The Great Return: Why 82% of workers are RSVPing 'yes' to the company holiday party again

"The workplace holiday party is experiencing a renaissance. After years of muted, virtual, or often skipped celebrations, employees are signaling a resounding return to in-person festivities, with the latest data revealing an 82% attendance rate expected this year. This sharp spike - a 17% increase from the estimated 70% attendance in 2024 - signals a profound shift in post-pandemic workplace culture, ezCater reports."

"The attendance spike is matched by businesses' willingness to invest. Over half of workplace decision-makers (51%) report they are increasing their company holiday party budgets this year, with overall spending rising by an average of 13%. This investment reflects an understanding that in an era where teams may rarely be in the same room, the holiday party provides indispensable face time."

Workplace holiday parties are returning to in-person formats, with an expected 82% attendance this year and a 17% increase from the estimated 70% attendance in 2024. Employers are increasing investment: 51% of workplace decision-makers report raising holiday party budgets and overall spending is up about 13%. Employees attend to rebuild real-life friendships and camaraderie; 83% say parties help them bond with colleagues. For dispersed hybrid and remote teams, parties provide indispensable face time to re-establish shared culture, boost morale, improve retention, and counteract FOMO, which 30% of employees who missed past parties reported experiencing.

Read at Miami Herald