Attending holiday office party can boost career

Q&A talks about office holiday parties with Kelleigh Marquard, Hartford metro market manager with OfficeTeam.

Q: Tis the season. How are office parties faring for the upcoming holiday season? Are companies still having them?

A: Most companies are having some sort of holiday celebration this year, even if they can’t afford to throw a black-tie gala. Employers seem to recognize the importance of thanking and rewarding their employees for all of their hard work throughout the year. Economic conditions have brightened a bit since last year, so there may be somewhat larger party budgets. Even so, many firms continue to be conservative with their spending. Most employees don’t expect their companies to host extravagant parties, anyway, and would rather partake in activities that are meaningful to them, such as an intimate dinner or even volunteer activity. Employers who are concerned about staff retention and morale want to do whatever they can to ensure their employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions throughout the year — and are willing to spend money, within reason, in order to throw a successful holiday office party.

Q: What’s the rule of thumb when it comes to holiday parties? Are they mandatory events? What about if they are after hours? Can hourly employees be compelled to attend on their own time?

A: There is a long-held belief by many that attendance at the office party is an important career move and this still could be true if you work for a traditional firm. While attending holiday parties isn’t always mandatory, there are some companies where forgoing these functions may be frowned upon. We encourage employees to see the value in attending office functions. Company executives might use the holiday party to get to know people better and assess their social skills. But a lot of companies may view the party as purely a celebration for employees and be less concerned with who shows up and who doesn’t.

Q: What are the advantages to attending an office holiday party? Do people really remember come Jan. 2 that you weren’t their noshing the night away?

A: Attending the company holiday party is a great way for employees to get to know their managers and colleagues better and build camaraderie. Senior executives also may be watchful for high-potential employees suitable for management roles — namely, professionals who demonstrate good social graces, strong interpersonal skills and a keen interest in growing their career with the company. Office holiday parties are an ideal opportunity to showcase these skills and make sure you leave a lasting impression.

Q: OK, so you’ve dusted off the red skirt you only wear at the holidays and attended the holiday party. How do you make a good impression at the soiree? How will the senior vice president remember you among the scores of attendees?

A: Company parties are great opportunities to mingle with coworkers outside your circle.Strike up conversation, but try to not monopolize anyone’s time. Shorter chats allow you to meet more people. Something else to keep in mind is to limit shoptalk. Don’t focus on business the whole time — instead, come with conversation starters in mind, such as people’s holiday plans or New Year’s resolutions. Keep your discussions positive and upbeat and end on a high note. Show your appreciation to the host and others who worked on the event by thanking them in person or sending an email afterward.

Q: What are the benefits to holding an office holiday party? Wouldn’t some employees rather see the money in terms of bonuses or increased pay instead of free egg nog?

A: The important thing to remember about office celebrations or group events is that they build motivation, teamwork and loyalty — you can’t really put a price on that. Companies that are successful in attracting and retaining top staff recognize employees throughout the year and the holidays are a great time to get the staff together and celebrate a year of hard work and accomplishments.

Q: Just to dampen the enthusiasm a little bit, what is a company’s responsibility when it comes to holiday parties?

A: We always recommend that companies poll their staff for their ideas and preferences to get a better sense of what they would like and what’s most important to them. As far as alcohol, it’s customary to offer drinks to employees, but in moderation. Both employees and managers should remember that regardless of the time or setting, an office holiday party is a business event and should be treated as such. This means limiting libations and being on your best behavior.