Coworkers are often friends as well.  Going out for fun instead of work does help to improve relationships.  It usually isn't a requirement.

Depends on the organization, I think.

We have a corporate party every year where all the offices come together. It is at a resort with rooms (at company expense) for those who have to travel so they can stay over and go home the next day. Gives us a chance to get to know some of the branch people socially or even to get to know them at all (a lot of head office people never get to see any of the branches). This party is potentially well over a hundred so once you add in spouses, you're into a couple hundred.

We also have a smaller event just for head office where I work. While it might be a stretch to say we're all friends, we all get on well and do socialize both at and outside of work (there's a group in accounting who have worked together on other jobs and are old friends). There's generally some kind of fun (tacky gift exchange, cubicle decorating competition or whatever) and the boss usually approves ordering in a meal as well. We also collect items for one of the local agencies that provides gifts to those who need them but may not be getting them (e.g. gifts for the women and children at a shelter).

As chemgal suggests, adding a social component to work helps build and improve office relationships and is seen by more progressive employers as a team-building exercise if nothing else.

All that said, there may be organizations where it just doesn't work out and I have heard of those. I just consider myself blessed to have found an employer where it does.

Mendalla

Heading to my sweetheart's party tomorrow night.  Things are frustrating at the moment, and it will be a night of work - visiting with clients and crews until we can leave.  

It is an extravaganza of sorts, too bad because the money spent has been extravagant, and will amount to little.

Heading to Toronto on Saturday night to a Greek restaurant
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g155019-d4573252-Reviews-Trinity_Greek_Taverna-Toronto_Ontario.html

There is a bus taking us, and another group going from another location.

We will have laughs on the bus, get to hang out and catch up on families, learn something about people, and enjoy some treats.

We take cabs home.

I enjoy spending time catching up with folks who are in different areas, and to be social. will be fun.

For me, little schmoozing as I don't work for anyone who will be there.

In January, we will likely all get together in my other office for social as well, that is also fun to see laughs and humour

I may get together with folks at the main facility in canada for lunch, that is still being discussed

finally, we have had a blast decorating our cubicles...it is fun to be sily, and ours are looking good!

I think office Christmas parties can help to develop a stronger relationship with staff.

In our case, my husband treats his staff to a party, we had it on Tuesday, to express his thanks to them for their work.

He pays for it personally due to the. Company rules. But he really can't just personally give them each a cheque.

So this is his way of thanking his staff.

We treated 53 staff and spouses to dinner. They laughed and chatted and relaxed together. I think it helps them bound

re: lastpointe - "I think it helps them bound" - LOL - visions of them bounding away after the party - not a good way to retain staff, perhaps?

CH, what do you think of office parties besides Christmas parties?

Retirement parties, ones for goals met, there are the family parties, hocky games with food & drinks before or after, etc.

I love all the parties . I was just pulling your legs. It has been tough to get any conversations rolling so I thought I would rock the boat. For some, single parents, folk strapped for cash, etc. Christmas parties are one of the only outing that some get where they can dress up, have a nice meal, dance and talk with adults about things other than kids. And , yes , it can make for better relations in the work place.

Okay . . . first of all, I had to look up "curmudgeon" . . . my dictionary says "an ill-tempered person full of resentment and stubborn notions.

I'd have to say - crazyheart - a curmudgeon you are NOT!

Over the years, both when I worked and had my office parties, and then didn't work, but hubby still had office parties, we went to them all if we could.  And over the past 35 or so years, the parties have changed a lot.  At one time our office party (we both worked for the same company when I was still working was a great big supper and dance.  Everyone dressed to the nines and you were able to bring your spouse, partner, or a guest.  The numbers started to dwindle and then you could buy tickets to bring additional guests.  Things went downhill a bit then, because instead of socializing with all the people who worked there, people just socialized with their own guests.  Eventually there were so few who were interested that they stopped having them and each individual department had their own little gathering.  For years hubby's group had a supper type party, which always had a Chinese Auction.  I loved those parties .  He moved to another department and that was the end of that.  For years before he retired he always put on a luncheon for the people who worked for him.  I would help him with up purchasing food and setting up.  It was just buns, meat, and all the trimmings and snackies that go along with that.  He always felt that there was some "bonding" that went on at those luncheons.  And the people genuinely appreciated it.

When we first started dating, both his department and mine had all kinds of parties - bowling, curling, summer barbeques, and other gatherings.  But over the years people lost interest and they stopped too.

He is retired now - no parties now - I kind of miss it!

Beloved, do the retirees get together?  I know they do at our company

No.  Once you are gone you are gone, at least in my hubby's situation.  Some departments have rec clubs that the retirees are invited to attend all functions.

He still gets invited to parties for other retirees.

He gets together with some of the fellows that retired around the same time he did - lunches, golf, etc.