Office Parties
Tips for planning a successful office party
Office parties can be tricky to pull off – most people have an office persona they keep quite separate from their social side, and it can be difficult for people to know quite how to act. Some staff members may not know each other well, and others might not know each other at all, which can lead to an awkward evening.
If an office party is carefully and thoughtfully planned, though, it can be lots of fun and a great morale booster for everyone involved.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Involve your staff in the planning; arrange a short brainstorm meeting, or set up a suggestion box near the coffee machine. The three cornerstones of a good office party are the venue, food and entertainment – ask your staff to offer up ideas for any or all of these elements.
- A group activity is a great way to break those awkward silences; try structuring your office party around a fun activity like karaoke or ice skating – it’ll take the focus off making small talk and help everyone to relax.
- Office parties are a great opportunity for an employer to show how much they value their staff. Be as generous as your budget allows and show your employees that you appreciate their hard work.
- Ensure that food and drink is plentiful. Most office party venues have catering facilities – take the pressure off by choosing a venue that includes everything you need in their party packages.
- If alcohol will be served, you’ll need to consider how your staff will be getting home. Look for a central venue that is close to public transport.
- Make a list of everything you require from a venue – for example, venue size, good music, catering facilities, audio/visual equipment, entertainment or activities – before you start looking at specific venues. Once you know what you need you’ll be able to narrow down your search significantly.
- Relax! Delegate or outsource as many elements of the office party that you can so you can sit back and have an enjoyable evening with your staff.