The holidays are just around the corner, which means your plans for a corporate holiday party should be well underway. Corporate holiday parties offer numerous benefits for employers and employees alike. Employees are the heart of a company, and a holiday party is a great way to express your appreciation and thank your team for another year of hard work.
Research shows employee appreciation can inspire increased productivity, retention and satisfaction among employees. An end-of-the-year party provides an enjoyable evening for employees and allows companies to show their appreciation in a more personal way.
When planning a corporate holiday party, think outside the box to create an event that your employees will be excited to attend. Consider these tips for planning a memorable holiday party for your employees.
Get out of the office
While a party in the office is better than no party at all, it's better to hold your holiday celebrations at an outside venue. Having the holiday party in the office can make the event feel more like an obligation and less like a reward. A non-traditional venue, such as a restaurant, arena or museum, will get employees enthused and interested and lay the foundation for a unique and memorable event.
When considering all the potential corporate event locations, pick a venue that's easily accessible for your employees and complements the image you want to portray for your business.
Pick a theme
Event themes are optional but can be especially beneficial for annual events like corporate holiday parties. A theme can simplify the event planning process and make the party special and unforgettable. Having a theme can help tie the whole party together, as everything from the décor to the menu can play up the theme. If you do set a theme, make sure it's tasteful and holiday-neutral to appeal to everyone.
Recognize employees
A holiday party is essentially a celebration of the great year your business has had. It's the perfect time to make your employees feel uniquely valued and appreciated. While the party itself is a testament of your gratitude, be sure to incorporate recognition into the event. Consider having key executives address the company congratulating everyone for their hard work and effort, as well as giving special awards for specific employees and teams.
While a corporate holiday party is an evening of fun, it has a bigger purpose of rewarding and recognizing your company's most important asset — your employees. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to plan an enjoyable holiday event that will make your staff feel appreciated and proud to be a part of the team.