Practice Development Counsel

Phyllis weiss haserot
Phyllis weiss haserot


President & Founder


212 593-1549
pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com
www.pdcounsel.com

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Alternatives to Office Parties Can Break Down Silos and Social Anxiety

Without delving into the question of whether the crucially important fight against sexual harassment at work has the unfortunate side effect of precluding focus on other important issues, on the positive side it could also be providing opportunities for bonding of colleagues in a more constructive way. A New York Times article on the trend in holiday office parties gives some examples. HBO offered what employees, especially Millennials, consider a perk of an afternoon off with co-workers to volunteer at a charity instead of the usual extravagant holiday party. Not only Millennials are eager to connect in and with social causes, but also the volunteer activities can create opportunities for developing relationships with people of all generations they don’t know in their organizations and potential clients and referral sources who share a common purpose.

There are other collaborative-type activities catching on. Several companies in investment and financial services among others are booking rooms at an interactive game site where smaller groups of people are shut in a room together and have a limited time to solve a puzzle. This allows for a manageable chance to get away from the office and get to know each other and even learn something about their skills—more productive, and often less costly than a party with less social stress. Beyond the now prevalent generations in the workplace, it should be appealing to Gen Zers who tend to love problem-solving. Some of them even do it by developing apps to solve a problem they have at high school or younger ages.

The puzzle-solving activities can be valuable for several situations throughout the year, such as:

  • Integrating new members of a multi-generational team, or any diverse team
  • Evaluating skills and chemistry with a potential hire or new team member
  • Providing stress breaks from work assignments for groups, especially for people who are not drawn to meditating and just relaxing.

These activities, whether charitable volunteering or game playing, can range from almost cost free to requiring a budget, but cost substantially less than the typical holiday party. Additionally, they have the benefit of having a strategic purpose, encourage goal-setting and fulfilling, and provide tangible benefits for the participants and external stakeholders.

So there truly can be an upside to doing away with holiday office parties. What would you replace them with and offer as a perk or strategic initiative periodically throughout the year? Please share your ideas with us.


Phyllis

© Phyllis Weiss Haserot 2017.

* The generational chronology for easy reference: Generations are defined by the similar formative influences – social, cultural, political, economic – that existed as the individuals of particular birth cohorts were growing up. Given that premise, the age breakdowns for each of the four generations currently in the workplace are approximately:

Learn about our *Generational Wisdom for Mentors and Mentees* programs as well as multi-generational team facilitation. Call 212-593-1549 or e-mail pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com.

For coaching, training and special programs on inter-generational challenges for and among 4 generations in the workplace and maximizing the potential of young professionals, call or email Phyllis for an exploratory talk or complimentary coaching session at 212-593-1549 or pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com

Phyllis is available to speak at your organization or at firm retreats on inter-generational relations and organizational effectiveness topics. Call or e-mail for a list of topics or to custom-tailor your own.

12/2017