I thought Covid killed off the holiday office party but a new survey from Stagwell’s Harris Poll says otherwise.  

According to a survey it did for Express Employment Professionals, 61% of U.S. hiring managers say their company hosts holiday celebrations.  

And the problem for many employees, per a separate "job seeker" poll, is the pressure they feel to give a gift, with 46% saying they feel pressured to spend a certain amount on gifts. Both Harris Polls surveyed 1,000+ hiring managers and employees, respectively, back in June. 

33% of Gen Z and 29% of Millennials say the gift-giving tradition adds stress to their workplace relationships. 

62% of employees said gift-giving fosters a sense of obligation that can “negatively affect team dynamics.” 

So maybe employers might want to think about ditching the Secret Santa exchange this year. Play a nice game of Charades instead. It’s a great icebreaker. And team dynamics? Through the roof!  

Especially after a couple of glasses of holiday punch. Cheers.