Following several years of restrained (or non-existent) celebrations, the office party finally seems to be making a comeback. Find out who’s partying in the workplace along with common mistakes to avoid.

The economic downturn forced many businesses to scale back their office parties or to cancel them entirely over the past several years, but as the economy slowly stabilizes and business activity rebounds, we’re seeing signs of resurgence in workplace celebrations. More people will be partying with their coworkers this year, and as the festivities ramp up, it’s important to know how to maximize your fun without sacrificing your professional reputation in the process.

In a nationwide survey of 4,000 workers and 2,600 employers, CareerBuilder.com found that 58 percent of companies plan to throw a holiday party for their employees in 2011, up from 52 percent in 2010 and 49 percent in 2009.

Perks are also on an upswing this year, with 40 percent of employers planning to give their workers a holiday bonus, up from 33 percent in 2010. Fourteen percent expect to give a higher bonus than last year, 13 percent will give smaller bonuses and 73 percent will provide roughly the same amount. In addition, 30 percent of employers plan to give holiday gifts to their employees, up from 29 percent in 2010.

“Employers have been working hard to build back their businesses over the last year and this holiday season are planning to reward their biggest asset — their people — with a few holiday perks (bonuses, parties, gifts),” Rosemary Haefner, CareerBuilder’s vice president of human resources, said in an announcement of the results.

Of course, not everyone is in a celebratory mood, as just 36 percent of employees said they plan to attend their workplace party this year.

In most cases, attendance is not mandatory. According to a recent survey from OfficeTeam, 61 percent of executives whose companies host holiday parties believe there is no unwritten rule requiring employees to appear at the celebration.

Companies declining to throw a holiday party this year aren’t simply channeling the Grinch. In fact, a report from executive recruitment firm Amrop Battalia Winston found that among companies not throwing parties this year, 44 percent cited budget restrictions as the primary reason, while 37 percent said partying would seem inappropriate given the current economic climate.

On the other hand, workplace festivities can be a strong boost to the staff in trying times. Fifty-three percent of companies that are hosting holiday parties are doing so to improve employee morale, while 32 percent are throwing a party to celebrate 2011 as a good year and 15 percent will be partying to show employees and clients that the company is optimistic about the coming year.

Although office parties appear to be on a rebound, the frequency and scale of celebrations is still relatively muted, especially compared to the pre-recessionary period. According to an annual survey from Challenger, Gray and Christmas, the overwhelming majority of companies (95 percent) that are throwing a holiday party said their budget for it will be roughly the same as last year’s.

Many of the businesses are planning to implement cost-cutting measures in their annual party, although scaling back is becoming less frequent than in previous years. Less than a third (30 percent) of employers are hosting parties on company premises, down from 53 percent in 2010. However, 60 percent are limiting attendance to employees only, probably in an effort to reduce expenses, and 55 percent are holding the party during a workday or near the end of the day.

“For smaller companies, the holiday party is simply an extension of a more family-like relationship that often exists between these employers and their employees,” John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray and Christmas, said in a statement. “The nice thing about holiday parties is that they do not have to be full-blown extravaganzas to be meaningful to employees. A small company on a tight budget can easily host a potluck lunch, where employees bring in a favorite dish to share with coworkers.”

While an office party can be a good opportunity to relax, get to know your colleagues better or even help advance your career, it’s also important to be mindful of the risks. According to the Bureau of National Affairs, many organizations are instituting measures to limit overindulgence and safeguard workers, such as having bartenders monitor alcohol consumption (65 percent), offering taxi service for employees and guests (48 percent) and appointing designated drivers (7 percent).

If you’re worried about making a good impression at your workplace party, heed these helpful tips from Toastmasters International:

• Be careful what you say, even when joking. An inappropriate comment can derail workplace relations, even in jest. Using sexual innuendo or telling off-color jokes may attract unwanted attention and cause serious damage to your career. Although it’s a party, the rules of business etiquette still apply.
• Try to branch out. If you spend the party talking only to your close circle of work friends, you may come off as disinterested or unfriendly to outsiders. Use the occasion to get to know new people, make friends in other departments or network with your superiors to make a positive impression.
• Don’t complain or gossip. Be sure to avoid griping about the company to a coworker or client at the party, and don’t make crass remarks about someone you’re not getting along with. These types of comments can come back to bite you, and besides, no one wants to be a bummer at the annual party.
• Have conversations, instead of just talking. Some people love talking about themselves, but if you’re going on and on without letting anyone else speak, you might be a bore to the other guests. Likewise, remaining tight-lipped and not saying anything about yourself can make you seem secretive or unenthusiastic. Try to strike a balance between talking and listening and you’re sure to have some rewarding interactions.

“The office holiday party is more significant than any old party,” CBS News notes. “Your audience is bigger than you’ll ever experience normally at work. Everyone who works there attends, plus clients, plus possible spouses, etc. And your boss is there. So, it’s a great opportunity to really network and humanize yourself.”

Earlier

Casualties of the Economy: Holiday Bonuses and Office Parties

Economy’s Latest Victim: The Holiday Office Party

Is it Time to Party Yet?

Resources

Companies More Likely to Throw Holiday Parties and Give Perks This Year…
CareerBuilder.com, Dec. 6, 2011

…Attendance Optional at Company Holiday Party, Most Executives Say
OfficeTeam, Nov. 15, 2011

…Corporate Holiday Parties at All-Time Low
Amrop Battalia Winston, Nov. 17, 2011

Majority of Companies Planning Parties
Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Nov. 22, 2011

Employer Sponsorship of Holiday Parties Down…
The Bureau of National Affairs, 2011

Talk Smart at the Holiday Office Party
by Don Gabor
Toastmasters International, 2009

Beware Office Holiday Party Gaffes
CBS News, Dec. 7, 2010