Make your holiday party more than just merry and bright

By this time, employers have decided whether to throw a big holiday bash, skip the party in favor of other activities, or let the season pass without celebration. But for those going the party route, it’s time to put thought into to what kind of payoff you can expect from the season’s festivities. Will the party boost camaraderie and company culture? Or might it be fraught with misconduct?

Finding the payoff

If the goal for a company party is just to keep up an annual tradition while hoping people don’t misbehave, the bar may be set too low. Making a party worth the trouble and expense means giving careful thought about how to make it benefit the organization.

Designing an event that fosters better relationships between team members and communicates appreciation for employees means the party will be worth the expense.

In a 2024 article, the American Society of Employers (ASE)—a nonprofit, Michigan-based employer association providing HR resources—pointed out the importance of expressing thanks for a year of good work. Also, a party is a great time for C-suite leaders and other executives to engage with the lower-level employees.

A sincere message from the higher-ups can boost morale and instill pride in the year’s accomplishments, going a long way toward motivating employees to make next year even better.

A party also provides an opportunity for employees to socialize with people from other departments, sparking relationships that can be helpful for future projects.