The matter in summary Akan competence center believes that Christmas parties are more important than ever to build belonging and provide a breathing space in a time of economic challenges and a sad world view. Many employees have been given permanent home offices for part of the week after the pandemic, which makes social events such as Christmas parties even more important. Akan gives advice for creating a good Christmas party culture, including offering alcohol-free options, talking about the drinking culture in advance and involving everyone in activities. Director of Akan, Elisabeth Ege, believes that bongs are not necessarily good for controlling alcohol consumption, and that it is better to talk about it. There has been more awareness of alcohol use at many companies, and more are choosing alcohol-free alternatives, restaurant drivers experience. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – Meeting each other, having a good time together and building a sense of belonging is more important this year than in the past, says Elisabeth Ege, director of the Akan competence centre. They have 60 years of experience in helping managers and companies to prevent and deal with substance abuse problems. – Having a few glasses and being aware of how much you drink is important, says director of Akan, Elisabeth Ege. Now there are several reasons why the Christmas table is extra important. Higher interest rates and prices mean that some have had financial challenges. At the same time, it is a sad world view with war. After the pandemic, many employees have also been given permanent home offices for part of the week, points out Ege. – We think this year’s Christmas party is a bright spot and a respite for many, she says. Tips for good Christmas party culture news recently told that more people skip the Christmas party at work because of alcohol use, according to a survey from FHI. The Akan director believes that managers and companies must make arrangements for everyone to have a good experience and be able to participate. The Akan director’s tip for a good Christmas party culture: Offer non-alcoholic alternatives that are as good and available as alcohol Talk about the drinking culture in advance. What is okay and what is not okay. Don’t ask others why they don’t drink. Have a quiz or other things that involve everyone. The most important thing is to talk about it before the party starts, she believes. – It creates greater predictability when you clarify the expectations of how you should feel. The Christmas table can be a bright spot and respite for many this year, believes Akan competence centre. Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB Bongs are not only positive If the goal is to control how many glasses employees are treated to, bongs are not necessarily good, points out Ege. – Bongs limit that, but they are exchanged and given away. The recommendation is to talk about it. Then it is clear if someone were to drink more than one can tolerate, she says. Many believe it has become better than before. The Akan director believes that to be true. The trend of increased sales of alcohol-free products confirms that, she points out. – But it partly varies from industry to industry and between businesses. Some have a high awareness of it, others not. Experience less flat-out The restaurant Osebro in Porsgrunn will welcome 5,000-6,000 guests for Christmas dinner this season. There has been more awareness of alcohol use at many companies, says manager Robert Lind. Robert Lind runs, among other things, the restaurant Osebro in Porsgrunn. He sees that more companies are showing more moderation when it comes to alcohol at Christmas parties. Photo: Randi Nørstebø / news – Much of this with bongs has tightened up a bit after the corona, and because of the economy. Flat fill is not as pronounced as it was before. The Christmas table season is peak season, and important for keeping many restaurants alive, he points out. Nevertheless, Lind believes that it is good that the alcohol is not allowed to flow freely. – Many companies are much more cautious than ever, and that is positive for us. We have also become stricter than we were before. The restaurant finds that more of its customers choose alcohol-free options. – Actually, people are better at choosing alcohol-free, also at Christmas parties, he says.
ttn-69
War and interest rate increases make this year’s Christmas party extra important – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
