As the end of November rolls around, we have a joke in our household that it’s “LaVigne Season”. It stems from my maiden name and the fact that we’re heading into the time of year when I will see my side of the family almost every weekend from November 25th until February 1st. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and four birthdays, it’s a lot. I bring this up not to excuse my lateness for the November blog (although, please forgive me), but because it brings up the topic of gathering and relationships.
Many of us have family events surrounding the holidays, as well as work events sprinkled into the mix. When it comes to work holiday parties, there’s definitely been an evolution over the years. Google tells me that the tradition of office holiday parties originated in Victorian England in 1843, when Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featured a Christmas party hosted by Ebenezer Scrooge’s former employer. Fast forward to 2005 when “Christmas Party” was a hilarious episode of The Office filled with Secret Santa gifts and drunken debauchery. Whatever the party style, the intent is the same. To foster a sense of camaraderie among colleagues, celebrate the year’s accomplishments and show appreciation for employees’ hard work.
This year, I’ve read a few articles specific to work holiday parties and the consensus is: employees want to partake more than ever. The Business Journal recently published an article with statistics from ezCater ,the #1 food tech platform for workplaces in the U.S. They stated that an estimated 69% of employees attended their holiday parties last year, with 81% planning to attend this year. So, why the uptick?
While employees are craving those holiday appetizers (food is a big driver), they’re also craving human connection. People want the opportunity to unwind with their colleagues and build relationships. It makes sense with the way work has changed over the past few years. Remote and hybrid work scenarios have their benefits, but you can’t deny that it makes it more difficult to bond with co-workers than in a traditional in-office environment.
Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General stressed that we are in the midst of a loneliness epidemic and Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report stated that one in five employees report experiencing loneliness daily. There is a direct tie to work location, according to Gallup. Fully remote employees report higher levels of loneliness (25%) than do those who work exclusively on-site (16%). Hybrid workers fall in-between at 21%. Now, I’m not trying to sell you on going to the office 5 days a week (I’m a millennial for crying out loud), but I do think that comes back to why employees are more apt to attend work holiday parties this year than in years past.
It’s about being together. So, whether or not you choose to don an ugly holiday sweater or make pigs-in-a-blanket for a potluck this year, it’s important to take time to connect with your colleagues. Celebrate wins with your team and show gratitude for each other. Oh, and a word to the wise, if there is karaoke at the party, request a no-phone policy.
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EzCater, Holiday Party Report: https://www.ezcater.com/company/lp/download-holiday-party-report/
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
Gallup, State of the Global Workplace 2024 Report: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/645566/employees-worldwide-feel-lonely.aspx
