Small is beautiful for staff parties during Christmas

Staff parties are still being held this Christmas but in smaller numbers than previous years, hotels and businesses have said, blaming the new COVID-19 variant for the cancellation of some company events. The feeling, according to the Malta Chamber of SMEs, is that staff celebrations are going on, mostly in the form of “more formal, executive and contained” meals and drinks. Some companies are even taking their employees abroad. “It is an opportunity to get together and do something special after having neglected each other,” said Chamber CEO Abigail Agius Mamo about the importance of these events. She has only noted cancellations of larger-scale activities, such as conferences and government department events, while the private sector has plodded on with its staff parties. Agius Mamo said this was in line with employers’ aims to reintroduce some form of normality to the workplace, with more intermingling between staff in a safe environment. “This is in keeping with the much-needed team spirit employers are trying to restart and recreate,” the CEO said. Staff stick to their bubbles in these activities, Agius Mamo pointed out, with late-night drinking not on the cards. Deputy...