December 9, 2024
Business Insider recently published an article featuring Constance Noonan Hadley, Research Associate Professor of Management and Organizations, discussing the resurgence of holiday parties as offices reopen.
These gatherings offer crucial networking and social opportunities, particularly for younger workers who may miss out on mentorship and career growth in remote settings. While not everyone enjoys these events, well-planned holiday parties can enhance company culture, foster social bonding, and help employees feel more connected, especially in the context of a lonely and overextended workforce.
“The ideal situation is to offer activities that foster employee social health (such as a holiday party) without asking them to sacrifice their financial health (such as a bonus) or their mental health (such as time off),” Hadley adds.
As companies balance employee engagement with practical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity, the holiday party remains a potential tool for strengthening workplace relationships and employee well-being.
