What Employees Want in a Holiday Party

What Employees Really Think About Company Holiday Parties, And How to Make Yours Actually Worth It

At Thom & Co, we recently asked our community (including hundreds of real employees) what they really think about company holiday parties. The results? Not exactly shocking… but incredibly helpful.

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The overwhelming feedback: most people say they’d rather get cash over a party. But that’s not the whole story. After reading through every comment, one thing became crystal clear:

Employees do enjoy holiday parties, but only when they’re done right.

Here’s what they had to say and how you can ensure your company party isn’t a waste of budget, time, or team goodwill.

1. “Just Give Me the Bonus!” But There’s the Nuance

Of course many employees, especially in today’s market, will say they prefer a cash bonus over a company party. And honestly? That’s fair. But there are two schools of thought here:

One: Company culture still matters. Human connection matters. And while yes, people appreciate a bonus, we also crave belonging and community, it’s wired into us. A well-hosted, thoughtful gathering goes a long way.

Two: If you can’t do both, that’s okay. Prioritize your team’s financial wellness with a bonus, but don’t skip appreciation altogether. In our opinion, pairing a monetary gift with a handwritten note can still hit the mark.

At the end of the day, fostering connection should be the goal, not a Pinterest perfect party. Make your team feel seen and valued.

2. The “Only During Work Hours” Crowd – Valid and Practical

This was one of the most echoed sentiments: “I’m not giving up my personal time for this.”

And honestly? They’re right, in the right context.

We only suggest hosting a holiday party during work hours if your event budget is on the smaller side. In that case, an on-site or nearby gathering with an early office close is a smart move. Don’t ask guests to come back to work after hours, it kills the vibe and shows a lack of thoughtfulness.

Some tips for in-office or workday parties:

• Close early to let people ease into the gathering
• Keep it casual, fun, and not overly structured
• Absolutely avoid weekends

That said, if your goal is something more elevated or experiential (and the budget allows) we still recommend an off-site, after-hours event at a great venue. Think Thursday or Friday evening with passed apps, music, and a more festive feel.

Keep the vibe relaxed, feed them well, and skip the heavy programming. For more on this, check out our guide to planning a work-hours holiday party HERE.

3. “Great Parties Are Rare” But Not Impossible

Many commenters admitted they’ve never been to a company party they actually enjoyed. Why? Because they’re often last-minute check-the-box events delegated to HR or an office assistant.

Here’s the fix: Plan your company party like you would plan any other guest-forward event.

• Think about how guests will feel when they walk in
• Give them something to eat, something to sip, something to do
• Don’t cut corners on atmosphere, people notice

Want more guidance? We’ve shared our top tips for creating unforgettable holiday parties HERE.

4. The “Childish Party” Problem, Make It Elevated

Some people compared corporate holiday parties to birthday parties for 8-year-olds. And honestly… they’re not wrong.

We believe your holiday party should feel like an elevated cocktail hour, not a themed spirit week. Here’s how to strike the right tone:

• Switch up the venue: A cozy lounge or industrial loft creates instant atmosphere
• No balloons: Think warm lighting, white florals, silver accents, evergreen greens
• No reindeer, no ornaments, no Santa: Keep it tasteful and winter-forward
• Encourage leadership to show up: Having execs mingle makes a huge difference in morale

Remember: You’re not selling to your employees, you’re celebrating them.

Focus on creating a vibe where they feel appreciated, not managed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re working with $5,000 or $50,000, the most important thing is this:

People want to feel appreciated.

Your holiday party can be the moment that turns a tough Q4 into a reminder that leadership sees the team’s efforts. But if you don’t get it right, if it feels cheap, forced, or like a waste of time, don’t be surprised if next year’s RSVPs go ignored.

Want help designing a holiday party your team actually enjoys? Let’s talk.