Is it all over for the Christmas party?

As we near the Christmas festivities, the almost unavoidable staff party is just around the corner. Once upon a time, the annual get-together around Xmas would cause chaos for weeks afterwards. Some employees would take it too far, drink more than their fair share of tipples, speak out of turn, or become a disaster zone in their own right. Not too long ago, it was expected that everyone would gather- boss included- and share a drink or two to celebrate the festive holiday. However, times are changing.

I was reading Shane Watson’s article for The Times about the end of wild workplace bashes that included nudity, a bucket of alcohol, and NSFW actions…and it got me thinking. It’s not as common to go to work parties and experience those things today.

Not only is the new workforce (Gen Z) drinking less alcohol than any other generation before it, but office etiquette has drawn a clear line between appropriate work behaviour and potential grounds for a few weeks of ducking your head around your colleagues.

I look back on those days and sigh with relief that there wasn’t any facebook/instagram or tik tok – I’m not sure any of my managers from those days would last very long in the work place now (I am talking 25+ years ago in case you’re wondering!!)

In one of my first roles which involved recruiting IT contractors (think Y2K ‘is the world going to end when the date goes from 99 to 00’ projects) our main role was to ensure everyone drank as much as possible, embarrassed themselves singing karaoke and remembered having a great time…..

So, if you have been invited to your office party, bear these things in mind before you decide to go.

Good things about the Christmas Office Party

There’s nothing like getting to know the people you work with in relaxed conditions outside of the workplace.

  • You might find out something surprising about a person, second-guess your first
  • impressions, or find out that you’ve got a lot in common.
  • It also sets a better tone at work as you’ve been able to let off some steam and forget
  • about stressful emails from difficult clients or managers.
  • The Christmas party is also seen as a little reward from your company to workers (if it’s
  • on the company credit card, that is)
  • It gets everyone into the festive spirit!
  • The alcohol free options are SOOOO much better nowadays!

Bad things about the Christmas Office Party

  • Times have changed, and so has the things that are acceptable in the workplace. No
  • longer can staff fall head over heels on the dancefloor in front of one another, or slosh
  • sherry on pub furniture as they gesture wildly during conversation.
  • Not only can it end up with one heck of a hangover, but you might be in for other
  • members of staff wanting to bring it up in the office the next day. God forbid they have
  • pictures or videos to prove their point.
  • Your festive spirit might end with you spending a little too much of your Christmas
  • budget, and end up with little left over.
  • You might confess too much and return to the office with the fear that your colleagues
  • know far more than you’re comfortable with.
  • Perhaps your dance moves were a little too energetic for a quiet 7pm pup party

Honestly, staff parties used to be wild, that’s true. But with changing times (and camera phones!), it might not be a bad thing to put those days in the past. Or, we could find a middle ground. What do you think?