Every December, HR teams and office managers across the country ask the same question:
“Should we do a holiday party this year, and if so, what actually makes one good?”
It’s not only about the food or the venue. Done right, a holiday celebration can strengthen culture, build relationships, and boost morale heading into the new year. Done wrong, it can feel awkward, forced, or worse: forgettable.
Now, thanks to a 2023 study by researchers at Penn State University and Loyola University Maryland, we finally have data-driven answers.
The paper, “‘Tis the Season: Enhancing the Workplace Holiday Party,” analyzed over 200 real employee stories about the best (and worst) company parties and then tested which factors actually move the needle on morale, connection, and perceived company support.
The takeaway?
The right mix of fun, food, music, and leadership can turn your holiday party into a powerful, culture-building ritual.
The researchers identified 11 characteristics that distinguish great holiday parties from bad ones, but four stood out as the most predictive of positive outcomes like stronger coworker connections, higher employee satisfaction, and greater organizational pride.
Parties that included structured games or activities, not just mingling, led to more genuine interaction and laughter. Think trivia, team challenges, or creative competitions that give everyone something to do and talk about.
Many participants said that games provided the structure that kept parties from feeling awkward or aimless. In contrast, employees who described bad parties often said they “lacked direction,” felt “boring,” or left people “standing around with nothing to do.”
Tip: Choose inclusive, well-facilitated activities that fit your team’s vibe. Not everyone enjoys “wild and wacky” games. Research shows employees prefer mainstream, easy-to-join fun over anything too forced or silly. (Karl et al., 2005; Baptiste, 2009)
At teambuilding.com, our expert hosts specialize in balancing interactive, inclusive, and structured elements in just the right way to spark laughter and connection without pressure.
Good music was one of the strongest predictors of experienced fun. The right playlist (or a live DJ or band) energizes the room, breaks down social barriers, and helps people relax.
In great parties, music helped create a shared sense of celebration. In bad parties, the absence of music—or the wrong kind—left employees describing the event as “lifeless” or “awkwardly quiet.”
teambuilding.com event hosts know when to bring the energy up and when to let the music fade into the background during conversation and connection moments.
Quality food goes beyond satisfying hunger; it’s a powerful community builder. Sharing a meal encourages conversation, strengthens bonds, and communicates care.
Participants in the study repeatedly said that “good food made it feel like the company actually cared.” Poor-quality or limited food, on the other hand, was one of the most common complaints in stories about unsuccessful parties.
When leaders participate authentically, whether by giving heartfelt thanks, handing out small gifts, or joining the dance floor, it signals that the company values its people. Leadership presence matters far more than lavish budgets.
Employees said that seeing their boss “drop the formalities,” “have fun,” or “thank everyone personally” made them feel appreciated and connected.
Leadership behavior had a measurable impact on the holiday party’s outcome. The study found that positive leader behavior had one of the strongest correlations with perceived organizational support.
Some traditional party staples turned out to have little or no effect on morale or connection:
In negative experiences, employees described feeling “obligated,” “excluded,” or like they were “just going through the motions.” Many said the lack of engagement stemmed from poor design or social awkwardness, problems that could have been solved with better structure, expert facilitation, and leader presence.
The researchers positioned the workplace holiday party as a modern organizational ritual, a symbolic moment that reinforces connection and shared identity across departments and hierarchies.
In other words, it’s so much more than just a party. It’s an opportunity to:
And in a hybrid world, where so much of our interaction is digital, these real-world rituals are more important than ever. Rituals create continuity and belonging, helping teams feel part of something larger than their day-to-day work.
For teams that work remotely, a facilitated virtual holiday party can deliver all the same benefits (laughter, gratitude, and genuine connection) without anyone needing to leave their home office.
| What Works | Why It Matters | Simple Ways to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Games & Activities | Boost connection & interaction | Book a facilitated trivia or mini escape game to spark laughter and conversation. |
| 🎶 Good Music | Sets the emotional tone | Curate a shared playlist or hire a local DJ. |
| 🍽️ Great Food | Encourages social bonding | Offer variety and inclusivity—think small plates, themes, or stations. |
| 🙌 Leader Participation | Increases perceived support | Have leaders give short, personal thank-yous or join in a team challenge. |
The study found that three key outcomes predicted whether employees walked away from the event feeling positive:
Each of these can be intentionally designed. Activities, music, and food foster fun and interaction. Leadership presence amplifies support and appreciation.
When all three align, employees leave with stronger bonds, and a stronger sense of belonging.
At teambuilding.com, we see this research validated every holiday season. When events are thoughtfully designed, with laughter, interaction, and shared experience at the center, they do far more than entertain your employees: they unite them.
That’s why our holiday experiences are built around connection, not obligation. Whether your team prefers festive trivia, creative competitions like Gingerbread Games, or collaborative experiences that celebrate a year of wins, our hosts handle the engagement, so you can focus on celebrating.
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