Three-quarters of organizations plan to host an employee holiday party this year, according to a new survey from 4imprint (asi/197045). The report revealed that more than 70% of party-throwers were planning to spend the same amount as they did last year, while another 17% planned to spend more. Under 10% planned to spend less this year, with an additional 3% throwing a party this year after not having one last year. The survey, which polled human resources professionals throughout the United States, found that of the remaining quarter of organizations which did not plan to throw a party, nearly 30% would give business gifts to employees. Another 21% will offer a monetary bonus for reaching a business goal. Others use employee recognition programs or provide breakfast or lunch as a thank you.

The report found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of companies planned a professional or business casual event. Only a quarter of parties would be casual, while 11% would be a formal, black-tie affair. Planners of casual events were more likely to spend more this year compared to last year (20%) than organizations throwing black-tie galas (11%). Eight of ten organizations planned to hold their party offsite.

Of the companies that planned to use promotional products at their party, 27% planned to give them out as team thank-you gifts or party favors. In addition, half of holiday party planners expected to invite spouses or guests, while less than 10% would invite board members or clients.

“Holiday parties can be a great way to thank teams and build camaraderie, but little data exists about these annual events,” said Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint. “This research helps fill that void by giving human resources, administrative and other leaders a way to compare how their plans and traditions match what is happening in the rest of the country.”