Author: Tim Decker

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Employee Motivation Employee Recognition

Reinforcing Employee Job Security Through Recognition

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It’s no secret that workers who are constantly working in fear of losing their jobs will likely perform less efficiently. The good news, however, is that employers can reinforce their employees’ job security through through recognition. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading and we’ll reveal how something as simple as recognition can show employees they are safe and stable in their current job position.

Why Recognition Is Important

No matter what industry of line of work your business is in, you should take the time to recognize employees for all of their hard work and dedication. The truth is that very few employers engage with their employees beyond writing them a paycheck. This leave many workers questioning their job security, and as a result, some of these employees may start looking for work elsewhere just in case they lose their job. Even if they don’t quit, employees in this state of mind will likely work less efficiently than employees who are comfortable in their job.

It should come as no surprise that recognizing your employees for everything they’ve accomplished at work will encourage them to work harder and more efficiently; thus, leading to higher company profits. The minimal amount of effort it takes to recognize your employees is certain to pay off in the long run.

Awards and Trophies

There are countless different ways to recognize employees for their on-the-job work. However, one of the most effective methods is to provide them with a personalized award of trophy. This is a simple way to show the individual that all of their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. Unlike other recognition methods, a personalized award of trophy offers a greater connection simply because it has their name on it. Most reputable award companies offer free laser engraving at no additional cost.

Of course, there are dozens of other ways to recognize employees for their hard work. Some companies send out bonus checks to employees who reach a certain sales quota or similar goal. Everyone likes a bonus paycheck, but sending out too many of these can place a financial burden on the company’s well being. Thankfully, personalized awards and trophies are a more affordable way to recognize employees for their dedication and hard work.

In addition, you also have your company’s logo engraved on certain awards and trophies. When used in conjunction with their name, you have the perfect way to reinforce employees’ job security without spending thousands of dollars on bonus checks or other expensive handouts. Just remember to have each of the recipients’ names engraved on the trophy.

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Corporate Event Ideas General

Tips To Make Your Opening General Session a Success

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Also known as Plenary Sessions, Opening General Sessions typically involve larger and more comprehensive corporate conventions, meetings and gatherings. They may last anywhere from a couple hours to several days, revolving around an itinerary of keynote speakers, presentations, entertainment, and various other activities. Because they are so large, however, many people struggle to successfully plan Opening General Sessions. With the right approach, however, you can plan a memorable Opening General Session that covers all your desired topics and activities.
Define Your Goal/Objective
The first step in planning an Opening General Session – or any major corporate event – is to define your goals and/or objectives. Ask yourself, “What do I hope to accomplish by hosting this event?” Some companies host them to motivate their employees, while others do it to introduce new products, services or training techniques. Once you’ve identified the goals/objectives for your Opening General Session, you can start putting the pieces together to achieve them.
Choosing a Venue For Your Opening General Session Venue
Since each and every event is different, there’s no magic formula for choosing an Opening General Session venue. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when scouting prospective venues, such as the following:

  • Location in relation to the attendees.
  • Size (you obviously want a venue that’s large enough to accommodate all of the attendees).
  • Does it offer free audio equipment?
  • Local catering services.
  • Price.
  • Availability.
  • Transportation services.

Welcome Speech
The welcome speech sets the tone for an Opening General Session. It allows you to break to ice while introducing or reintroducing yourself to the attendees. This can either hurt or help your Opening General Session depending on how it’s executed. A bad welcome speech can create a tense, unwelcoming environment that discourages employees from attending future events.

Keep your welcome speech short and to the point, using caution not to wonder off topic. Remember, it’s called a “welcome speech” for a reason: it serves as a basic introduction to the Opening General Session.
Make It Entertaining
One of the most common mistakes companies make when hosting Opening General Sessions is failing to keep it fun and entertaining. It’s easy for keynote speakers to lose the attendees’ attention when they aren’t engaged.

So, how can you make your event fun and enjoyable? Break up the normal routine with entertainment acts, and be sure to offer food & beverages. These simple things, along with the right venue, will lay the groundwork for a successful and enjoyable Opening General Session.

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Corporate Event Ideas

How To Stay Organized When Planning a Corporate Event

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Planning a major corporate event can be a stressful process. Among other things, you must locate a venue, plan a guest list, book the necessary hotel rooms, arrange transportation, hire entertainment, and purchase a catering service. When you find yourself micromanaging each and every task, you may overlook critical elements of the event.

Begin Planning Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your corporate event. Procrastinating will only make planning more chaotic and stressful. By planning ahead, you’ll have more time to confirm appointments, verify guest lists, and get all of your ducks in order so to speak.

Now for the million-dollar question: when should I start planning my corporate event? There’s a really no easy answer to this question, as each and every event is different. Generally speaking, though, the earlier your begin, the better. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to start booking hotel rooms and flights, but you can still lay out a rough draft of the itinerary.

Evernote

Take advantage of your smartphone’s capabilities by downloading some productivity apps. Evernote is one of the most popular productivity apps, boasting a 4.6 star rating out of 1 million plus reviews on Google Play. This free app allows you to create notes, organize your notes and files with tags, share files with other users, create agendas, manage your business expenses, and arrange travel, all of which will prove helpful when planning a corporate event.

See belief for the official description of Evernote:

“Write notes of all types, from short lists to lengthy research, and access them on any device. Collect web articles, handwritten notes, and photos to keep all the details in one place. Find your work quickly with Evernote’s powerful search”

Google Search

Another app that will help you stay organized is Google Search. Contrary to what some people may believe, Google Search isn’t used strictly for “googling” keywords. The Mountain View company has revamped this app to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as reminding you of appointments, delivering directions to meet those appointments, display traffic reports related to your commute, and even provide updates on your favorite sports team.

Google Search comes pre-installed on all Android devices. If you’re an Apple user, you can download the iOS version by clicking here.

Day Planner

Even with all of the fancy smartphone apps now available, nothing beats a good old fashioned day planner. It will allow you to quickly jot down important dates, addresses, phone numbers, or any other information associated with your upcoming event.

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Corporate Event Ideas

Going Green With Your Corporate Event

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With environmental pollution on the rise and the threat of global climate change now a reality, more and more companies are taking a more conscious approach towards their event planning. This week, we’re going to reveal some ways in which companies can “go green” when planning their corporate events.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Arguably, one of the easiest ways to go green at your next corporate event is to use energy-efficient lighting. Incandescent bulbs have long been the preferred choice in both residential and commercial settings. They feature a wire filament that’s heating with passing electrical current to generate light. Although effect, incandescent bulbs are not energy-efficient, and they tend to die out faster than other bulbs.

Compact-fluorescent lighting (CFL) is a better all-around choice that uses less energy and lasts longer than its incandescent counterpart. A 60-watt incandescent bulb has an average lifespan of just 1,100-1,300 hours, whereas a CFL bulb lasts for approximately 7,000-9,000 hours. In terms of energy, incandescent bulbs use about 3285 KWh per year, while CFLs use just 767 Kwh per year. Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are another energy-efficient alternative to incandescent, although some fixtures may not support them.

Carpool

Another way to go green at your next corporate event is to carpool. If attendees are booked at the same hotel, perhaps you can arrange group-based transportation. Carpooling from the hotel to the venue will not only save you money, but it will also reduce the amount of carbon emissions and air pollution created.

Use Compostable Plates, Cups and Cutlery

According to the U.S. National Park Service, it takes approximately 50 years for a foam cup to decompose in the environment and 450 years for a plastic cup. Rather than using these cups, plates and cutlery made of these materials in your next corporate event, consider using compostible pieces. The ASTM International standards 6400 and 6868 define compostible as being any product that biodegrades in 180 days or less in a commercial composting facility.

Plant a Tree

Did you know that a single tree will absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Trees are essential a sponge, absorbing carbon dioxide while simultaneously releasing fresh oxygen back into the atmosphere; therefore, you should consider planting one at your next corporate event as a way to promote greater environmental responsibility. It’s a fun hands-on project that signifies your companies environmental conservations efforts.

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Employee Motivation

Why Employee Recognition Is Important

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Regardless of industry or job sector, all employees have an innate desire to be recognized and appreciated for their hard work. Recognition can be something as simple as saying “thanks for the hard work today,” or it can consist of a more complex program in which employees are rewarded for achieving various goals. Unfortunately, many employers fail to realize the importance of employee recognition, and as such, their business suffers as a result.

Improves Productivity

Recognition plays a direct role in a company’s productivity (or lack thereof). The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) cites “lack of appreciation” as one of the leading reasons why employees leave work. When employees don’t receive the recognition and appreciation from their boss, they tend to work slower, with less drive, or they may choose to not work at all.

By recognizing workers for their hard work and excellence, employers will benefit from increased productivity. Going back to the basics of behavioral psychology, recognition encourages people to push themselves, which in turn results in higher productivity.

Reduces Turnover Rates

Another reason why employee recognition is important is because it reduces worker turnover rates. According to a study conducted by the Center of American Progress (CAP), the cost of replacing a mid-range employee earning $30,000 to $50,000 annually is roughly 20% of his or her salary. Assuming these numbers are correct, it would costs around $8,000 to replace a worker earning $40,000 per year.

It’s important to note that turnover costs scale with the employee’s salary. The CAP study suggests that it costs an average of 213% annual salary to replace a senior or executive position employee. Employers can prevent the headache and financial burden of having to replace employees by implementing a strong recognition/appreciation program

Improved Customer Service

Does your business involve transactions or other interactions with customers? By recognizing and showing appreciation to your employees, you’ll encourage them to go the extra mile to ensure customers are happy. Workers who are appreciated are more willing to put the forth the effort to make customers happy. This alone is reason enough to implement an employee recognition/appreciation program in your company.

Promotes Teamwork

Yet another reason why employee recognition is important is because it promotes greater teamwork in the workplace. Employee recognition sparks the drive and determination that employees need to work together. And when there’s greater teamwork in the office (or any other workplace), the business will run more smoothly.

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Charity Venue Ideas General

5 Ways To Save Money When Planning a Corporate Event

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Planning a corporate event isn’t cheap by any means. In addition to the lost productivity, companies may also front the bill for hotel rooms, transportation, food & beverages, and more. These costs can quickly add up to place a financial strain on the company’s budget, resulting in lower profits across the board. But thankfully there are some simple ways to reduce the cost of your corporate events.

#1) Corporate or Business Rate Hotels

Even if they don’t publicly advertise it, many hotels offer steep discounts for corporate events. Depending on how many rooms you book, this can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your total lodging expenses.

Instead of booking the rooms online, call the hotel and ask them whether or not they offer discounts for corporate events and gatherings. In addition to the lower room rates, conference rooms, valet parking and/or other amenities may be included in your corporate package.

#2) Book Flights In Advance

According to a study conducted by CheapAir.com, the best time to book a flight is 54 days in advance, whereas the worst time is the day of the flight. The air travel website found that the average price distance between the best and worst time was $312! – and that doesn’t factor in the cost of transportation.

#3) Avoid The Holidays

You can expect to pay more for hotels, flights and car rentals if you book them on or around a major holiday. Thanksgiving holds the title as being the country’s worst travel day, with some 37.2 million Americans traveling 50 or more miles. Other busy holidays include Memorial Day, Spring Break, Christmas Eve, July Fourth, New Years Eve, Labor Day, Easter and Mardi Gras. The bottom line is that you should schedule your corporate event around these and other major holidays to keep your costs low.

#4) Look For Sponsors

A fourth way to save money when planning a corporate event is to look for sponsors. Certain companies will pay to have their brand logo, name and other material displayed at corporate events. It’s a win-win scenario, as the advertised company benefits from increased brand exposure, and you benefit from the additional revenue. This revenue, of course, will offset the cost of planning your corporate event.

#5) Cut Back on Catering

Catering services can quickly burn through your available budget, so try cutting back on them when planning your next corporate event. This doesn’t mean attendees should be left to fend for themselves, but perhaps you can set up some snack trays instead of offering full meals.

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Corporate Event Ideas Corporate Venue Ideas

Planning a Corporate Event During The Fall Season

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Summer might be over, but you can still plan a fun-filled corporate party or event. The fall season is characterized with colorful leaves and cooler temperatures blanketing the landscape. This combination adds a dynamic new element to the corporate event atmosphere. With the right approach, though, you can host a memorable event that employees talk about for months to come.

Indoors or Outdoors?

One of the decisions you’ll have to make when planning a corporate event during the fall season is whether to have it indoors or outdoors. Assuming you don’t wait until the last week of fall, you should be able to host an outdoor event while still being able to enjoy mild temperatures. The early-to-mid fall weeks are usually still warm enough to enjoy outdoor parties and activities.

If you are concerned that an outdoor event will be too chilly, there a few precautions you can take to ensure attendees are warm and comfortable:

  • Schedule the event earlier during the day rather than the late evening-night hours.

  • Choose an outdoor area that’s exposed to the sun.

  • Set up portable heaters throughout the venue.

  • Rent an indoor facility in addition to the outdoor venue grounds as a “backup” in case the mercury drops.

  • Serve hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and other warm beverages.

Offer Comfort Food

Fall season is the perfect time of year to offer a variety of comfort foods at your corporate events and parties. Instead of offering attendees the usual sandwiches and finger foods, perhaps you can choose some more festive comfort-style dishes. Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin mousse and sweet potato casserole are just a few ideas to consider.

Of course, you can always ask employees for recommendations/preference on food and beverages as well. Find out which foods and beverages employees prefer and which ones they dislike. You can also bring up the idea of comfort foods to see whether or not they are on board.

Fun Fall Activities For Corporate Events

Take advantage of the cooler fall season temperatures by hosting some fun activities in which employees can participate at your corporate event. As long as the weather and temperature permits, try hosting a kickball or softball game. Doing so will allow employees to step outside their comfort zone, while subsequently offering beneficial exercise.

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Corporate Entertainment Corporate Event Ideas

5 Ways To Boost Your Event’s Attendance Rate

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It’s downright frustrating when you spend countless hours planning a corporate event only to have a fraction of the company’s employees actually show up. The empty dance floor and untouched snack tray is a clear sign of failure. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to boost the attendance rate of your next corporate event.

#1) Set a Date In Advance

You can’t expect a high turnout unless employees are given ample time to prepare for it in advance. Once you’ve chosen a venue and a date for the event, announce it to your employees. Doing so will allow them to make transpiration arrangements, clear their personal schedule, find a babysitter, etc. when the big day rolls around. The more time you give them in advance, the higher your turnout will be.

#2) Spread The Word on Social Media

Facebook has a tool which allows users to create events and send invites to friends and guests of friends. While logged into your account, click the Events button on the left side of your homepage, followed by Create. Complete the required fields (event name, location, date and privacy settings) and select Invite Friends. Check the names of whom you wish to invite and click Save and then Create.

#3) Offer Gifts

One sure-fire way to boost the attendance rate of your corporate event is to give away something for free. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to host a Opera-style giveaway in which every audience member receives a new car and week-long vacation, but perhaps you can offer attendees some company-branded swag (t-shirts, backpacks, foldout chairs, etc).

#4) Make It Fun

Another simple way to boost your event’s attendance rate is to make it fun. Hiring another boring keynote speaker to perform a presentation will only discourage employees from attending future events. So, how can you make your corporate event “fun?” We could write an entire post on this subject alone (and we probably will in the future), but the key thing to remember is that you want a relaxed, laid back environment in which employees can let loose and enjoy themselves.

#5) Ask For Feedback

Lastly, ask your employees for feedback both before and after the event. Find out what types of food, beverages, entertainment and activities they prefer. Using this information, you can plan the perfect event that accommodates all of your employees. Planning an event without knowing what your employees like and dislike is a recipe for disaster.

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Corporate Entertainment Corporate Event Ideas Employee Motivation

How To Motivate Your Workforce With The Right Event

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Lack of motivation is a major (and costly) problem in today’s workplace. When employees go through their daily routine without truly applying themselves, it often results in lower productivity, diminished business-to-client relationships, higher employee turnover rates, and even higher rates of work-related injury/illness. Employers can prevent such problems while subsequently motivating their workforce, by hosting the right event.

Can a Corporate Event Really Motivate Employees?

Corporate events allow employees to let loose and enjoy themselves in an environment that’s outside their normal workplace. Far too many companies force their workers to remain cooped up inside the office 365 days a day. Showing up to work day after day can become monotonous, which ultimately triggers a lack of motivation. But a corporate event gives employees the opportunity to break away from this tiresome routine, reinvigorating them with a newfound desire to excel while on the job.

Many employers are under the assumption that money is the biggest motivator in the workplace (e.g. increased pay, bonus checks, stock options). However, several studies have shown that employees crave recognition and appreciation more than monetary gifts.

Choose a Venue Outside The Workplace

If you want to host an corporate event for the purpose of motivating employees, you should do so outside the workplace. Yes, it’s usually cheaper (and easier) to host an event inside the office; all it takes is a couple 2-liter bottles of soda and some snacks and you’re good to go! Unfortunately, this type of on-the-fly event doesn’t have the same beneficial effect on employees.

Does this mean you have to choose a venue located on the other side of town? Not necessarily, as something as simple as a mid-day picnic in the local park allows workers to enjoy time away from their normal work setting. Being in an unfamiliar environment impacts people on a very visceral level, and this is oftentimes enough to motivate workers to excel. The bottom line is that you want to choose a venue outside the workplace.

Tips To Motivate Employees at Your Corporate Event:

  • Choose corporate event speakers/entertainers wisely. You don’t want someone rambling on about dull topics for hours on end — this is a surefire way to send employees heading out the door.
  • Make it fun by thinking outside the box. Make your corporate event unique by including fun games and activities.
  • Gain feedback from your employees. Was the party a hit or a dud? By gathering feedback from your employees, you can make changes to improve your next corporate event.
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Charity Venue Ideas

The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a Corporate Event Venue

529599_47917840Location can make or break a corporate event. The right location will encourage employees to attend (and stay) at the event, which is exactly what you should aim to accomplish as a host. On the other hand, the wrong location can make it difficult for employees to find and lower their overall enjoyment.

Don’t: Choose The First Venue

Let me rephrase this statement: don’t choose the first venue without scouting other sites. Spend some time calling around and checking out other prospective venue locations. You don’t have to make a final decision during your initial visit, so shop around to find the place that’s best suited for your particular event. Who knows, you may find a venue that’s larger and more accommodating at half the price of your original choice.

Don’t: Overlook Accessibility

Don’t overlook the importance of choosing a venue that’s easily accessible to employees. If employees are forced to drive through some obscure part of town, some of them may choose to spend their evening at home. A corporate venue should be located a reasonable driving distance along the main roads.

Unless you intend to set up transportation, a good rule of thumb is to choose a venue that’s within 30-60 minutes driving distance from the workplace.

Do: Consider Technical Aspects

What type of technical commodities (if any) does the venue offer? In today’s constantly connected world, there’s a growing need for venues with WiFi, charging stations, laptop desks, etc. Granted, corporate events are usually intended for employees to step away from their normal work setting, but having the option to check your email and perform other tasks will make the venue just a little more enjoyable.

Some venues will even offer on-site technical support, which is another plus. Why would you need technical support at a corporate event? Well, there are dozens of activities that may call for the need of a “professional,” such as public speaking, playing movies or slideshow presentations, lighting, special effects, etc.

Do: Have a Backup Plan (For Outdoor Events)

There are several advantages to throwing a corporate event outdoors, such as the increased space in which employees can move around; the ability to play softball, kickball and other “outdoorsy” sports; and they generally cost less than indoor events. But if you plan on hosting an outdoor event, make sure you have a backup plan ready in case the weather turns south.

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