Christmas party looming? Make sure it’s just Santa that gets the sack…

Office Christmas parties used to be so beautifully simple. Forgive the nostalgia but, hey, it’s that time of year. Back in the nineties, when I was beginning my career in the automotive industry, my boss (albeit he was indeed a “he” if that matters), was the first to leap onto the photocopier with his trousers around his ankles at our annual Christmas party and a good time was, officially at least, had by all. However, in these times of social media and liturgy, senior decision makers are giving significant thought to how they celebrate the end of another business year.

The implications are no longer a long-held grudge between two reluctant colleagues turning into a messy brawl, a few unpleasant hangovers and a handful of blurry photos. Of course, rose tinted hindsight lends itself to remember these evenings fondly, but how many of our staff back in those days really did have a positive, affirming experience that made them feel valued, included and part of a team? I’d venture not as many as we’d like to tell ourselves. 

The good news is that, with a bit of consultation with the team and careful planning, they can still be fun, and what’s more you don’t have to go near a photocopier (indeed we beg you not to).  Treat it like any marketing campaign: research and understand your audience, be clear about what you want to achieve and be creative in what you do, and you might just get through the evening without dropping anyone off anonymously at A&E or becoming the kind of internet sensation that sees your clients clearing out more quickly than cheap tellies on Black Friday. 

Tips for avoiding a Christ-mess:

1.     What kind of mix do you have? If they’re a close-knit bunch with tons in common who socialise easily, they will probably want to be somewhere that they can continue to do so and entertainment can be confined to just part of the evening. If you’ve multiple departments or differing personalities, you might want to use the opportunity to get them to mix a little, without the aid of a Taser or cash bribe. If you’ve got a formal meal planned, then consider having place settings, whilst making sure that everyone is seated closely to at least one person that they know and like. If it’s a more informal affair, a few cheesy games can get people relaxed and not feeling pressured to find conversation. Quizzes and competitions are always good and require little more planning than a Google search. Alternatively, pop some selfie-sticks on each table or hire in a photo booth. Do keep it audience-relevant, though; you might think that “Cards Against Humanity” is hilarious, harmless fun; Brenda in Accounts might not.

2.     Don’t just throw alcohol at it. The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, if someone comes a cropper, makes a bad decision such as driving whilst over the limit or manages to hospitalise themself, you do not want that on your conscience or as the subject line in a solicitors’ letter. Secondly, there are few things less entertaining for non-drinkers than watching their colleagues get hammered. Some non-drinkers will duck out altogether rather than watch a potential train wreck. On the advice of our HR, we started giving our guys three drink tokens for the bar and spending the budget instead on a form of entertainment. Something a little competitive like bowling, karting or karaoke with the teams mixed across departments is a great ice-breaker and it’s an event that the poor old designated driver can enjoy (and probably win).

3.     It’s all about them. This is a night for the staff, not for you. By all means have a good time and try to speak to as many of the team as you are able, but consider the possibility that it’s entirely possible that your kids are right and you are not hilarious. Let them have their evening with their friends and colleagues without having to be political and feeling that they have to be your friend for the evening. Besides, do you really want to spend all night listening to slurred elevator speeches?

4.     Finally, and I can’t stress this enough, know when to call it a day. If you don’t ordinarily socialise with your staff members outside work, or you are old enough to have given birth to them, it might be worth being cautious about “going on” with them to the next venue. Do you really want your staff to see you face-down in a kebab or perfecting a particularly technical lift from “Dirty Dancing”, either that evening or the next day on Facebook? Remember, electronic imprints last forever. If you do want to make a night of it, maybe go easy on the buffet and go on to a restaurant or separate venue with your immediate peers?

Above all, your party is your Christmas present to your team. It’s a thanks for pulling it out of the bag to hit those deadlines, for struggling in with Noro virus and half-killing the rest of the staff and for going the extra mile to keep your customers happy. Keep that in mind and you might just make it through to New Year without any red-faced email resignations! Merry Christmas.