There’s much to love about office parties. They’re a time to celebrate achievements, build a sense of teamwork, and all-around have a good time. The majority of work life is professional and serious, but office parties can help to show that there’s more to the working world than spreadsheets.
Of course, you’ll only get the benefits if it’s a great office party. Poorly planned parties can have the opposite impact. So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. In this post, we’ll run through five handy tips that’ll ensure your office party is an out-and-out hit.
Form a Planning Committee
Employees will be much more likely to be enthusiastic about the office party if they have a hand in putting it together. Plus, by getting members of staff involved, you can help relieve some of the stress of organizing the whole thing on your own. So at the beginning, ask for volunteers — there will likely be a few party-lovers in the office who will be more than happy to bring their expertise to the table. Once the committee is in place, allocate time during office hours for them to plan the party.
Decide Where and When
Choosing the right location and date of the party will go a long way towards ensuring that it’s a success. After all, it’s not hard to see how a party that takes place on a Monday evening at the office will be a bit of a bust. Unless there is an obvious reason why it shouldn’t take place at the weekend, pick a Friday or Saturday. As for location, it really depends on how many people will be there and what the overall theme is. In many cases, the office may suffice — but if you’re looking to go big, then consider hiring a venue.
Organize the Essentials
It’s not a party — or at least not a good one — without refreshments, so make sure that you’re well-covered in that department. Unless you’re in the food industry and already have access to quality food, it’s best to work with a corporate catering company to handle the food aspect. For drinks, it all depends on the number of guests and the scope of the party. It may be sufficient to buy a selection of wines, beers, and spirits, and just make them available to your employees. If it’s a larger party, then consider hiring a cocktail maker/drinks provider; it’s just easier.
Build the Hype
There’s nothing worse than taking the time to organize a great party, only to have people not turn up. You should have given notice a couple of weeks in advance, but remember that people may need a bit of encouragement to actually show up. You can do this by building the hype the week of the party. Make sure to mention all the awesome drinks, snacks, and other fun additions that’ll be there. If it’s the talk of the office, then there’s no doubt that everyone will turn up and the party will be a success.
