corporate party Archives - Tim Decker | Speed Painter

The holiday season is almost here, which means employers from across the country are scrambling to make those last-minute preparations for a company party. Holiday parties offer a fun way for employees to unwind and relax in a non-traditional work environment. As a result, employees will likely come back to work with a fresh perspective and desire to push themselves on the job.

Choosing a Location For a Holiday Party

One of the biggest decision you’ll have to make when setting up a company party is choosing a location. This will essentially set the mood for the entire event, so you want to choose a proper location. If at all possible, try to choose an area for the party that’s outside of the office. While having the party inside the office will likely make things easier and cost less money, it doesn’t give the employees an opportunity to get away from their normal work environment. The additional money it costs to throw a party outside of the office will prove to be well worth it in the long run.

There are literally dozens of different places that are suitable for throwing holiday parties. You can have them in the park, at a lake, restaurant, someone’s property, or you can even rent out conference/party areas from building around your town. Check to see what the weather is going to be like first. If it’s going to rain, you’ll obviously want to have the part indoors instead of outdoors.

Choosing a Time

Another decision that’s required when throwing a holiday party is choosing a time. Let’s hope your company doesn’t operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as this will make it difficult (although not impossible) for everyone to enjoy without shutting down temporarily. Ideally, you should throw the party shortly after the office closing hours. This will give everyone enough time to get home, change clothes and make their way to the party. If the office doesn’t close until 10 pm or later, though, you may want to throw it slightly earlier while still allowing employees to trickle in throughout the night.

Activities

Of course, you can’t successfully throw a holiday party without having activities planned for the event. Think about where the party is being held and choose some fun, easy-to-do activities that everyone will enjoy. Assuming weather permits, you can have a company softball game if the party is being thrown outside. On the other hand, you could have a karaoke contest for indoor parties. Another option is to throw the company party somewhere for a specific activity, such as a bowling alley. Everyone loves bowling, and it’s perfect for large groups of people.

These are just a few tips to help you throw the best company party. Above all else, have some fun and loosen up. After all, that’s the whole purpose of a party.

Tim Decker

www.timdecker.com

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.

Tim Decker