Tips for a stress-free Christmas party
Christmas party from the employee’s point of view
Here are a few figures that can be found on the Internet about Christmas parties: Just 38 percent of employees in Germany look forward to their company Christmas party. 18 percent even find the celebration with colleagues unpleasant and 16 percent don’t even take part in such a Christmas party.
Paying attention to this will give your Christmas party the best chance of success.
Basic tips for a stress-free Christmas party
- Invite all employees to the Christmas party. This includes interns and temporary employees.
- Communicate clearly that participation is voluntary. They have a more relaxed vibe when everyone is happy to be there.
- Maybe choose a relaxed bowling evening instead of a seated meal. Communication is easier in a relaxed atmosphere. Many employees also feel more comfortable there.
- Consider inviting your employees’ partners to the Christmas party as well.
- Provide a framework in which there is no “binge drinking”. Too much alcohol always leads to incidents that are regretted the next morning. It doesn’t matter whether you get too close or get into an argument.
- Make sure the executives in particular all attend the Christmas party.
2 extra tips for a stress-free Christmas party
If you follow the basic tips you already have a good foundation. How do you deal with tricky situations now? What do you do when the radio sparks at the Christmas party? What if you drank too much and even got into a fight?
Here are a few more figures from the vastness of the Internet: 52 percent are primarily looking for erotic adventures at an employer’s Christmas party and are looking for a partner there. 41 percent allowed themselves to flirt uninhibitedly at the Christmas party.
1. Get closer to a colleague or even your boss?
- Depending on whether you or the other person is in a relationship or how closely you work together, this can be tricky.
- If it was a “slip” then the matter needs to be resolved. You should address the person and clarify on a factual level how you want to deal with it. The quicker and more honestly the matter is resolved, the better. With regard to colleagues who may be gossiping or gossip, the recommendation is: If you have a good relationship with the person concerned, it is good to speak up, otherwise you should simply ignore the gossip.
2. Drank too much? It is important not to drink too much. It is certainly desirable to get a little closer to colleagues, but not too close. When you work together again the next day, you need a professional distance again.
- Be careful about offering the “you.” A “you” can no longer be taken back.
- If you see that a co-worker has had too much to drink and is out of control, perhaps saying things they will later regret, you may want to take action. Gently take it aside or bring up a new topic.
- It is important to note that if someone gives their boss their opinion while they are under the influence of alcohol, this may be grounds for dismissal. Therefore, protect yourself, drink in moderation and, if necessary, also protect colleagues if you observe that alcohol has a too strong disinhibiting effect. If you can’t change the subject, consider sending someone home in a cab, or at least encouraging them to do so.
- Make sure that no one drives home drunk at the wheel. The risk is too great, by the way: If alcohol is the reason for the accident, the damage is not covered by the trade association.