7 . Everyone feels like winding down in December. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, the New Year is approaching and most people take a few days' break. In many workplaces this feeling of “mission accomplished” is accompanied by an established tradition: the office party.
In boom (繁荣) times these can be truly lavish (奢侈的) affairs. A Bloomberg event in 2000 was said to have cost £ 1 m (then $ 1. 5m).
Few companies today desire the publicity that tends to follow such an event. The natural question is, if you are spending that amount on a party, how much are you charging clients (客户)? Companies are rightly more sensitive than they were about the risks involved when workers lose their restraint (约束) after consuming too much alcohol. A survey of American companies found that 59% had discussed, or planned to discuss, the dangers of “inappropriate celebrating” with staff.
To avoid these dangers, the chief operating officer of BDO, an accountancy firm, has suggested that two chaperones (陪同人员) attend seasonal celebrations. Other accounting firms have suggested holding daytime events rather than after-hours drinks parties.
There is a lot to be said for daytime celebrations. First, it makes attendance easier for anyone caring for small children, or elderly relatives, and who thus finds it difficult to stay out late. Second, people are likely to be a bit more restrained in their alcohol consumption at lunchtime than in the evenings. And third, celebrating during working hours feels like a real break from duties; attending after work seems more like a responsibility.
Most workers don't expect their seasonal event to turn into a big party; they are just hoping to avoid feeling bored. Only a quarter looked forward to their Christmas event and 71% would rather have a small cash bonus than a noisy party.
Naturally, there is an economic answer and it is specialisation. Think of Adam Smith's pin factory where everyone plays their different part; let everyone have the party they want. Some may want to down the white wine but others may be happier only to eat the cake.
In short, it is easier to enjoy yourself if you can do so in your own fashion. And that may include not partying at all. If managers think staff would rather spend time at home than attend, let them; the company will save money.
1. What can we learn about the office party from the first three paragraphs?
| A．It may raise doubts from the public |
| B．It can be costly yet good value for money |
| C．It should be banned to avoid risky behavior |
| D．It will become a new trend in the workplace |
2. Which of the following is an advantage of daytime celebrations?
| A．We can get rid of some unwanted duties |
| B．We can drink alcohol to our heart's content |
| C．We will strengthen our sense of responsibility |
| D．We will find it convenient to look after family members |
3. Why is the Adam Smith's pin factory mentioned in Paragraph 7?
| A．To recommend a good place for celebration |
| B．To stress the importance of respecting personal preference |
| C．To give a good example of a lavish celebration |
| D．To advise people to visit the factory as a celebration |
4. Which of the following is the best title of this passage?
| A．Stop celebrating Christmas | B．Let them eat Christmas cake |
| C．Give them a formal celebration | D．Hold an office party to avoid duties |
