Should You Throw a Holiday Party? | Modern Restaurant Management

The holiday season yields plenty of opportunities to spread cheer, merriment and show gratitude to those that play significant roles in your life – including your employees. One of the most appreciated ways to express this is by giving the green light to let loose and socialize. We’re talking, of course, about hosting a company holiday party. 

Do Employees Care about a Holiday Party?

Regrettably, many corporate employees dread their annual holiday party because, well, they simply aren’t fun. Perhaps people feel as if they’re walking on eggshells, or maybe the environment doesn’t feel like a place where people can truly let their guard down around their superiors. Additionally, adding in booze can make a holiday party an HR nightmare.

You may wonder if employees really want a holiday party. According to EZCater’s 2025 Holiday Party Report, an overwhelming majority – 96 percent of those surveyed – said they look forward to holiday parties and 83 percent of workers say holiday parties help them bond and make friends.

Everyone can let their hair down, put work aside, and get to know each other on a more interpersonal level.

Now that it’s settled that the majority of your employees would like to attend a holiday party, here are some helpful tips to help you throw a successful holiday party that your staff will look forward to each year:

Your Party Is a Gift to the Staff

Employees should NEVER have to pay to attend a company holiday party or any company-sponsored event. This is the company’s time to thank and reward employees for their hard work throughout the year.

Invest in Good Food and Drink

Every party is focused on food and drink – 50 percent of those surveyed by EZCater said the menu influences if they’ll attend Be mindful of any dietary restrictions of employees and their guests; provide gluten-free and vegetarian options.

If Alcohol Is Served, Provide Alternatives and Arrange for Safe Transportation

Everyone wants to have a good time, but nobody wants to watch an employee get wasted. A way to limit alcohol intake is to provide employees with a set amount of drink tickets for the night. On the other hand, chances are you have employees that don’t drink, so be sure to provide non-alcohol alternatives. If alcohol is served, arrange for taxis or other modes of transportation for employees to get home safely.

Create an Inviting Atmosphere

Allow employees to separate work and fun. Rent a space off-site, if possible.

Make Attendance Voluntary and on Company Time

Make attendance voluntary and don’t begrudge employees for not wanting to come. Additionally, make sure you host it toward the end of a workday, so employees don’t have to give up their weekend time or call babysitters in order to participate.

Ask for Feedback and Ideas from What Your Employees Actually WANT

After the party, conduct a brief survey to gain feedback and future ideas from employees. After all, the party is for your employees. Be sure to have open-ended questions on the survey so that employees can leave names of future caterers and entertainment options.

The company holiday party is all about showing gratitude for employees, so make it about them. There’s no need for longwinded speeches from management or executives. Just put on the music, put out the food, and let people relax!

This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation. This information does not constitute legal or professional advice. For a legal opinion, please seek legal counsel from a qualified attorney.