U.S. Workers Prefer Root Canal Over Dreadful Office Holiday Parties

A recent national survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of the nonprofit organization Sunny reveals an alarming trend among U.S. workers: more than one in four employees would prefer to undergo a root canal than attend an office holiday party. This statistic unveils a significant aspect of what has been termed "The Great Disconnection" in workplaces across the nation, which reflects the increasing feelings of social isolation and detachment among employees.

The study, which surveyed 1,155 full-time U.S. employees, demonstrated a profound unwillingness to engage in social festivities often associated with corporate culture. Specifically, 27% of respondents indicated a stronger preference for dental work over seasonal celebrations at their workplaces, while 33% expressed that they would rather visit the dentist for any reason than put themselves into situations like office parties. Additionally, it appears that 40% of the surveyed employees would also favor a trip to the dentist over spending time after hours socializing with their bosses.

Iain Smith, Ph.D., the Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, emphasized that these findings are clear signs of a growing disengagement problem in the work environment. He remarks, "Our poll findings confirm the realities of 'The Great Disconnection.' Unlike the earlier phenomenon known as 'The Great Resignation,' which was triggered during the pandemic, this sense of disconnect seems to persist unaddressed."

The poll uncovered notable demographic differences in attitudes toward holiday parties. For instance, 30% of male respondents opted for a root canal in lieu of attending the office party, compared to only 23% of female respondents. Regionally, individuals from the Northeast demonstrated the greatest aversion, with 36% stating a preference for dental visits over social gatherings, in contrast to 29% in the Midwest.

Sunny's initiative aims to bring awareness to this growing workplace epidemic and provide actionable solutions to rekindle social interactions. The nonprofit recently released a white paper titled "Energized by Design," exploring the factors leading to this disconnection, such as remote work models, reliance on AI tools, and the challenges posed by a multi-generational workforce.

Furthermore, the paper highlights several concerning statistics about loneliness in the workplace. For example, 41% of respondents to a different survey stated they often feel lonely, while 45% of those aged 18-25 report regular feelings of isolation at work, making Gen Z workers the most affected demographic. Additionally, research indicates that 42% of employees believe that having friendships at work plays a crucial role in their mental well-being and job satisfaction.

Betsy Parker, CEO of Sunny, stresses that meaningful connections cannot thrive in a purely digital environment. "You can't simply invite people to join a Zoom call and expect to build an engaged culture. True connection requires thoughtful design rather than just calendar invitations," she asserts.

The poll conducted by Sunny consisted of a representative sample of U.S. employees aged 18 and older, collected between November 12-17, 2025. Participants were asked their level of agreement with statements reflecting their preferences for social situations over dental visits.

In an age increasingly dominated by digital interactions, Sunny is dedicated to fostering genuine human connections. Their platform, Sunny Workplace™, aims to integrate social connection strategies into workplace routines and revitalize employee relationships. Through their free app, individuals can track their "Social Battery™" and gain actionable insights to enhance their social well-being.

Sunny operates on a purpose-over-profit model, with all generated revenue reinvested into expanding their impactful outreach initiatives. More information about their mission and services can be found at gosunny.org.

As the workplace landscape evolves, the need for authentic connections becomes increasingly vital for ensuring employee satisfaction and mental health. The findings raise crucial questions about how organizations can reframe social engagement, especially during festive seasons, to create a more connected workplace culture.