Festive work parties should be fun events! They should be joyous get-togethers where everyone can put aside day-to-day workplace challenges to socialize with their coworkers. Work parties should be friendly and relaxed.

Yet, a large number of employers feel that their employees don’t appreciate holiday parties and, coincidentally, many employees dread the work party and only attend out of a sense of duty. So… what’s going on? What can employers and employees do to make the festive season party the positive and enjoyable event it’s intended to be?

The Root of the Issue

Many employees feel they receive little, if any, recognition for their dedicated efforts throughout the entire year. When this is the case, employees will often believe the festive season party is an insincere gesture that is not heartfelt.

At the same time, many employers feel employees are ungrateful for the festive season party.

Oddly enough, both perspectives may be correct! If the leaders routinely provide genuine and sincere recognition for the efforts of employees throughout the year, employees will likely have a positive perspective. The first step to a successful festive season actually starts with providing employees positive and constructive feedback and recognition each and every day of the year!

Employer Tips

If your managers and supervisors provide employees with constructive and genuine recognition throughout the year, go ahead and host a festive season party! Employees will appreciate it. If they don’t provide such recognition throughout the year, then reconsider the value of hosting such an event! If you host an employee party, consider the following tips:

  1. Select a menu that all can enjoy and consider the special dietary needs of all employees.
  2. Ensure the venue selected is accessible to all and is sized appropriately for the event.
  3. If serving alcohol, use professional bartenders. Limit consumption by providing a modest number of drink tickets and provide attractive non-alcoholic beverage alternatives.
  4. Ensure entertainment is suitable and appropriate for all guests.
  5. Offer taxi chits and promote the use of designated drivers.
  6. Remember that respectful and violence-free policies apply to the party. Let employees know this in advance.
  7. Don’t talk shop. You have every workday year-round to talk shop.
  8. Attend the event - your employees expect it.
  9. Make a point of meeting and greeting each of your employees and their guests.
  10. Say something positive about each employee. This is an excellent time to share a positive story with their guest.


Employee Tips

No workplace is perfect. Workplaces are complex places and you may not always agree with the actions or decisions that are made day-to-day. If you understand and accept these principals and genuinely enjoy the organization and your coworkers, attend the party. If you don’t feel that way about your organization, stay home. If you do plan to attend, consider the following tips:

  1. Promptly reply to invitations and let the host know that you are attending so they can plan appropriately.
  2. Remember that many employers do not host such events, so thank your host.
  3. If drinking alcohol, do so in moderation.
  4. Make a point of meeting and interacting with as many of your coworkers and their guests as possible.
  5. Avoid shoptalk. You have every workday to talk about work.
  6. Remember respectful workplace policies. They still apply!
  7. Don’t use the party to complain or air grievances.
  8. Dress appropriately for the event.
  9. Use this opportunity to get to know others and for others to get to know you.
  10. Tomorrow is another workday. Keep in mind that what goes on at the party, will always make its way into the workplace!


Throwing a great festive work party starts long before the event. It is but one of many ways to show appreciation for your employees. And, if you have shown appreciation for your employees year-round, I hope that the tips above will help you create an event that is enjoyed by all.