Office holiday parties: Networking goldmine or overhyped obligation?

As 2024 draws to a close (yes, already!), the holiday office party looms large—a festive tradition for some, a dreaded obligation for others. For some employees, it’s an opportunity to network, celebrate accomplishments, and build camaraderie. For others, it’s an unwelcome extension of the workday, clashing with personal commitments or preferences. So how do you decide whether to attend? Here’s a look at the pros and cons, with advice on making the best choice for your professional and personal life.

3 reasons to attend your office holiday party

Attending your company’s holiday party can be more than just free food and festive music. For those who participate, it can offer key benefits that go beyond the surface-level fun.

1. Networking opportunity

Holiday parties provide a rare opportunity for employees across levels and departments to connect in a relaxed setting. Though it might be nerve-wracking to chat with coworkers, or maybe even clients in a non-professional setting, it’s a great time to nurture existing connections, while establishing new connections with those you might not work with regularly.

According to Gina Riley, an executive career transition coach, attending office holiday parties can be strategic for employees at all levels. “As a new employee, connecting with colleagues outside your immediate team can give you a broader perspective of how the company operates. Seasoned employees can engage with new talent, sharing experiences and fostering a sense of belonging. These events offer meaningful conversations with senior leadership and cross-departmental networking for those seeking career advancement, potentially leading to new opportunities and collaborations.”

2. Build genuine connections

Even more than just a networking opportunity, a holiday event could provide more relaxed social moments to get to know your colleagues and form trusting relationships beyond typical workday interactions.

“Office holiday parties break up the workday and provide us with opportunities to connect with colleagues,” says Riley. “Consider it a chance to build authentic relationships in a low-pressure environment, to discover shared interests and create a rapport beyond the workplace.”

She also suggests preparing a few open-ended questions about your colleagues’ work or interests to make the most of the event. “Listen attentively, show curiosity about others’ experiences, and seek opportunities to offer support or share insights,” she says. “After the party, follow up with those you connected with—perhaps suggest a coffee chat to continue the conversation.”

3. Boost morale for the upcoming year

Overall, an office party is a way for a company to show gratitude and give back to their employees. Oftentimes, upper management will use this time to reflect on accomplishments that the company made throughout the year, and acknowledge the employees who made it happen. By discussing the year’s wins, you and your colleagues can go into the next year with confidence in your teamwork and your ability to successfully collaborate.

Advice for attending your office holiday party

While holiday parties can be beneficial, they’re still professional events. Moderation is key—particularly when alcohol is involved. “It’s essential to maintain professional behavior, moderate alcohol consumption, and use the event strategically for positive networking,” Riley says. “Staying focused on building relationships rather than just socializing can enhance your experience.”

4 reasons you might skip the office party

While office parties offer unique opportunities, they’re not for everyone. Personal circumstances, social dynamics, or even past experiences can make opting out the better choice.

1. Work-life balance

Balancing work and personal life is especially challenging during the busy holiday season. Attending office parties outside of work hours during a notoriously busy time of year might not be the easiest task for employees who have family commitments and end-of-the-year errands.

2. Boundary crossing

Holiday parties often involve alcohol, and the blurred lines between work and play can sometimes lead to unprofessional behavior. Career counselor Dr. Bruce Hurwitz advises caution, noting that inappropriate actions at these events could impact career advancement opportunities. “My colleagues were good, decent, hard-working people,” he writes. “But put them in a party situation, even one for work, and some would forget where they were. I honestly believe that some employers hold office parties as a way to see whether or not they can trust some staff—the ones they are thinking of promoting—to behave. In fact, I know of two cases where employers told me that as a result of their behavior at an office party two employees who were being considered (without their knowledge) for promotion were no longer being considered.”

3. Social anxiety

For those with social anxiety, navigating small talk in a semi-professional setting can be daunting. The pressure to maintain a polished demeanor while mingling can make the experience more stressful than enjoyable. For many employees, this is not a carefree, fun environment for socializing, but a time when they might feel they’re being monitored even more than during working hours. The need to check yourself and your behavior, knowing it’s a company event, only further fuels social anxiety.

4. Inclusion

Holiday parties often center on Christmas traditions, which may not resonate with everyone. “A business that encourages an inclusive environment must appreciate [employees] may not be rewarded by office parties for many reasons,” says Debbie Ailey, an experienced commercial director with a background in career development and leadership. Soliciting employee input can lead to alternative celebrations that are more widely appreciated.

“The best ideas come from the employees themselves,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be an office party in a bar. It can be a fun event that creates new connections within the business and something that is genuinely valued by the employee. By utilizing a focus group, the values of the business can be re-emphasized. The team can build these ideas into the company’s future strategy for employee wellbeing.”

Advice for not attending your office holiday party

If you decide not to attend, communicate your decision politely. Thank your employer for the invitation and mention your absence without overexplaining. Skipping the event without acknowledgment might be perceived as disengagement from workplace culture.

The takeaway

Your holiday office party can be a great time to network and relax with your colleagues while celebrating the year’s accomplishments. Many people feel lonely or disconnected at work, and attending office events can help create opportunities to build meaningful connections. However, for some, work-life balance, religious affiliation, or social anxiety might influence their decision to opt-out. Whether you RSVP “yes” or “no,” the key is to make a thoughtful choice that aligns with your needs and values.

Photo: Welcome to the Jungle

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