5 Tips for Planning a Corporate Holiday Party Your Staff Will Love

If there’s one break that corporate event planners and human resources teams catch from the calendar. It is that you get lots of warning about the approaching holiday season. Once Thanksgiving is over, there’s nothing until the year-end holidays.

Still, despite the massive lead time, the ‘company party’ seems to always turn into logistical hornet’s nest of solving questions like “where do we have it?”, “when will we get the best turn out?” and “what different dietary requirements do we need to cover?”.

The downside of all those logistics, the costs involved and the fact that many staff either can’t attend or choose not to, is that many companies have decided to not throw holiday parties.

It’s a shame. The company holiday party is usually the only time of year when everyone gets together in a social setting to share a meal and talk about something other than work. And the benefits of that shouldn’t be underestimated.

It Shows Gratitude

The best leadership comes through example. While a holiday bonus and extra time off are great ways to show your appreciation for everything your team does throughout the year, a holiday party adds a level of gratitude with a personal touch.

It’s Great for Morale

As job roles carry more and more responsibility and time pressures, businesses can lose sight of the ‘fun factor’ and the benefits it has for overall productivity. A holiday party is an opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of a deadline.

It’s Builds Teamwork

When your staff experiences a fun and exciting social event, it increases their familiarity with each other familiarity and the common experiences they share. That shared experience helps bring people closer and breaks down some of the barriers that can get in the way of working well together.

Considering all the benefits to be enjoyed, it makes sense for businesses to overcome the hurdles of having a company party and focus on hosting a year-end celebration that staff will not only want to attend, but one that will maximize the benefits.

With that in mind, here are a few tips for making this year’s corporate holiday celebration the best ever.

1. Location, Location, Location

The basis for any great event is its setting. Creating the right vibe by choosing a location that people want to visit, one with the right facilities, amenities and services, is your first step in having a successful gathering. And the sooner you book the venue, the better.

2. Food & Refreshments

Whether you choose a full-service meal or a buffet. You need to cater to your guest’s tastes and every dietary need. Finding a venue that can do that for you is an added bonus. And while you want everyone to enjoy themselves, remember to encourage them to do so responsibly.

3. Engage Employees

Consider ways to get all your staff involved even before the event. From planning a fun awards ceremony to getting playlist submissions for the entertainment, the more input everyone has, the more likely they are to attend and enjoy themselves.

4. Get Social

In addition to printed and emailed invitations. Create an Event on Facebook for the party, set up a #HolidayParty hashtag. Use images from past events to build a buzz on social media.

5. Extras

Think of ways to really set your event apart. Things like providing transportation to and from the event. Having a photo booth, a friendly “Our Company’s Got Talent” competition and gift bags. Use your creativity; there are lots of ways to make the year-end celebration truly fun, exciting and memorable.

Get the Help You Need – It’s not easy to plan such an important gathering on your own. When you are choosing venues, look for those that can offer ideas and the help you need to make them happen.

Check out the Royal Ashburn Golf Club Events page to learn more about planning a successful holiday party and experience.