Celebrating the holidays with your employees offers the perfect way to recognize team accomplishments and thank them for their hard work throughout the year. With so much happening during the season, you want to make sure that your holiday event isn't something your team is dreading, but a lively celebration to close out the year. Here are some tips for planning a holiday party worthy of your amazing team's time:
Smile for the Camera
Photo booths are a hugely popular way for employees to let loose and have fun. If bringing in a professional photographer is too much for your budget, make a booth of your own! Create your own backdrop, string colorful lights, and don't forget the festive props. Set up an online album that everyone can access to remember your fun night!
Give Back
Add a charitable element to your celebration. Contact your local food pantry or animal shelter and find out what they need most. Encourage your team to bring these items to your holiday party; make it competitive and see which department can collect the most! If possible, contribute a monetary donation to the charity of your choice in honor of your employees.
Sweet Victory
Looking for a fun-filled activity for your staff? Get their competitive juices flowing with a gingerbread-building contest. Provide pre-made pieces, icing, and lots of candy for decorating. Sweeten things up with prizes for different categories and offer the winners gift cards to their favorite lunch spot or after work hangout.
Just Desserts
Not every business or organization can throw an elaborate holiday party. One way to keep costs down, but still celebrate as a team is to cater a lunch or dinner, but have a dessert potluck. Employees can share their favorite holiday treats and you can still show your appreciation for their hard work without busting your budget.
The Most Important Meal
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it might be hard to find a date for an after work party that fits with your team member's busy schedules. Consider throwing a breakfast party and take the morning off from the daily grind of the work day. Celebrate offsite with a menu that includes a variety of dishes, from savory omelets to sweet pastries.
Big Winner
Nobody can resist a raffle, so line up a variety of door prizes for your team members to win. Giving away gift cards to local businesses is a nice touch, but you can also offer items that are specific to your office, like an extra paid day off, use of a special parking spot for a month, or a "dress casual" day. Be sure to have a lot of prizes to give away throughout the event so that your employees walk away feeling like winners!
Your holiday celebration should be a fun occasion that rewards your team for all of their efforts throughout the year. While your budget will dictate how big a party you can throw, the most important detail is to make sure your employees feel valued. The experienced staff at The Otesaga can help lighten the load in putting together an event your team will talk about for years to come. Discover why our upstate New York hotel is the perfect venue for a magical holiday office gathering.