To say no to voucher instead of Christmas night out

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Absolutely blows my mind that people think that if they can’t or don’t wish to attend a social event, then they should be reimbursed for what it would have cost for their attendance. Bonkers.

Not all work places pay for Christmas lunches etc, but where they do I'd say it's pretty unusual for a cash or voucher alternative to be offered (unless someone couldn't attend). The invite is for a meal/event etc. Pretty cheeky to ask for something else. Last year clearly an exception as Christmas lunches etc not possible.

YANBU.
I see Christmas Do as a work event rather than a reward ; team building aspect is paramount and if too many people don’t got there’s no point.

So no point in giving people a voucher.

are all these people demanding vouchers expecting to pay tax & NI on them, or assuming the employer will foot the bill? (and thus costing employer more than those attending the event).

Part of an employers' social event is to enable teams to get to know eash other better, network, etc - however misguided that aim might be.

Also to add we have a room in a pub - on a workday. People saying they can’t come ‘cuz covid’ would have been in work anyway!

I can understand if it’s a big do, then a voucher would be a gesture of goodwill as many people wouldn’t attend anyway

Imagine being invited to a wedding and asking if they could just send you a gift instead...

Actually - that's not such a bad idea judging by some of the wedding threads on here!

We’ve been offered a set amount towards a meal or if people can’t or don’t want to attend a voucher of their choosing. Seems fairer to me.

I can see his point too.

Also, not everyone drinks alcohol!! Why do drinkers get a massive perk and no one else does?

He seems to be going about it the wrong way/ complaining to wrong person, but he's not completely unreasonable imo.

I do think people are using covid as excuses. My colleague has been travelling, nights out, living life as normal but refusing to come to in person team meeting in a on office that is adhering very strictly to covid rules.

Gosh how petty. I work for a wonderful company who treat me really well and wouldn't expect a voucher. The whole idea is to get the team together to build rapport, surely? If someone has annual leave on a day we get cake or a free lunch we don't post them a meal deal

I agree with him in afraid. Why should his £35 xmas treat go towards others if he doesn't want to go? He should be given a gift or voucher for the £35. You should suggest to management a meal or gift voucher alternative. Very unfair otherwise.

I think it’s something to do with tax isn’t it? If you pay for a do up to a certain amount and invite all employees then no income tax payable. I think if you say gave everyone vouchers then the employer/ employee income tax would be payable.

I agree with him. Those who can't go should be given a voucher instead of supplementing others alcohol bill.

He should not have been rude about it and he probably should not have said anything at all, but I agree with the employee that arranging an event just for the workers that feel safe socializing in a crowd is really insensitive. Management is potentially alienating dedicated employees with this event and that is never wise.

But the Christmas party is not a right it is a perk

Exactly what I said! This voucher business, where does it end. Person C doesn't want a meal, or a voucher, but asks for something else! You either take the perk which is offered or you go without.

Ah! The enforced fun of the work Christmas party

Whenever an employer tries to do something nice for staff there's always someone who makes you wish you hadn't bothered!

Our very large organisation has always had £35 kitty for Xmas do, if you decide not to go thats up to you, you don't get the money if you choose not to attend..... why would you?
Last year because it wasn't possible to have a do they put it to the vote of a voucher for everyone or donate the money to charity.
I have declined to go this year because its a crap venue but I don't expect the money in lieu

Well at my company they’ve given us all the money and it’s our choice whether to spend it on a night out with colleagues or pocket it. This is to recognise that we’re in a pandemic and not everyone would feel comfortable going out during the busy festive season.

So I totally get his point….but he sounds like a d*ck so I’d just be sure to enjoy drinking his allowance!

I think it depends.
Say there are 20 of you in your Team, and you've been told "there is £700 to pay for a Christmas Meal / party", then obviously if someone chooses not to go, then they just miss out on that little perk.
OTOH, if the company have said "there is £35 per head for a Christmas 'treat' / 'bonus' {call it what you like}", then I think he has a fair point. I mean there is no reason to be rude to the poor sod who has been landed with the thankless task of organising it, but the point is right..... if the company are giving £35 to each person then it should reach each person.

He was an arse to handle it the way he did but I do see his point of view.

I think a festive treat should be accessible to all or to none. I exhaust all of my childcare options just to enable me to work, so going out in an evening isn't a possibility for me. I'd feel a bit gutted that my only chance of receiving a token gift is if I gave up my personal time and paid for a babysitter. I think it would be a very nice gesture for those unable to make it to be given a gift from the money that was set aside for them on the first place.

Good grief, I cannot believe the number of people who think they should get to decide not to go to the work Christmas party and just get the money instead. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

A Christmas party is intended as a thank you, but also an opportunity for team building etc. They are tax deductible engagement activities. They should never be compulsory, but you don’t get to just pick the cash instead. My old work place did an annual ski trip, should I have got the cash equivalent the year I didn’t fancy it?! It’s threads like this that make me think MN is truly bonkers. Probably the same people who thought work should pay for their heating and electricity during Covid while they saved hundreds on their usual commute.

OP, the vast majority of work places won’t be offering a voucher to the people who decide not to go to their Christmas party! Yes some will, which is fine, but if your company don’t then you will be aligned with many others - don’t worry.

Also, he sounds like a total dick generally.