NFIB

10 Ways to Ruin a Holiday Party
03/ 28/ 2002


Holiday parties are supposed to be fun. The memories that linger after some parties, however, evoke embarrassment and resentment instead of fond memories. No matter how often it happens, some companies continue to plan parties that are blueprints for disaster. In today's Workshop, contributor Edith Helmich offers the following checklist of ill-advised behaviors to be mindful of when planning your company's holiday party:

1. Ban spouses. By inviting only employees and excluding their spouse or significant other, the stage is set for resentment at home. Complete this disaster scenario by providing a dance floor and music to encourage friendly mingling of employees . . . and "monkey business."

2. Provide a generous supply of alcoholic beverages. Inebriated employees will be uninhibited and act accordingly. Those who are unaccustomed to drinking will probably vomit or develop headaches by the end of the evening.

3. Schedule the party at a distant location. Employees without cars can ask their co-workers to provide transportation. If alcoholic drinks are served at the party, employees can sober up during the drive home.

4. Charge employees a fee to attend the party. Holiday expenses are so high for most people that a few extra dollars to attend the office party should not be a burden.

5. Ask employees to provide food. Those who have thermal containers will reduce the overall risk of food poisoning. Poor or unwilling cooks can get their food contributions from the local supermarket.

6. Require people to attend an after-hours party. Uncompensated time for company events is sure to evoke the holiday spirit.

7. Plan to have a lengthy management speech on the program. Listening to the boss talk about business is a high priority for most party-goers. Listening to a series of speeches by management people is even more momentous.

8. Allow time for employees to clean-up the area after the party. With everyone pitching in, the tables and trash will be cleared out very efficiently.

9. Schedule an employee-purchased gift exchange. Instead of company gifts, ask people to bring gifts for co-workers so "Santa Claus" can hand out the presents.

10. Assign someone to collect money for the boss's holiday present. Any employee with the holiday spirit will be eager to contribute generously toward a luxury gift for the top management person(s).

This list is not exhaustive. Creative minds can add to the list . . . but wise people will eliminate all ten dysfunctional practices from their company's party plans!

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