What Makes a Company Christmas Party Good? A Guide for the Festively Bewildered
Monday December 23, 2024.
Karen from Accounting drinks too much eggnog, the IT guy busts out the robot on the dance floor, and someone inevitably asks, “Is this gluten-free?”
Welcome to the company Christmas party, a corporate ritual as sacred and unpredictable as a Secret Santa exchange gone rogue. But what really makes a company Christmas party “good”?
Researchers, perhaps as desperate as the rest of us to make sense of these events, have stepped in with answers. And yes, it involves more than free booze.
A study published in Scientific Reports by Hannes Zacher from Leipzig University unwrapped the key ingredients for a successful office holiday bash, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about dodging awkward encounters with your boss.
Christmas Parties: More Than Free Snacks and Regret
For most employees, the annual Christmas party is a chance to escape the fluorescent-lit trenches of email and Zoom fatigue. It’s where workplace culture gets drunk (literally and metaphorically) and dances on the tables. But Zacher’s research reveals it’s more than a year-end shindig—it’s a reflection of a company’s soul. Think of it as the corporate equivalent of those DNA ancestry kits: it tells you where you’re from and why you might need therapy.
Researching Holiday Cheer (or Lack Thereof)
Zacher surveyed 359 employees across Germany shortly after the 2018 holiday season.
Why Germany? Because if anyone can handle both rigorous data collection and an endless buffet of sausages, it’s the Germans.
Employees were asked about their holiday party experiences, including the location, activities, atmosphere, and food (because obviously). Researchers also explored how party planning, personal attitudes toward Christmas, and organizational culture shaped satisfaction levels.
The Secret Sauce of a Great Party
So what makes employees leave the party saying, “That was amazing!” instead of “I’m updating my LinkedIn tomorrow”? Here’s what the study found:
Fun Activities:
Games, karaoke, or team challenges are like holiday sprinkles—completely unnecessary but delightful. They encourage bonding and make even the most introverted employee crack a smile (or a cold sweat).
Speeches That Don’t Suck:
A heartfelt speech from a manager can melt even the iciest hearts. But stick to gratitude and skip the PowerPoint slides. Nobody wants to see Q4 charts with their mulled wine.
Decent Food and Drinks:
À la carte dining beat buffet-style because nothing says “we value you” like personalized chicken marsala. Also, give people drink options—nothing kills the holiday vibe faster than peer pressure to chug spiked punch.
Music, But Not Just Elevator Jazz:
Live bands or festive playlists can turn a bland room into a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. Bonus points if your DJ doesn’t play "Macarena" (again).
Off-Site Venues:
Move the party out of the office. No one wants to dance next to the photocopier they’ve spent all year fighting with. Trust me. I know something about photocopiers.
The Grinch-Worthy Mistakes to Avoid
For every sparkling Christmas party success, there’s an event that makes employees whisper, “Never again.” Zacher’s study identified a few pitfalls:
Heavy Drinking: After five drinks, “jovial” turns into “Jerry from HR tried to freestyle rap.” Don’t be Jerry.
Inappropriate Behavior: Sexualized comments and awkward advances are not only unprofessional—they’re a fast pass to ruining the party for everyone.
Excessive Formality: Forced fun is an oxymoron. Let people relax, and ditch the rigid seating charts.
Why Company Culture Matters
Here’s where the rubber (or reindeer hoof) meets the road: the party isn’t just about fun; it’s about your workplace culture. Zacher found that companies with a human relations culture (think teamwork, flexibility, and high morale) threw the best parties. Meanwhile, organizations with rigid, rule-bound vibes tended to host events that felt like tax audits with twinkling lights.
What About the Planners?
Surprisingly, the unsung heroes of holiday cheer—the party planners—had the best time. Employees involved in organizing the event reported higher levels of excitement and pride. It seems knowing where the budget went helps you enjoy the cheese platter even more.
The Takeaway: How to Nail Your Next Christmas Party
Zacher’s recommendations are simple but effective:
Start with a positive company culture.
Host the event off-site.
Plan fun activities.
Keep it informal.
Incorporate organizational pride (without making it a commercial).
Offer beverages (but regulate Jerry).
Skip the awkward moments (please).
And if all else fails, remember: sometimes it’s not about the perfect party but the imperfect memories it creates.
Future Research: What’s Next?
Zacher is currently exploring who attends and enjoys these events the most. Is it the extroverts? The free food enthusiasts? The ones looking for dirt on their colleagues? He’s a research party animal. Stay tuned.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Zacher, H., et al. (2023). The company Christmas party and employee happiness. Scientific Reports.