Today, more tales of Christmas office party woe.

One reader writes: “This was the Decision of our management: ‘After discussions between the 3 presidents it has been agreed that there will be no expectation of the exchange of presents within the XXXX Street office, this year.’ Real Christmas Spirit here!!”

And here’s a Christmas party you’d buy tickets for:

There are four Directors of our company and 3 staff. One Director is overseas, another is Chinese and doesn’t drink, the other has an allergy and can’t drink at the moment.

Of the three staff: one is Chinese and like her compatriot does not drink, one is a Jehovah Witness and doesn’t drink, the other is elderly and, guess what? Doesn’t drink.

Neither of our Chinese friends has enough English to appreciate and laugh at jokes, the Witness only laughs at selected jokes and the Director with the allergy never stops punning and quipping long enough for anyone to laugh.

I can hardly wait til the sandwiches run out and the cordial is gone.

Another reader sent in their message from Goldman Sachs JBWere, noting “not only are they killing Christmas but we all have to attend ‘One team’ training sessions in the new year for good measure.”:

Dear Team

As a firm, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all team members.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the well-being of our people and recognising that inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated by the firm. Our expectations around appropriate workplace behaviour are being reinforced through the One Team training which all our people will attend throughout the next five months. The senior leadership have already participated in the One Team training. The training session aims to help us to be more thoughtful about our words, actions and behaviours and the impact they may have on others.

With the onset of the festive season, client entertainment and work related social functions tend to increase. These activities are opportunities to build client and colleague relationships. We need, however, to be mindful of the well-being of all involved and to ensure that the usual standards of workplace conduct are maintained.

The Goldman Sachs JBWere policies extend to work-related functions, such as the End of Year celebration, divisional gatherings and client functions. The firm’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy which covers harassment and discrimination and the Health and Safety policy are particularly relevant. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the policies if you have not done so.

Best wishes to you all for a safe and happy festive season.