OFFICE PARTIES NOT SO HEARTY MANY WORKERS PREFER TIME OFF.

Byline: JULIA M. SCOTT Staff Writer

The holiday company party is perhaps the worst ``gift'' of the holiday season.

Exchanging pleasantries with co-workers and chatting up stuffy senior execs feels more like an obligation than a treat -- even when accompanied by stuffed chicken, rice pilaf and strong drinks.

In fact, three out of four workers would rather have an afternoon off than be pressured to socialize with co-workers and bosses with whom they already spend 60 percent of their waking hours, says a recent survey conducted by marketing research firm WorkPlace Media.

``Office parties fall into two categories: terribly boring or uncomfortably crazy,'' said Dan Wheeler, vice president of Ohio-based WorkPlace Media.

Although life in Southern California might appear more relaxed than in other parts of the country, the workplace is just as stressful.

``Living in Southern California, while we perceive it as a laid-back lifestyle, for many people it is extremely distressful because of the economy and environmental demands,'' said Craig Finney, chairman of the Leisure Studies Department at California State University, Northridge.

Rebeca Tezza is among those who would prefer time off rather than face a company party like one she attended a few years ago.

Now a 37-year-old flight attendant living in Canoga Park, Tezza arrived at the festivities to find few tidbits to munch and nothing to drink. Instead of music, guests had to listen to children romp through a warehouse.

But she still thinks employees should be offered a choice.

``I think it's very important for companies to have parties to help people bond if they want,'' Tezza said.

However, Jackie Ramuno, her fingernails still painted a merry Christmas red from the festivities she attended Sunday, said she doesn't understand the party poopers who shy away from company get-togethers.

``I work with good people," said Ramuno, who works with developmentally challenged children at the Child Development Institute in Woodland Hills. ``It's the opportunity to be social in a different place, without the pressure of work.''

For business owners who feel like a party is the best way to reward their employees, professional event planners offer some merry-making tips, such as serving food at multiple stations instead of assigned tables.

``(Employees) are worried about getting stuck next to the one person they don't know,'' said caterer Marley Majcher. ``This way they can get up and mingle. It makes it a little more comfortable.''

Majcher's company, The Party Goddess, has been hired to plan more than a dozen company parties this holiday season.

And, as every employee who's ever gone to a company event can tell you, not all parties are created equal.

While some companies bring in deli trays or encourage potlucks, others splurge and reserve an art gallery, hire a four-piece band and serve dinner for 100 employees -- a party that can easily run $25,000, Majcher said.

As the WorkPlace Media study points out, that same company could save money by canceling the party and giving workers what they really want -- an afternoon off.

If the company's 100 employees earned an average of $15 per hour, leaving four hours early would cost the company $6,000 in wages. Compare that with the $25,000 for the holiday bash.

And if most of the employees are salaried, time off doesn't equate with lost wages.

``They'd probably say, `I appreciate the afternoon off, I'm going to rush to get this project done,''' said Jack Kyser, chief economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.

And then there are companies that do a little bit of both.

JAKKS Pacific, a toy manufacturer based in Malibu, held a rock star-theme party at Gotham Hall in Santa Monica this year. Employees got out at 2 p.m. the day of the party, and were served cocktails and hors d'oeuvres when they arrived. After dinner, employees sang karaoke, backed by a rock 'n' roll cover band.

``The vast majority of people come to the party every year, and I think people look forward to it,'' said spokeswoman Genna Rosenberg.

Staff Writers Susan Abram and Dana Bartholomew contributed to this report.

julia.scott(at)dailynews.com

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