in particular can impose.

“They need just one night when they’re able to let loose and do things they maybe wouldn’t normally do, but with a ‘get out of jail free’ card the next morning. So I don’t find it at all surprising that there’s so many unhibited gathering at this time of year.

“I’d go further. So long as you follow the rule of ‘do no harm’, it’s healthy to take time out and forget career stress and strain, office politics, and – in this economic climate – any fears about the future.

“Getting together in a social setting will bring colleagues together, allow you to see another side to those you work with and allow them to see another side of you, help everyone feel close.

“A restaurant outing is ideal because everyone can chat to everyone else across the table during the meal – and food and drink will oil those social wheels.

“All that will actually help turnover and productivity in the New Year.

“My message to all those bosses out there is this: if you haven’t already booked your work party, do it now!”