The 2023 holiday season is upon us, and it’s not too early to start planning for this year’s holiday party. It’s the perfect time to start ironing out the details on how you’ll recognize your team and celebrate a great holiday season.
Too often, businesses put off this planning until October or even November, but it’s best not to procrastinate. When plans come together in last-minute fashion, people usually notice. Employees, who’ve become accustomed to special holiday events, know when their organization isn’t paying attention to the details or personalizing events. This year especially, with employee morale all over the map, employers are looking for unique ways to spice up the traditional holiday party.
The good news is that early planning means less work later. Start ideating now, and use the coming months to fine-tune your plans, manage logistics, hire the right partners, and communicate with guests. Taking the time to plan will go a long way toward showing your staff you appreciate the hard work they’ve put in throughout the year.
The first question organizations need to answer when planning a holiday event is how employees will participate. It’s important to consider this question and not assume you’ll simply be able to repeat what you did last year.
Many businesses have been changing their policies about working virtually, in person, or in a hybrid fashion. It’s hard to know how employees will be conducting their work come December, so it’s best to land on an option that’s flexible.
Both virtual and in-person options come with their own benefits and challenges. To make sure your event goes off without a hitch, find a party-planning partner that offers both virtual and in-person events so you’ll be prepared for any scenario.
Here are some ideas for holiday events that can work virtually, in person, and hybrid:
Trivia game. Pick your theme! It can be based on winter sports, warm cocktails, holiday movies, or whatever topic will resonate with your team.
Rent a comedian. Before the event, share with the comedian funny tidbits about each team member. When the (tasteful) jokes fly, they’ll have everyone in stitches.
Gingerbread-decorating contest. There are companies that will ship you the “naked” gingerbread people, trees, and houses, and your group can compete to see who’s been the most creative in decorating them.
Secret gift-giving. Sign up with a website that handles this kind of group activity so everyone has the chance to give and receive a low-cost gift and then open their gifts together.
Wine experience. A virtual or an in-person wine tasting can be an entertaining and educational event that lets hardworking employees and high-net-worth clients or investors know they’re appreciated. For the most success, work with a top-notch wine experience partner who will handle all the details on your behalf. All you’ll have to do is pick a date and build your guest list.
Charitable giving. Offer your team a choice of giving to one of three worthy charities. At the event, announce how much the team contributed as a whole. If you have multiple teams, each can compete to see who raises the most in donations by reaching out to friends and family.
Creating for the needy. This is another way to give back. Team members each work on a part of a project and, in the end, create something valuable together. For example, a team can put together food baskets for a local food pantry.
It may seem early to start planning for your holiday event, but beginning the process now will ensure employees appreciate the experience and feel the organization has invested time to treat them to something special. Plus, it’s less work for you later in the year because most of the organizing will be done by the start of winter. The key is to find ideas that meet your budget, work both virtually and in person, and align with your organization’s culture.
Danielle Diliberti is CEO of Sommsation, a wine experience company that gives wine enthusiasts access to acclaimed independent wines through its online shop and sommelier-led private wine tasting experiences.
The post It’s Not Too Early to Plan Your Office Holiday Party appeared first on HR Daily Advisor.
