‘Tis the season for office holiday parties. A chance to come together, celebrate the year’s wins, and enjoy a little cheer outside the usual routine.

Celebrations can do wonders for team connection, but they can also veer off course fast if no one’s paying attention. The goal is camaraderie, not cleanup duty or awkward Monday morning conversations.

To help your festivities stay on the nice list, we pulled together a simple Naughty and Nice guide to help keep the party fun, the culture intact, and the company out of avoidable headaches.

THE NAUGHTY LIST

• Attendance – Encourage employees to come and enjoy the festivities, but make it clear that attendance is optional and won’t affect anyone’s standing. People juggle a lot this time of year, and some may have family, travel, or personal commitments. No one should feel pressured or judged either way.
• Employees Only – When you can, open the invite to spouses or significant others. It gives them a chance to meet the people they’ve heard about all year, and it also adds a practical layer of safety. If someone shouldn’t be driving home, there’s another adult there who can help.
• Mistletoe – It may be festive and look nice but it can easily lead to all sorts of harassment issues and potential complaints. Best to stick with safer décor like garland, lights, or poinsettias and keep the environment festive without any potential fallout.
• Unlimited drinks – An open bar sounds festive, but it can go sideways fast. Set a reasonable drink limit and have a system in place to track it. Also have a plan for anyone who’s had too much. Offer rides through Uber, Lyft, or cabs, and assign a few staff members to quietly keep an eye out for guests who may need help getting home safely.
• Bad Behavior – If someone starts crossing lines, don’t wait to see if it resolves itself. Step in early. Have two designated management team members quietly pull the person aside, away from the party, and address the issue discreetly and confidentially. A quick intervention keeps a small problem from turning into tomorrow’s big headache.

THE NICE LIST

• • Review Expectations & Policies – A few days before the party, send a short reminder email outlining the company’s expectations for the event. Revisit key policies that still apply at the party, like dress code, harassment, and alcohol use. Clear expectations upfront help everyone relax and enjoy themselves for the right reasons.
  • Be Inclusive – Remember the goal is to bring your employees together and provide a morale boost. Make sure those that may not celebrate Christmas also feel included.
  • Recognition – Take this opportunity to highlight what each employee brought to the table this year. Point to a specific action or win that reflects your company values, handled a tough customer situation, or showed real teamwork. Keep it brief and specific. The goal is for people to feel acknowledged and appreciated as part of the team.
  • More Than Drinks – Give people something to do besides hover around the bar. A couple of simple activities can make the night feel memorable. Think karaoke, a short year-in-review video, or a quick icebreaker that gets people talking. Trivia about the company’s year, a holiday-themed puzzle, or a small giving project all work well. The goal is light, easy fun that helps people connect.

Give your own Naughty and Nice list a quick review before the big event. A little planning goes a long way in keeping the celebration fun, safe, and free of avoidable mishaps. Here’s to a smooth and memorable holiday party season for all.