The Fun Table: Why Office Parties Flop and How to Fix Them

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BEATS WORKING: Winning The Game of Events

WORKP2P

178 episodes

1 day ago

Welcome to BEATS WORKING: Winning the Game of Events, where party people Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren uncover the magic of creating meaningful experiences. From global conferences to local gatherings, we share stories and strategies to turn any event—or life moment—into something unforgettable. Packed with humor, resilience, and a little event-planner grit, this podcast proves there are no small events, only small invoices. Join us as we explore why getting paid to practice truly beats working to get paid.

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The Fun Table: Why Office Parties Flop and How to Fix Them

BEATS WORKING: Winning The Game of Events

42 minutes 11 seconds

1 month ago

The Fun Table: Why Office Parties Flop and How to Fix Them

If “team bonding” at your company still means bar tabs and branded swag, this one’s for you. The Fun Table tears into why so many office parties feel forced — and shares smarter, inclusive, budget-savvy ways to gather. From clear structure and boundaries to sober-friendly menus, opt-out without penalty, remote/hybrid equity, and purpose-driven activities (like service projects), this episode rewrites the playbook for events that actually build culture — not just calendars.

Key Takeaways

Structure + boundaries beat chaos: state what it is, what it isn’t, when it starts/ends, and how to participate.
“Festivities should not require homework”: provide theme aids (leis/props), inclusive menu options, and multiple ways to play.
Opt-out without penalty: attendance should never be a career litmus test.
Culture mirror: events can reveal inclusion gaps; design for time zones, caregivers and remote teams.
Trend watch: only ~54% of Americans drink — Gen Z is leading sober-curious culture. Design accordingly.

Timestamps:

[00:02:10] - BC/AD of office parties: pre- vs post-COVID reality check

[00:18:07] - “No homework” parties: clarity, inclusion and multiple modes of fun

[00:21:48] - The stat: drinking at record low; design beyond the bar

[00:26:29] - The specialty-cocktail trap & sober inclusion at the door

[00:28:04] - Make opt-out culturally safe — no side-eye, no demerits

[00:33:08] - Purpose-driven, not performative; remote/hybrid respect

[00:40:35] - Best “party” idea: group service > group shots

Resources & Links:

-Meet The Fun Table: Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley, Amy Liz Harrison

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

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If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.