Drunk colleagues, boss's speech, and silly contests: Russians reveal what they dislike about corporate parties

Office parties in Russia often come with frustrations, according to recent surveys. Nearly half of those asked named drunk colleagues as their top annoyance. Other common grievances include forced contests and lengthy speeches from bosses.

Psychologist Anna Devyatka has shared advice on handling these issues, from managing expectations to dealing with difficult behaviour.

A survey revealed that 46% of Russians find drunk colleagues the most irritating part of office parties. Another 25% dislike being pressured into taking part in contests or games. Roughly the same number admit they struggle to sit through their boss’s long speeches.

Anna Devyatka, a psychologist, acknowledges that office parties rarely go perfectly. She recommends setting lower expectations to avoid disappointment. Despite the complaints, she sees a boss’s speech as a key part of the event—it summarises the year’s work and offers holiday wishes.

For those who find the speech tedious, Devyatka suggests listening respectfully, even if it feels difficult. She also notes a growing trend: more employees are choosing not to drink at these events. The reason is clear—alcohol can harm both performance and mood.

To avoid awkward situations, Devyatka advises sticking with colleagues who share the same approach to drinking. If someone’s behaviour becomes threatening, she recommends leaving the party. For less severe cases, she suggests asking coworkers for support in dealing with a drunk or unpleasant colleague.

Office parties remain a common tradition in Russia, but they bring challenges for many. While some frustrations are unavoidable, Devyatka’s advice focuses on practical steps to make the experience more manageable. The shift away from drinking at these events may also help reduce tensions in the future.