Do you have to go to your office holiday party?

"After spending 40-plus hours a week already with coworkers, do you really need to give up an evening in the busiest time of the year to small talk over bought-in-bulk canapés? Short answer: if you can, you probably should. Despite having the word "party" in the name, it is still a work event. Even if your company claims the party is optional, the subtext here is skipping the party may be frowned upon, or, at the very least,"

"And if you are in a leadership position, you pretty much have no choice in the matter. Opting out without good reason could make workers seem disengaged from the job or the team. (A fair assessment considering employee engagement is at a ten-year low). This may come back to bite when being considered for promotions down the line: being visible and building relationships are key to getting promoted."

Company holiday party prevalence has declined from 90% in 2007 to 64% in 2024. Holiday parties remain workplace events where attendance, even if labeled optional, can be socially and professionally consequential. Leadership is generally expected to attend, and absence without clear reason can be perceived as disengagement. Low employee engagement raises the stakes for visibility and relationship-building at such events. Many employees resist forced socializing because of packed schedules, childcare responsibilities, health conditions, or a desire to keep work and personal life separate. Tolerance for compulsory workplace festivities is diminishing.

Read at Fast Company