Don't Skimp on Your Holiday Office Party. Employees Want Them More Than Ever

"Pandemic-era social distancing requirements, ongoing remote working arrangements, and considerable employee lifestyle changes over the past five years have not been kind to traditional workplace celebrations. Consequently, many companies considerably scaled back, or entirely dropped the once inevitable office holiday party. Now, it may be staging a comeback. Surveys suggest2025 may mark the return of year-end workplace fetes as an entrenched and beloved seasonal custom, as large majorities of both employers and workers are already planning for the festivities"

"While after-work drinks, meals, and even offsite events remain important team-building activities, the office holiday party has struggled to regain former status as a red-letter date on the workplace calendar. But according to the self-described "food tech platform" ezCater, year-end company knees-ups are making a major comeback in 2025. Its survey of over 1,600 employees and business executives found 82 percent of workers said they plan on attending their business's seasonal bash this year, well up from 70 percent in 2024."

"Business owners are also shaking off any pandemic era Scrooge-esque attitudes toward holiday office festivities. Fully 92 percent of responding employers said they plan to commit significant funds to those celebrations, with 51 percent saying they'll spend more on them in 2025 than last year. The survey also found the average business budgets for office holiday party food and drinks will increase by 31 percent over 2024, rising to nearly $60 per participant."

Pandemic-era social distancing, remote work, and employee lifestyle changes reduced or eliminated traditional office holiday parties. Surveys indicate a resurgence in 2025, with majorities of employers and workers planning year-end celebrations. An ezCater survey of over 1,600 employees and executives found 82 percent of workers plan to attend seasonal events, up from 70 percent in 2024. Ninety-two percent of employers plan to allocate significant funds, and 51 percent will increase spending in 2025. Average food and drink budgets are projected to rise 31 percent to nearly $60 per participant. Eighty-three percent said holiday events encourage increased bonding.

Read at Inc