Throwing Office Parties That Employees Will Actually Enjoy

Whether you’re looking ot boost morale, to show some appreciation, or to simply help your team let off some steam after a big project, an office party can be a valuable part of work life. However, when planned poorly, without too much thought of what the team actually wants, they can feel more like an obligation than a get-together. As such, here, we’re going to look at what you can do to make it an event they’ll actually enjoy.

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Create A Comfortable Atmosphere

Perhaps the biggest challenge of planning any office party is getting people to let their guards down, at least some, to get out of ‘work mode’ and actually relax. The right setting can make all the difference. If possible, host the party outside the office at a restaurant, event space, or outdoor venue. If you’re keeping it in the office, transform the space with decor, music, and lounge seating to make it feel special.

Pick A Theme And A Format For It

If you want to create a party atmosphere, then choosing the right theme and idea for the night can help speed things along. For seasonal celebrations, the occasion picks itself. However, if you’re choosing an ordinary evening for the party, you can spice it up by making it a game night, for instance, whether you make it a quiz night, find a local escape room challenge, or otherwise. If you’re taking it outside the office, then a causal happy hour with drinks and appetizers can be enough to help get the team chatting and relaxing.

Provide Memorable Food And Drink

It’s a party, so food and drink are genuinely important to your team’s enjoyment, and skimping out with simply heating up some frozen food can really kill the mood. Working with a catering team like Spilled Milk Catering can really heighten the occasion. Offer a variety of foods to match different dietary preferences and needs, and hire a team that takes care of setup and cleanup so it doesn’t feel ike you’re giving your team more work. If you’re trying to keep things relaxed and social, organizing a buffet table might be the way to go.

Choose Activities That Are Actually Fun

We’ve all been to office parties or corporate events that hold team-building events that don’t work. Avoid the dreaded feeling of your party feeling like more work. If you’re planning any activities, make sure that they’re high-energy and focused on enjoyment first and foremost. Invest in live entertainment like a DJ or a comedian to take the pressure off your staff members. If you want to take the time to recognize your team with some awards, keep them fun and lighthearted rather than trying to make them feel like a big event.

You can’t guarantee that everyone will be into what you do for an office party, no matter what you choose. However, you should always ensure that it’s based on the wants of the team, so be sure to get their input while planning it, too.