Based on CBI Absence estimations Christmas party ‘sickies’ cost the UK economy £216 million.

According to HR Magazine Research:
‘Despite the recession, almost two thirds (61%) of UK businesses are still planning a party and workers’ festive spirit have not been dampened – over a quarter (26%) say the stresses of 2009 mean people are likely to get more drunk than usual.’

What this means in reality is that those that can, will get away with not having to go into work the day after the Christmas party.

However if management have the foresight to allow employees (who’s job can be performed anywhere) to work from home, they could see multiple benefits:

1. Employees will apprecaite the gesture and therefore would be more likely to log in to their email and continue to work.
2. Management will be able to see who is logged on to their corporate network and email and therefore judge who is trustworthy enough to be allowed to work from home on other occasions.
3. It will save the company money and productivity by enabling employees to work, if only at 50% capacity – 50% productivity and costs will be saved!

Home Working can turn the advantage to management and stop Christmas ‘sickie’s'!