Office parties don't have to be a drag or career-limiting.
Office parties have gotten a bad name over the years. If you mention the annual gathering to colleagues, they’ll usually roll their eyes or avert their gaze in anticipation of forced fun, bad behavior or career-limiting consequences.
But it’s possible to throw an office party people will actually enjoy—and that can be a bright part of the holiday season.
A Fact of the Season
For most people, office parties are a fact of life since 83% of companies host them, according to research by FourLoko. And while 54% of people dread holiday parties, 47% look forward to them. Interestingly, engineers are most likely to be excited about their annual gathering.
According to the study, the biggest drawbacks to holiday parties are feeling obligated to attend, having to make small talk and social settings which include higher-ups. But there are some redeeming qualities to work parties as well. People appreciate the free food and drinks as well as spending time with coworkers and getting in the holiday spirit.
Why It Matters
Office parties can have some important impacts. According to a study by Price4Limo, people saw both positive and negative outcomes from their holiday hoopla. For some, they were career-enhancing.
- 60% improved their relationship with a coworker
- 10% received a promotion following a holiday party
But for others, there were negative effects.
- 35% increased the strain in a relationship with a coworker
- 26% received a reprimand
- 21% had to switch their team reporting
- 17% lost a client
- 14% were fired
- 10% quit their job
In addition, FourLoko reports the biggest regrets by party attendees were hooking up with a coworker, saying something rude or gossiping. And 18% of people have been too embarrassed to go to work the day after the company party
The stakes for holiday parties are clearly greater than just whether your dish-to-pass is a hit or if you avoid embarrassing yourself on the dance floor.
Here’s how to create a great experience that’s less likely to disappoint or to turn into career catastrophe.
How to Make it Great
#1 – Make it Predictable
When you’re planning the festivities, remember that people value predictability and they tend to feel more comfortable when there’s less ambiguity. It might seem like overkill, but let people know where to park, what to wear and what kind of gifts to show up with. Taking the time to provide this level of detail will especially help those who may not be as comfortable socializing, and it will support the detail-obsessed in your group.
According to FourLoko, 96% of companies provide free food, but it can also be a good idea to ask people to take something along as well. You’ll want enough variety to cater to all kinds of palettes or dietary restrictions, but giving people the opportunity to take their own dish also frees people to ensure they’ll have something they like and which fits within their diet. It also gives them some involvement and ownership—which is a very good starting point for an engaged group.
Providing activities can help people connect.
#2 – Give It Structure
It may seem counter-intuitive, but the best parties aren’t just free for all’s. Instead, they have a bit of structure. The myth of mingling is that people actually get to know others they don’t know through unstructured socializing. But the reality is that most people—whether they’re introverts or extroverts—tend to talk to people they already know, rather than getting to know people who are new to them.
Leadership is key at a great party. Someone who introduces people to each other and provides an opening for discussion—pointing out something they might have in common, for example. Holiday parties are also enhanced by creating time for introductions. Let people mingle for a while, just to warm up, and then ask people to go around and introduce themselves. This gives people starting points for conversation as the night moves forward, “You mentioned you attended MSU, I did too. Where did you live when you were there?”
You can also consider planning key activities. Even cheesy games can bring people together because they provide an excuse to interact. Set up a photo booth for people to take (goofy) pictures or have corn hole ready to give people options that go beyond small talk and allow them to bond through healthy team competition.
Most company parties include some structured activities. According to Price4Limo, these are what people prefer.
- Dancing 51%
- Gift exchanges 44%
- Movies 42%
- Comedy 41%
- Board games 39%
- Bowling 37%
- Trivia 32%
- Karoke 32%
- Escape room 32%
- Murder mystery 26%
- Scavenger hunt 26%
- Topgolf 24%
#3 – Be Inclusive and Expansive
When you’re giving a company party, be inclusive about who you invite. According to Price4Limo, 44% of companies invite employees only and 20% invite employees. FourLoko found 74% of people were allowed to take a plus one to the festivities.
The best parties include enough people that there’s energy and a critical mass of guests. No one wants to show up for a party and feel like no one else is there—or as if they showed up on the wrong night. Great parties also include plenty of different people throughout the organization. If your marketing team is getting together, include all levels from the team, and consider inviting the key sales groups or the product team members with whom you work closely during the year.
Also consider being creative about parties which create community. For a large company, you might consider a gathering of people who live on the outskirts of the company’s location—everyone in a certain town outside the headquarters, for example. Or you might sponsor a party for the people who are members of the organization’s affinity groups.
As you’re gathering diverse people, you can create unifying experiences. Ask everyone to wear red or request everyone bring a story to share about their proudest accomplishment at the company over the last year.
The bottom line: Use holiday parties as a way to bring people together and create unity—rather than just checking the box on the same old gathering.
Office parties can create community and connections.
How to Love it
Of course, the best planned party is only as enjoyable as the people who participate. When you’re invited to a work party, be sure to attend. Even if it’s outside your comfort zone, you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your boundaries—and growth is correlated with greater happiness.
Also set limits ahead of time. According to the FourLoko data, 60% of companies provide free drinks, so it’s not a surprise that many people had regrets about their choices. A wise 80% of people limit how much they’ll drink at a party. But you can also set limits on how much you’ll share. Remind yourself that no matter how free and joyous you feel, the people around you are coworkers, not your most intimate friends—so it’s smart to avoid lapsing into a situation where you’re sharing too much.
As you’re enjoying the party, connect and appreciate the people around you. Avoid using the time to network in a superficial way—just adding to your professional contact list. Instead, be curious and value the others around you. Seek commonalities, but also differences. Learn about the coworker who is loves dogs like you do, the colleague who is a Pilates ninja or the teammate who is a beekeeper.
Keep the Energy Going
Avoid putting pressure on yourself to have the perfect evening—just relax and enjoy the spirit of the night. And seek out lasting relationships. If the group works out brilliantly, make the gathering a bi-annual event or follow up with people for dinner, coffee or future meet-ups.
When you feel connected, you’re more likely to experience greater levels of wellbeing—physical, cognitive and emotional. And the company party may be just the opportunity you need to strengthen existing relationships and create new ones as well.
