You’re aware of all the reasons you need to be hosting a work holiday party this year. It boosts employee morale in so many different ways, and it’s a great opportunity to show your employees you appreciate all their hard work.
Planning and organizing the holiday party can be a daunting task. You’re wrapped up in all the little details. When the night of the party finally arrives, you may feel you’ve earned the right to relax and unwind.
As the host, however, you still have some responsibilities. Unfortunately, you’ve been so busy you haven’t really thought ahead to the party itself. Here are a few things you should avoid doing when you’re hosting the party.
1. Don’t Act Unprofessionally at the Work Holiday Party
This is probably the #1 rule of hosting the work holiday party. Even though it’s a party, you’re still going to need to act professionally.
You may be tempted to let loose, especially if things have been busy. Nonetheless, come Monday morning, you’ll likely regret a few of the things you said or did. Your behaviour will reflect both yourself and your company.
You want to ensure you still have the respect of your peers, your employees, and the vendors you’re working with at the end of the night.
2. Avoid Overindulging
Having a drink or two at the holiday party is probably a given. You might want to stick to mocktails or soda, however, since alcohol raises the chances you’ll act unprofessionally during the party.
Remember, you’re also setting an example for your employees. If the host or the boss overindulges, other employees are likely to do so as well. When this happens, there’s a higher chance at least some of your employees will engage in some unsavoury behaviour.
You can avoid the situation by having an alcohol-free party or by limiting the number of alcoholic drinks guests are served during the evening.
3. Don’t Forget to Arrange for Transportation
This will be something you want to take care of before the night of the party. Otherwise, you’ll be on the phone all night trying to arrange cabs, carpools, and Ubers for your employees as they try to make their way home.
By arranging transportation well in advance, you can make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.
4. Don’t Drop the Dress Code
Does your company have an office dress code? If so, make sure everyone knows it’s still in effect at the work holiday party. You’ll want to be sure you follow the dress code yourself as well.
Dressing professionally will remind everyone of where they are and that they still need to act like the professionals they are.
5. Don’t Make Attendance Mandatory
Some of your employees just won’t be able to make the work holiday party this year, and that’s fine. Some people may not want to join in either, for any number of reasons.
If you make attendance mandatory for your employees, you’ll probably end up with at least a handful of grumpy party-goers. Not only will they not be having fun, they’ll also be spreading negative energy around the party. Just let them sit this one out, and don’t make anyone feel like they didn’t have a choice.
6. Don’t Decide to Skip the Food
If you’re hosting a work holiday party, you should have some kind of food on hand. Whether it’s appetizers, a full meal, or small plates of tapas, you should offer your employees something to eat.
Pay attention to the time of day you’re holding the party as well. If you’re having an evening party, your employees may expect a larger meal than if you have a small get-together in the late afternoon.
If you consider all of these things, you’ll have an easier time hosting this year’s work holiday party.
