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Office holiday parties can be dreadful for introverts and people with social anxiety
Workplace holiday events can be socially draining and pressure attendance, with many avoiding open bars and seeking strategies to manage anxiety, experts say.
- During the holiday season, mingling at workplace holiday parties often drains introverts, shy individuals and people with social anxiety, as Ryan Arnold, 46, owner and president of DeSoto & State Communications, now reconsiders group invitations after recalling an awkward event more than 20 years later.
- Alcohol-Fueled antics like coworkers passing a beer-filled glass boot and an office manager singing between whiskey shots created awkwardness, while Laura MacLeod said alcohol blurs professional boundaries.
- Andrea Taylor, psychologist at UTHealth Houston, advises introverts and shy people to arrive early, set time limits, leave if overwhelmed, dress for comfort, and prepare talking points to ease anxiety.
- Therapists note employees who choose brief attendance or bring support can build confidence, as therapists and workplace wellbeing practitioners say practical approaches ease anxiety and improve team relations.
- Be Well coverage notes many employees preferring quieter routines choose home life 'nine times out of 10', highlighting recurring holiday stress; readers can share workplace-wellness stories at.
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19 Articles
19 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left9Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 33%
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