Most hardworking employees will expect an office Christmas party. It’s an opportunity for your team to let their hair down, have some fun, and build stronger relationships with their colleagues. Yet, a few mistakes or oversights during the planning process could lead to disappointment, internal issues, or marketing problems for your brand.
Don’t look back on the event with regret. Learn about the dos and don’ts of planning an office Christmas party.
Do: Provide Fantastic Food and Entertainment
There is more to a Christmas party than bottles of bubbly or a free bar. Keep your employees’ hunger at bay and prevent inebriation by providing your team with a sit-down meal, buffet, or trays of food served throughout the event.
Remember, your employees might have different dietary needs, which is why you must offer vegan and vegetarian options. Also, you may need to provide a catering company with information about a team member’s food allergies.
Of course, if you want to get everyone up on their feet laughing, dancing, and making memories, you must provide exceptional entertainment that will impress your staff. Reach out to a dependable entertainment agency to hire a talented party band, singer, guitarist, or tribute band that your employees will love.Fantastic food and entertainment will make your team feel appreciated by management.
Don’t: Exclude Employees
Employees who don’t celebrate Christmas for religious or personal beliefs might feel excluded from a Christmas party. For this reason, you must try to create a more inclusive event to ensure that everyone feels welcome at the event. For example, rather than referring to it as a Christmas party, use an alternative name, such as a festive party.
Do: Introduce a Strict Social Media Policy
Guaranteed your employees will want to take lots of photographs throughout the Christmas party. Yet, the event represents your business, and you must ensure any images from the night posted to an employee’s social media present the brand in the best light.
Protect your company’s reputation by introducing a strict social media policy for all work events. If an employee breaks the rules, you must take swift action to discourage other team members from following in their footsteps in the future.
Don’t: Host a Party Before a Working Day
If possible, avoid hosting a party the night before a working day. For example, it might help to plan a party for a Friday to allow your team to catchup on their sleep on a Saturday morning. If your employees workvarious shifts, you must encourage those working the next day to behave responsibly at the event to ensure they arrive at work fresh and presentable. Also, you could avoid absences the next day and boost morale by allowing employees to arrive for their shift an hour or so later than usual.
There are many factors to consider when planning an unforgettable office Christmas party. Keep the above advice in mind to create a fun event that is open to everyone, boosts morale, and supports your company’s positive reputation.
Review The Dos and Don’ts of Planning an Office Christmas Party.