S 2 Ep 41: Jingle Bells, HR Yells: Surviving the Company Holiday Party

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless you’re in HR. In this episode of Dear HR Diary, Dawn pulls back the tinsel to talk about the holiday party—why companies keep having them, why HR loses sleep over them, and how to survive one without becoming next year’s training scenario.

From holiday party dilemmas to unspoken etiquette, this episode serves up practical advice, honest laughs, and just enough tough love to help leaders and employees navigate the “necessary evil” of workplace celebrations.

What We Cover in This Episode

🎁 The Holiday Party Dilemma

• Why organizations keep hosting holiday parties (even when everyone complains about them)
• The fine line between “fun culture moment” and “Monday morning HR meeting”
• When a holiday party actually helps engagement—and when it backfires

🧑‍💼 HR’s Holiday Party Wish List

• What HR really wants from this year’s party (hint: it’s not karaoke)
• Clear expectations, smart planning, and fewer “surprise performances”
• Why proactive rules beat reactive investigations every time

🎤 Advice for Leaders

• How leaders set the tone (yes, people are watching what you drink)
• Why presence matters—but boundaries matter more
• The leadership behaviors that turn a party into a trust-building moment instead of a liability

🥂 Employee Etiquette 101

• What employees should absolutely do—and absolutely not do
• How to enjoy yourself without oversharing, overdrinking, or overshooting your career goals
• Remember: it’s a party, not a personality reboot

🎄 Fun (but Necessary) Holiday Party Rules

• Pace yourself—HR would like a quiet January
• Phones down, professionalism up
• If you wouldn’t say it in a team meeting, don’t say it near the open bar
• Leave with your dignity (and job) fully intact

Key Takeaway

Holiday parties don’t have to be awkward, chaotic, or career-limiting. With the right expectations, smart leadership, and a little common sense, they can actually be enjoyable—and even strengthen workplace culture. Yes, really.

Quote from the Episode

“The holiday party isn’t a free pass—it’s a professional event with better snacks.”

Call to Action

If this episode made you laugh, nod aggressively, or rethink that third drink—share it with your leadership team. And if you’re a manager trying to survive the season with your sanity intact, check out more leadership tools and training at Manage With Hart.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tune in for more real-talk HR conversations—because someone has to say the quiet parts out loud.