Bosses ban themselves from office party so staff can let it all hang out

IT IS an unfortunate consequence of Christmas office parties the nation over - a reveller, perhaps having partaken too liberally of the festive spirit, lets their hair down and delivers one or two home truths to the boss.

Some are given nothing more than a dressing down, while others find themselves served with an official warning, or worse.

But in a break with tradition which will guarantee partygoers immunity at their annual night out, hundreds of workers from firms in Scotland's largest city will be free to celebrate without their superiors looking on.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has declared its festive party next month will be a "boss free zone" in a move designed to foster a more "relaxed" atmosphere.

The ban will prevent senior management of the chamber - including chief executive Stuart Patrick - from attending the do, along with managers and officials of its 1,800 member firms.

At a time when many companies are scrapping their Christmas night out due to financial pressures, the chamber believes it is the ideal way to reward workers for their hard graft over the past 12 months.

The chamber expects hundreds of people to attend the date at a city nightclub on 9 December, and has laid on an array of events that ordinarily might win the disapproval of bosses.

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While the inaugural event will see staff from all member companies of the chamber take part in the usual networking, there are several competitions planned. They include a 'Sumo Santa' contest and a 'Bucking Reindeer' challenge. There will also be a special booth for the video game, Guitar Hero.

While the move will doubtless raise eyebrows, those at the helm of the chamber believe it will result in improved relationships between workers in the city, as well an overhaul of the chamber's image.

A spokeswoman said that the initiative was being introduced in part to combat the "misconception" that the organisation, founded in 1783, was the preserve of "men in grey suits".

Richard Muir, the chamber's commercial director - who will also be banned from the night out - said the aim was to create a "fun" atmosphere, and say thank you to those people who have helped Scotland's biggest city punch above its weight during testing economic times.

The revamped Christmas party, he said, was just "one of a number of new initiatives" the chamber intends to introduce."The idea behind the 'boss free' event is to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere for member employees to meet their team at the chamber," explained Mr Muir.

"Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is in the process of a long-term, strategic re-positioning to help us better engage with and represent our broad spectrum of members."

He added that much of Glasgow's success was down to the hard work and tenacity of the city's workforce and the event is the perfect chance for the chamber to celebrate that success with them. The party will take place at The Garage in Sauchiehall Street. Tickets are 8 a head.