Finally time to party? Getting a holiday gathering right in 2022

With the 2022 holiday season in full swing, employers and employees are gearing up for annual workplace parties. The pandemic isn’t completely in the rearview, inflation dominates the news, and layoffs loom in at least some sectors. So, spirits among the workforce may not be totally bright. That means those in charge of the party are likely struggling to set just the right tone. Is it time for a blowout bash, or would a more subdued gathering be more appropriate? Regardless of the form a party takes, employers need to get creative while keeping the basics of legally sound celebrations in mind.

Finding a festive new normal

It’s been a few years since employees gathered to celebrate the holiday season without thinking about the threat of COVID. Indeed, masks and social distancing may still be necessary for some people to feel comfortable attending. The virtual parties many employers resorted to over the last couple of years also may still be the way to go.

But many workplaces are ready to go back to the traditional party, just with a few changes to accommodate the new normal. With some employees fully remote and others working a hybrid arrangement, party planners need to make sure the party includes more than just the in-person workforce.

RSVPify, an event software company, notes that creative venue and vendor ideas can make a party more relevant to today’s workforce. For example, rather than gathering at the workplace, a party at a museum or an arcade may make employees feel more valued. Such destination parties can be especially appropriate for the decentralized work environments many employers now have.

With the proliferation of remote and hybrid work, many employers are struggling to provide the safety and work-life balance employees crave while also encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

RSVPify says holiday parties can be an important part of getting employees more connected, thereby increasing productivity, and creating a culture in which people feel like they are a part of something.

“This means it’s worth considering allocating more of a budget to your office holiday party planning, brainstorming some new ideas, or soliciting employee feedback to crowdsource a holiday party that people will enjoy—and that will lead to some measurable benefits over the coming year in terms of employee happiness and productivity,” an RSVPify blog post says.

Ideas to consider

Protocol, a technology news site, reported in October that the big bash is returning at many tech firms, although not quite at pre-pandemic levels. The report found that many companies are trying to bring people back together with unique experiences, such as featuring celebrity chefs and unique venues.

Online cooking class company Cozymeal suggests interactive online cooking or mixology classes as an option for a virtual party. Virtual beer, wine, or whiskey tastings are other ideas for virtual gatherings. A virtual game night is another possibility.

It may not be a big bash, but a smaller in-office gathering with a wake-up-to-Christmas-morning theme is another idea from Cozymeal. Holiday breakfast foods including festive breads and egg dishes along with coffee and hot cider set a merry mood.

Keep the basics in mind

In addition to planning the fun and games, employers need to make sure all feel welcome, but not coerced. The party may feature a Christmas theme, but it’s important to make sure that people of all faiths are comfortable attending. A party shouldn’t be a basis for a religious discrimination claim.

Also, a party should be for fun and in no way mandatory. Unfortunately, some managers send the message that attending scores points and failing to attend hurts chances for advancements or plum assignments.

A party that feels mandatory increases the risk of wage claims and feelings of retaliation against those who skip it.

Sexual harassment also can be a problem at parties when people forget about appropriate behavior among colleagues. Employers often issue reminders about suitable dress and behavior before party day.

Employers also need to take precautions when alcohol is served. Suggestions for avoiding trouble include distributing drink tickets to limit consumption. Hiring professional bartenders who know how to spot people who have had enough also can help. Offering free rides home and plenty of food in addition to drinks also can prevent trouble.

Tammy Binford writes and edits news alerts and newsletter articles on labor and employment law topics for BLR web and print publications.