Traditionally, the “Christmas party” has been the centerpiece of the corporate holiday season, but expectations are changing. In fact, the most recent data on the subject shows that 45% of companies now organize a celebration focused on the year’s achievements, moving away from the “Christmas” theme to be more inclusive of culturally diverse employees.
There is also a new trend to replace celebrations with altruistic initiatives: collective donations, volunteering, or charitable activities.
How important is this office party for employees? Does sticking with the same model year after year guarantee success? I was surprised to learn that the holidays influence how the organizational culture of a company is perceived. In fact, according to a Deloitte study, 78% of employees say their company’s approach to the holidays influences their perception of the company’s organizational culture.
It’s not easy to please everyone. The expectations for celebrations are quite specific for modern companies. The excesses of the past are being replaced by more modest events that cater to everyone.
For office parties, we strongly recommend that you implement the following :
- Clear alcohol policy: Limit or control consumption to ensure a safe environment. Offering a variety of non-alcoholic options is very important.
- Access to transportation: Providing employees with transportation solutions (taxi fare reimbursement, car-sharing partnerships) has become a standard way to minimize risk.
- Adapted activities: Prioritize daytime events or hybrid formats (in-person and remote) to accommodate more participants.
Finally, when it comes to gift giving, some people opt for blind exchanges or raffles, but one practice that has become very popular in recent years, and which we have adopted at Synergie, is the Christmas card, where each manager takes the time to write a little personal message for each employee. It’s a seemingly simple gesture, but it demonstrates the appreciation management has for its teams.
What may seem like a challenge to organize, is much more than a simple Christmas or end-of-year party. It is not just a festive occasion, but a strategic opportunity. For managers, it represents an opportunity to thank employees for their hard work and strengthen team commitment. Employees, in turn, see it as a moment of recognition and appreciation from management and the company, as well as an opportunity to spend time with their colleagues. The company strengthens its employer brand and organizational culture. In fact, according to a Gallup study creating a festive and inclusive work environment can increase employee engagement by 25%.
The holiday season can be quite a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to unite your teams around your values. Whether you choose to celebrate Christmas or the end of the year, the goal is to implement inclusive and meaningful practices for all.
