New search data is revealing an uplift in companies offering employees a summer office party, with a 67% increase in ‘work summer party’ in the last 12 months.

According to the corporate entertainment experts at Function Central, this type of function category is growing in popularity. Their study of search data (via KeywordTool) has shown that December is the most common month for office summer party searches; suggesting employers could be planning ahead for a bi-annual team celebration. June saw the second highest searches, which is when many companies will be looking at last minute plans for corporate events during the seasonal holiday period and warmer months.

 How can companies embrace office summer parties?

Mike Ausden, founder at Function Central comments: “Parties and corporate events are a way to celebrate company milestones, achievements and for team bonding – and don’t just need to be restricted to an annual Christmas do. We help pair people with bands and event music to match any kind of style, budget or request – and we’ve seen a huge 43% increase in corporate entertainment from 2022 vs 2023, as more businesses embrace the warmer months for BBQs, office evening parties, or corporate celebrations.

 “Music is often a common ground that has the power to bring people together and form new conversations; so considering entertainment that will be engaging and create a positive atmosphere can be the icing on the cake for a work event. Something quirky and new like a modern swing band, a DJ, or a rock and indie band will get everyone dancing or a focal point to ensure teams are enjoying time together.”