Biggest Office Holiday Party Mistakes – and How To Avoid Them

With the number of holiday party mistakes that could happen, it’s a wonder companies host events.

At the same time, many of us love a good party – and the possibility of witnessing what could go wrong!

And if there was ever a year to worry about holiday party mistakes, this is it. The office holiday party is set to make a comeback as more companies return to the office full-time this year after years of hybrid or remote work.

Keeping the Holiday Party in Line

Still, front-line managers surely want to maintain some control over the celebrating so it’s cheerful, safe and appropriate. And you want to avoid embarrassment, conflict, regret, embarrassing fallout and, most especially, potential lawsuits.

“December brings energy, excitement, and well-deserved celebration, but it’s also a moment where small mistakes during office festivities can have big consequences to your reputation and career,” says Amanda Augustine, CPCC at resume.io. “The best way to shine at a holiday work party is to stay present, stay professional, and keep the night memorable for all the right reasons.”

That’s why it’s important to know that the biggest holiday party mistakes – and how leaders can help their organizations and employees avoid them:

Party Mistake 1: Getting Drunk

People often do dumb things at office holiday parties when they’ve had too much alcohol to drink. In fact, 72% of managers say alcohol is the root of all evil at holiday parties, according to a survey by resume.io. The biggest problem: Managers say employees overshare when they get drunk.

A quarter of employees admitted that they’ve had to leave the party because they were too drunk, according to another survey.

Leaders have a difficult enough time controlling employees’ behavior in the workplace when no one is under any influence. It can only be worse in a social environment where alcohol is present.

“Unlimited drinks often lead to unlimited regret,” says Ben Wright. Head of Global Partnerships at Instant Offices. “Set limits, provide food, and make taxis or travel stipends available to keep things controlled.” 

While it might not be your call – or desire – to exclude alcohol, you might want to make the case for limiting it. For instance, some companies offer a few drink tickets to each employee and limit the time the bar is open. A more popular option these days: holiday luncheons without booze, and everyone heads home early.

Party Mistake 2: Misplaced Feet and Hands

Dancing has gotten more than one employee in a pickle at holiday parties. About 30% have danced with colleagues, clients and/or bosses at holiday parties – many of them regretting it the next day, both surveys found.

Some holiday parties lead to overly friendly behavior. About 12% of employees admit they’ve made the holiday party mistake of flirting with, kissing or hooking up with a colleague, client or boss!

This shouldn’t be a big surprise: Alcohol often leads to these two major office party mistakes. Even worse, they can lead to harassment reports and legal issues – both of which you want to avoid.

So this is likely more incentive to limit access to alcohol. Also important, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available throughout your celebrations.

Party Mistake 3: Gossiping, Trash Talking

Almost a quarter of employees admitted they’ve gossiped or talked badly about others at their holiday office party — not exactly the way to make friends or get promotions. In fact, feeding the rumor mill or dissing colleagues often leads to strained relationships or reprimands.

The mix of alcohol and office politics is rarely a good one,” says Wright.

Leaders can’t monitor everyone’s behavior at the office party. Managers will want to model behavior by keeping conversations light and steering away from sensitive topics.

Or you might to keep people too busy to badmouth each other with board games. A few to try:

• Reverse Charades from USAopoly which builds relationships and camaraderie.
• Werewords by Bezier Games, which encourages dialogue and lateral thinking.
• The Mind from Pandasaurus Games which isn’t complicated and doesn’t require awkward role-playing.

Party Mistake 4: Arguments, Fights

What should be good times sometimes turn into tense times. Long hours, social settings and again, alcohol, can lead to tension.

Many employees cite unnecessary tension and arguments as low points at holiday parties.

One cure is to have designated sober managers to de-escalate situations early.

“Maintaining empathy while taking swift action helps protect both team morale and company culture,” says Wright.

Party Mistake 5: Evidence

Let’s say people did make some small, albeit regrettable, mistakes. Not the kind that needs to go down in legal history. Just the kind that might make their temple hurt the next morning and remind them not to play repeat next year.

Wouldn’t that person feel better if there were no photographic or social media track of that? Probably.

“Social media can turn private moments public,” says Wright. And that’s not necessary at private holiday parties.

“Encouraging a no-photo policy or creating a shared, approved photo folder can help keep things professional,” he suggests.

Party Mistake 6: Exclusion

Leaders normally want everyone to feel welcomed and included in office events. Yet, some make the mistake of exclusion by focusing on one holiday (that usually being Christmas).

To make inclusive holiday celebrations:

• Choose a generic holiday or winter theme with a variety of décor, games, food, and drinks – or don’t choose a theme for your activities or food offerings at all
• Choose a venue that’s accessible to guests with physical or neurological differences
• Plan the party for work hours so employees with caretaking responsibilities can participate, and
• Make announcements and play music in languages other than English if employees use multiple languages.

Party Mistake 7: Not Showing Up or Showing Appreciation

Office party foul for leaders: Forgetting what it’s all about – and that’s your employees.

“The holidays are first and foremost about showing appreciation to your employees,” says Mark Wachen, CEO and Founder of CardSnacks. “You can use this time as an opportunity to reinforce company culture and show your recognition and appreciation for everyone on your team.”

Leaders want to show up, interact and spend time with employees – proving you’re vested in the company as much as you want them to be.

“By taking the time to speak, laugh and enjoy quality time with employees, they will see you as a real person and not just a figurehead. You can also use this time as an opportunity to reinforce company culture and show your recognition and appreciation for everyone on your team,” says Wachen.