Company parties are not exactly the epitome of having the time of your life. Most often, they are something people just have to sit through or dance away. This is such as shame because they can be so much more. Namely, a killer company party is an opportunity to stir things up and build a stronger team. If you want to throw such a stunner, invest creative effort in planning and organization. Take your time and host something people will actually want to check out. Allow them to escape the daily hustle and bustle and connect on a more meaningful level.
Set your goals
First of all, you should know what you want to achieve with the event. For example, a memorable party represents an effortless team-building chance, as well as a tool for cultivating positive company culture and boosting morale. It brings people closer together and motivates them to put in good work later. Here, it is crucial to ditch the rigid formality that reigns supreme in corporate environments every other day of the year. Enable everyone to mingle, relax, and have a great time.
Planning stage
Start by inviting employees to participate in the brainstorming and planning sessions. Soak in their ideas and feedback: you can do this with an email thread, a meeting, or an actual box filled with written suggestions. This will persuade them that the upcoming party is actually about them and not an executive show. Depending on their preferences, you can go for anything from a low-key cocktail gathering to alternative holiday parties and full-blown dancefloor bravados.
Setting the stage with a theme
There is also an option to go for a theme party: you can draw inspiration from popular books, movies, TV shows, and such. These days, one cannot go wrong with a Game of Thrones-inspired event, although that is just the tip of the iceberg. Your employees might be more eager to have a classic masked ball or a picturesque Hawaii gathering. When pondering these concepts, it is a good idea not to lose sight of your company’s identity, values, and mission.
Choosing the venue
Bear in mind that the venue can really make or break the whole event: it sets the atmosphere and mood. Therefore, do the research and consider doing something more than giving a conference room a lousy makeover. Again, you should gain a sense of what the employees would like and where they would feel comfortable. Once you pick the perfect spot, turn your attention to decorations and follow-up materials like the seating space and music setup.
Put something nice on the table
Furthermore, no party could go on without food and drinks to fill the bellies. You can think seasonal, but also beyond the usual staples. In other words, offer something unexpected. In case you are not a wizard in the kitchen, hire a professional team. Seek catering companies that offer something special like attention-arresting cocktails paired with delicious meals. You will dazzle the employees and offer nice conversation points in one stroke.
Surprise them
Let the element of surprise work to your advantage. Put a fun twist on the regular party formula. It can be an impromptu dance showoff, karaoke competition, music performance, stand-up comedy, a competition, etc. Gifts always do the trick, so consider creating custom bags full of surprises or secret Santa exchanges. The same goes for photo booths that are an instant hit at most parties and a great bonding opportunity. All in all, you should give people something to do and be excited about.
Remember to have fun
In the end, you should loosen up and let the party take its own course. Refrain from making a common mistake and micromanaging every interaction and moment. The whole thing is not just about you or even the company itself. It comes down to celebrating team spirit and getting to know each other better. So, it is time to forget about tight deadlines, jam-packed schedules, and upcoming business challenges, at least for one merry night.
Make the magic happen
Yes, company parties can be a hassle to plan and a significant expense, but they are more than worth it. To hit the mark, get inspired and explore out-of-the-box and creative ideas. Strive to foster strong connections with employees and blow away the cobwebs of stale office life. Exceed people’s expectations and rally them around the banner of having a great time. After the confetti and glitter settle, everyone will tackle business tasks and obligations with renewed vigor and a newfound sense of belonging and purpose.
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