Forgetting that there is currently a pandemic and assuming that someday we will go back to business as usual in the workplace, odds are you will probably find yourself at some version of an office party. Office parties often have mixed reviews. Some people see them as a reward for hard work and a nice way to relax at work, while others see them as a waste of time and money. Obviously, these opinions vary based on a number of factors.
Benefits
Office parties are a good way to reward the employees and to raise moral within the staff. You can use the office parties to award prizes and acknowledgements to employees and business partners. Entertainment, food, drink, and attention given to each of them are strong inspiring factors for further action and success.
Talking and mingling in an informal atmosphere, as well as sharing a meal, awaken our primal instincts of bonding and expressing family-like behavior. In an environment that nurtures strong ties trust is developed, and trust means strong company.
Great minds might think alike, but a different point of view even from the similar mind is sometimes all it takes to get us to a groundbreaking solution. Furthermore, current and future business partners may also find themselves at the get-together bringing new people to you, fresh contacts to keep and use for something prolific in the future. Needless to say, do not turn the party into a business meeting venue. What the sole purpose is and it should stay is a time to show yourself as a relaxed, trustworthy partner and colleague.
After spending a good time at the party, employees create happy and pleasant memories. In terms of simple psychology, they will create positive associations which bring about positive feelings when going to work, readiness to solve problems, willingness to participate and invest time and knowledge to help the company grow.
Drawbacks
Employees don’t often mingle beyond their acquaintances. While some hope that office holiday parties will help employees meet new people in the company, in reality it rarely happens. Harvard Business Review found that most employees stick with the colleagues they know and diversity suffers.
Some employees don’t realize that they must consider the office holiday party the workplace. People often lower their guard and engage in behavior that’s inappropriate for the workplace. Unfortunately, that can lead to sexual harassment allegations and other claims.
Though an entertaining event, an office Christmas party is expensive to arrange. And if the event is going to be a grand one, then the amount of expenses will be larger too. So it is always advisable to stay prepared for the big expense beforehand rather than investing on it instantly.
There are many benefits to these events and they can create a real sense of camaraderie, engagement and collaboration. That being said, you must remember that there’s always evidence left behind from these types of events. Mainly because everyone has a camera on them nowadays in the form of their mobile phone and because of the rise in social media usage. Simply make sure all employees are aware of the boundaries and what behaviour is and isn’t acceptable.
By Katie Kabat
