One hallmark of the Christmas season is office parties — a time for co-workers to let their hair down and enjoy each other's company outside of work hours.

But what happens when your company asks you to pay to attend the office Christmas party? That's exactly what happened to one Reddit user, who took to the internet forum’s r/melbourne subreddit to vent their frustration.

U/idunno324, who claims to be a disability worker, shared: ‘I received a work email today for the staff Christmas party. They are wanting all staff to pay $50 each for lunch and to buy their own drinks.’

They also added a one-lined zinger: ‘Un-Australian.’

The Melbournian Redditor called the $50 Christmas party fee as ‘un-Australian’. Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro​

For obvious reasons, most people urged the original poster (OP) not to attend the party.

‘Just don't join in and don't pay, or don't go if it's outside of work,’ one user suggested.

Another added: ‘I would pay $80 not to go to a work Christmas party.’

OP seemed to not need convincing, as they admitted they weren’t attending and only ever went because of free food.

Unsurprisingly, the comments section also quickly turned into a collection of workplace horror stories from users who had a hunch OP was working a public job.

‘I worked at a government department for about four years… not only did we have to pay for our food, but a call also came through from one of the state offices to my manager and I was told to head straight back to the office to fix it. I didn’t even get to eat the food I paid for,’ one user shared.

‘That’s f****** ridiculous. I don’t understand why public employment is treated like a poor charity,’ said another user in outrage.

‘They find funds for all kinds of expensive things and can’t spare a quarter of a per cent additional per year for decent coffee and a Christmas party.’

But what exactly is an ‘Australian’ workplace environment? One exchange offered a clue — and it seems bosses get the short end of the stick!

‘Closest I got once was a place that said, “You've got $80 a head, do you want us to organise something or give you the cash?”’, a user shared. ‘We all got the cash then went out drinking and eating without the bosses anyway.’

In response, another commenter said: ‘THAT’S Australian.’

Another offered their example: ‘My new job is actually Australian as f*** at Christmas. Staff don’t pay a cent for food, and on top of that, we got a nice $500 bonus in cash. Mad.’ Good on you, lucky Redditor! Wish we could say the same for the poor OP.

Well, since we’re talking about Christmas parties here, we think you’d also find these tips to beat your hangover useful ahead of the holidays.

So, what do you think about this situation, members? Should staff have to pay to attend an office Christmas party?

Do you think this company is being unreasonable?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Teach]

One hallmark of the Christmas season is office parties — a time for co-workers to let their hair down and enjoy each other's company outside of work hours.

But what happens when your company asks you to pay to attend the office Christmas party? That's exactly what happened to one Reddit user, who took to the internet forum’s r/melbourne subreddit to vent their frustration.

U/idunno324, who claims to be a disability worker, shared: ‘I received a work email today for the staff Christmas party. They are wanting all staff to pay $50 each for lunch and to buy their own drinks.’

They also added a one-lined zinger: ‘Un-Australian.’

The Melbournian Redditor called the $50 Christmas party fee as ‘un-Australian’. Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro​

For obvious reasons, most people urged the original poster (OP) not to attend the party.

‘Just don't join in and don't pay, or don't go if it's outside of work,’ one user suggested.

Another added: ‘I would pay $80 not to go to a work Christmas party.’

OP seemed to not need convincing, as they admitted they weren’t attending and only ever went because of free food.

Unsurprisingly, the comments section also quickly turned into a collection of workplace horror stories from users who had a hunch OP was working a public job.

‘I worked at a government department for about four years… not only did we have to pay for our food, but a call also came through from one of the state offices to my manager and I was told to head straight back to the office to fix it. I didn’t even get to eat the food I paid for,’ one user shared.

‘That’s f****** ridiculous. I don’t understand why public employment is treated like a poor charity,’ said another user in outrage.

‘They find funds for all kinds of expensive things and can’t spare a quarter of a per cent additional per year for decent coffee and a Christmas party.’

But what exactly is an ‘Australian’ workplace environment? One exchange offered a clue — and it seems bosses get the short end of the stick!

‘Closest I got once was a place that said, “You've got $80 a head, do you want us to organise something or give you the cash?”’, a user shared. ‘We all got the cash then went out drinking and eating without the bosses anyway.’

In response, another commenter said: ‘THAT’S Australian.’

Another offered their example: ‘My new job is actually Australian as f*** at Christmas. Staff don’t pay a cent for food, and on top of that, we got a nice $500 bonus in cash. Mad.’ Good on you, lucky Redditor! Wish we could say the same for the poor OP.

Well, since we’re talking about Christmas parties here, we think you’d also find these tips to beat your hangover useful ahead of the holidays.

So, what do you think about this situation, members? Should staff have to pay to attend an office Christmas party?

Do you think this company is being unreasonable?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Get on the social committee and work out something that suits most people. It is easy to complain when you have put nothing into organisation of the event. If you don't like it, change it.

 

[Tallguy]

Office Christmas parties, with unlimited free alcohol, are the enemy of relationships and careers. People who would not usually drink to excess, or who do not drink hard spirits overindulge and can end up in embarrassing and outrageous behavior, insulting superiors and co workers, and having sex with people who are not their partners. This has happened at every office party I have attended where free drinks are on offer. It is also a risk to the business to have allowed staff to become inebriated and then leave them to their own devices to get home, where they can be at risk of injury or worse. To have to pay for your own drinks reduces some of the risk for all concerned.

 

[RTS]

I've mostly worked for the Australian Public Service and always paid to attend the work Christmas lunch, as there's no provision for taxpayers to foot the bill. Good memories!

 

[Ricci]

I thought the traditional Christmas party was a thing of the past. We always did a Christmas BBQ for the whole staff and their families, we supplied the food and they supplied any drinks they might want. It was usually at the beach or maybe the local park. Staff used to supply a wrapped present clearly labeled and Santa would hand them out to the kids. It was usually a fun day out for all.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Always put on a free Xmas lunch for the girls that worked for me.
We provided ham, prawns, crayfish all kinds of different salads, pavlova, cheesecake etc., but no alcohol as they all had over half hour drive home.
Nobody ever complained about the lack of alcohol and most of them said it was a better feed than what they were having at home.lol.
Can't imagine asking them to pay, it was our way of saying thank you for a good years work.

 

[Ringdragon]

Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 1, 2015
RE: Gala Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House.

There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus!

A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM. Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets.

This gathering is only for employees!

Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:All Employees
DATE:November 2, 2015
RE:Gala Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.

However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day.

There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung.

We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 3, 2015
RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name...

I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Somebody?

And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To:All Employees
DATE:November 4, 2015
RE:Generic Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours.

There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.

Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table.

Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.

We will have booster seats for short people.
Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.

I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food . The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first.

There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!

Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:All F*%^ing Employees
DATE: November 5, 2015
RE:The F*%^ing Holiday Party

I've had it with you vegetarian pricks!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes.

But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!

The rest of you f*%^ing wierdos can kiss my ass. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!

Drive drunk and die,

The Btch from Hll!!!

Company Memo
FROM:Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE:November 6, 2015
REatty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery from her recent nervous breakdown and I'll continue to forward your cards to her at the asylum.

In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

Happy Whatever!
Joan

 

[Suzanne rose]

We would have a Xmas lunch at work ,my boss would buy ham , salad rolls ect from David Jones in market Street and Pavlova for desert.
It was a nice lunch and we would get a gift plus a bonus which we weren't allowed to tell anyone else how much we got ,my last bonus was $1,400 it would go up each year

 

[Jarred Santos]

Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 1, 2015
RE: Gala Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House.

There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus!

A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM. Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets.

This gathering is only for employees!

Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:All Employees
DATE:November 2, 2015
RE:Gala Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.

However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day.

There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung.

We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 3, 2015
RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name...

I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Somebody?

And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To:All Employees
DATE:November 4, 2015
RE:Generic Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours.

There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.

Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table.

Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.

We will have booster seats for short people.
Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.

I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food . The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first.

There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!

Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty

Company Memo
FROMatty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:All F*%^ing Employees
DATE: November 5, 2015
RE:The F*%^ing Holiday Party

I've had it with you vegetarian pricks!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes.

But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!

The rest of you f*%^ing wierdos can kiss my ass. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!

Drive drunk and die,

The Btch from Hll!!!

Company Memo
FROM:Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE:November 6, 2015
REatty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery from her recent nervous breakdown and I'll continue to forward your cards to her at the asylum.

In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

Happy Whatever!
Joan

Worth the read, thanks for the laughs!

We would have a Xmas lunch at work ,my boss would buy ham , salad rolls ect from David Jones in market Street and Pavlova for desert.
It was a nice lunch and we would get a gift plus a bonus which we weren't allowed to tell anyone else how much we got ,my last bonus was $1,400 it would go up each year

Wow, good on your boss @Suzanne rose! Good on that bonus as well