Hey everyone, welcome back to "Working On It" with your hosts Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones! As the holidays roll in, we're here to chat about one of the most love-hate parts of the season: the office Christmas party.

First up, we'll dive into a fun story from Lauren about an epic third date that took a wild turn with some karaoke action alongside her date’s workmates. This kicks off our talk about why some people might actually dread these festive get-togethers—hint: it's usually the awkward socialising and boozy antics.

But don’t worry, it's not all bad! We’ll talk about how a bunch of companies (around 42%, to be exact) are getting creative by offering more inclusive activities and non-alcoholic options.

Professionalism is still a big deal, though. We'll discuss why 30% of HR folks are watching your behaviour at these events and how the idea of "work-appropriate" varies from company to company. Plus, there's the not-so-fun fact that 40% of festive season workplace injuries come from these parties—like slipping on the dance floor—so safety is key!

We’ll also cover how to have a great time without the stress. Got anxiety about these things? We’ve got tips for you. Worried about making a good impression at a new place? Don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered. And yes, we’ll get into some hilarious and heartwarming Secret Santa stories that remind us what these parties are really about: connecting and having fun.

From managing the chaos of virtual parties (hello, Zoom rooms) to rocking out at karaoke (Lauren's all about Adele and Destiny's Child, while Molly leans into "I'm Too Sexy"), we’ve got stories and advice to make sure your holiday party season is both fun and drama-free.

So grab your favourite festive drink and join us as we unwrap the do's, don'ts, and everything in between when it comes to office Christmas parties. Let’s dive in!

Key Points:

00:00 Office parties mean people are judging you.

06:19 Holiday fun can sometimes get a bit wild.

08:46 Switch venues for easy Christmas party exits.

12:44 Companies offering fun, non-drinking activities more.

14:10 Enjoying Christmas parties depends on company culture.

19:21 Make holiday parties welcoming for everyone.

22:57 Party smart; holiday behaviour impacts reviews.

26:10 Christmas party chat smoothed out team issues.

28:57 Share worries with friends for easier networking.

30:59 A fun activity gets everyone talking and involved.

33:58 Set guidelines, and managers ensure safety at events.

36:23 Chats clear things up; no worries needed.

Hosts Bio

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right to your inbox at workingonit.show

Copyright 2024 Fairey Tale Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

The Work Index

Fed up with being catfished? No, not in your love life—at work! You show up expecting an amazing culture and great vibes, only to find micro-managers and a toxic environment. But how can you really know what a company is like before you start? Enter The Work Index—your insider's guide to company culture, benefits, promotion opportunities, and management style. With info on over 20,000 companies, it's like having a friend on the inside giving you the real scoop before you waste time applying or accepting an offer. Don’t get catfished again. Check out The Work Index now at http://www.theindex.work.