Christmas Hangovers Cost the Boss

05/12/2007

Hilary Osborne with the Guardian Unlimited reports Christmas party hangovers will cost companies millions in loss of productivity this year. The headline is hard to believe: “Christmas party hangovers will cost UK businesses £790m this year.”

A survey carried out by hotel chain Travelodge of 4,500 workers indicates most employees work with hangovers and simply “stare into space” instead of doing their duties at work.

The story in yesterday’s Guardian Unlimited says 29 million workers, hungover from a Christmas party, will lose 63.2 million hours of productive work at an average hourly wage of £12.50.

Leigh McCarron of Travelodge said: "Its not just sleep that can cure the effects of a big night out, it's also what you do before and after.

"Always drink plenty of water before going to bed, and first thing in the morning eat a healthy breakfast."
For workers who plan to go wild at a mid-week Christmas party, remember to alternate water and alcohol during the evening and consider taking vitamins in the morning with something to eat.