It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Many companies like to use the holiday season as a way to celebrate with their team and give back. Often this comes in the form of holiday parties and dinners. It’s a great opportunity to do something fun with your team, however, as a manager the responsibility falls on your shoulders should anything be handled inappropriately. Below are some do’s and don’ts for holiday office events.

DO: Create a Theme

If you are throwing a company party, there is a few benefits to having a theme. First, it gives some direction for decorating. If you have multiple people wanting to help, having a theme will allow them to all get on the same page about what needs to be done. Additionally, it opens the door for fun games and food ideas. You can play theme related games or even give gifts to your staff that reflect the theme. Furthermore, it adds a element of creativity and fun. Have your team vote on the theme every year to get them involved in the excitement.

DON’T: Make Parties Mandatory

Office holiday events are fun, but making them mandatory will cause a lot of stress for everyone involved. As a manager, you may have to pay overtime. Keep in mind that if you make your holiday party mandatory for employees, then you must pay them for their time. This also causes added stress for employees that maybe have other events going on at the same time. Avoid any issues by making sure your employees know holiday parties are voluntary. Another good option if you want to ensure employees come is to have your party during office hours or at lunch.

DO: Make the Rules Clear

It is important as a manager to make sure that guidelines are set for every event. Make sure employees know ahead of time what is expected so there are no incidents. For example, if the party is “adults only” then employees need to be made aware that childcare needs to be arranged. Other things that should be addressed is if alcohol is allowed or will be provided. One party I attended provided an open bar but had a 2 drink maximum and offered a separate bar for those that did not want to drink. All of this needs to covered before the day of the event.

DON’T: Talk Business

Holiday parties are an opportunity to get out of the office setting and have some fun with your employees and co-workers. Even if all you do together is work, this is not the place to discuss business all night. Give yourself the room to relax and have some fun. Keep the business talk for office hours.

DO: Discuss Dress Code

Out of the office, everyone has a different style. Make sure you discuss what the dress expectations are for the party ahead of time so employees are prepared for the event. Whether the party requires cocktail attire or ugly Christmas sweater, it’s a good idea to let people know. Nobody wants to show up under or over dressed for an event and this can be easily avoided.

DON’T: Forget to Highlight your Team

Remember, holiday events are all about celebration. This is a great opportunity to highlight your team and thank them for the work they have done all year. As managers, we all know how difficult it has been post-pandemic. Many employees have worked extra hours and gone above and beyond for the company. What a great time to highlight their accomplishments and hard work in front of their family, spouses and peers.

Managing an office party very similar to managing the office. Prepare ahead of time by setting boundaries and expectations to ensure everyone has a great time. Spread the holiday cheer to your employees with some festive fun! Let them know how much they are appreciated during the holiday season and beyond.

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