[SURVEY] Over 60% of American Companies to Have In-Person Holiday Parties; How Can Introvert Employees Survive?

Over 60% of American companies will hold in-person holiday parties before 2023 ends. The new survey conducted by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.-the, the first American executive outplacement, revealed this.

The number of U.S.-based companies that will have face-to-face holiday celebrations this 2023 is the highest percentage since 2019, the year before the global COVID-19 pandemic began.

If you are among the excited employees who want to enjoy in-person company Christmas and New Year parties, here's what you need to know.

[SURVEY] Over 60% of American Companies to Have In-Person Holiday Parties

The Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. survey revealed that around 64% (two-thirds) of the U.S. companies said they'll do face-to-face parties this 2023.

"Despite companies approaching the end of the year cautiously due to the economy, they are ready to celebrate with their teams, according to our findings, and want to do so in person," said the outplacement firm's Senior Vice President, Andrew Challenger.

The survey was conducted online in November and involved over 200 American companies of various industries and sizes across the country. The Challenger, Gray & Christmas said that the businesses and organizations having face-to-face festivities this 2023 are as many as those in 2018.

The outplace firm said that their findings revealed that 65% of American firms in 2018 held year-end celebrations in person. But, these records are incomparable in 2014, which is considered the best holiday celebration year in the last decade.

Unlike this in 2023 and 2018, more than 78% of American firms in 2014 hosted face-to-face holiday parties. Regarding schedules, over 58% said they prefer scheduling their in-person parties during or near the end of the workday.

On the other hand, 35% of American companies said they will have their face-to-face holiday celebrations for employees after work or on the weekend, as reported by Fox News.

How Introvert Employees Can Survive

Most American employees will surely find in-person holiday celebrations fun since they can spend time with their colleagues in a non-work related activity.

But, for introvert workers, this could be discomforting (or even feel like a nightmare). If you are among the introverts who want to try and attend big company parties, here's what you can do to survive:

Make sure you get enough sleep before the party.
Research important details about the celebration, such as the dress code, the time, activities, etc.
Before the party, try socializing with your closest friends to give yourself some time to adjust.
During the party, don't be afraid to take breaks; just tell your coworkers you'll need to get fresh air occasionally.
Don't drink too much alcohol if you are not used to it.
Find a safe spot inside the venue where there are little to no people.
Try finding other introverted colleagues you can comfortably talk to.