Christmas

That tinsel might be the x-factor that will catapult your office to success! The plastic office Christmas tree might be your secret weapon to promote teamwork and cooperation! That mistletoe is…well…still inappropriate for the workplace.

What’s Dr Duck pushing on you this time (see blog on talking to yourself in the third person)? 

Christmas is a time of tradition and pulling out the old decorations, reflecting on the year passed, and celebration. In short, it’s a time to be all nostalgic.

Research shows that these nostalgic feelings might function as a way we obtain meaning and connection. Because we are more likely to feel connected with our past, we tend to form stronger social connections. 

Think about all the coffee catch-ups, breakfasts and Christmas drinks that usually coincide with the end of year wrap-up. These connections are likely to promote alignment and camaraderie amongst colleagues who are about to enter the New Year.

Nostalgia also promotes self-esteem and resilience by making individuals more sensitive to their positive personal qualities. The positive reflections that are associated with nostalgia seem to contaminate the thoughts and feelings people have about themselves too.

There are also benefits of nostalgia in reducing boredom and redirecting individuals to pursue more meaningful and relevant goals. The connection with the past re-ignites efforts to connect with goals in the future.

So perhaps those office Christmas decorations are doing more than slavishly conforming to tradition. They may be indirectly boosting the co-operation, self-esteem and resilience, and motivation of employees.

Interestingly, alcohol at office Christmas parties has been shown to do the complete opposite the following day.