Throwing an Office Party

This is the time of year when it seems that working around your work schedule is a full time job but are you making time to celebrate with your coworkers too?

Here's a few great ideas for your office party (committee optional).

First, let's discuss.

What do you want out of your Office party this season? As the wife of someone who has employees it's important for us to give back to the people who give us so much. Their time and talent are gifts to us but without them, we don't have an office to throw a party. It's also a great time to regroup as a company, realign strategies and allies for another great year ahead.

Alternatives to the Potluck

In-house office parties can be a lot of fun, I promise. However the perpetual potluck needs to stop. We know you're friend, mother, spouse, brother, cousin makes the best chili in town. Cookies, fruit cake and taco salad - they're delicious. How about you have a Team Chef Throw Down instead? It'd be fun to have an interactive kitchen where the Company could supply the needed items and surprise ingredients and the office population can work on prepping the dinner (or a dish) for everyone to enjoy. Complete with judges and prizes, of course. Have fun! Work needs to be fun.

Take your party elsewhere

There are plenty of places to bring the whole family for a fun evening. Your work family can enjoy these venues as well. It's important to involve the families of your employee's or coworkers if applicable. Usually it's their sacrifice that no one notices all year long while an employee works overtime, weekends and travels or attends conferences and events on the Company's behalf. Involve the support system in the celebration of a great year.

Things to consider

Making a list and checking it twice? Preparing for a fun evening is more important than hosting the event, hands down. This can be one person or you could pull together a committee to tackle the event. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but it does need to be well thought. Everyone knows when a party that's supposed to be about the employees (the heart beat of any Company) was an after thought. That's not the message you want to be sending.

Food - where, what, and when.
Venue - where, what and when.
Games - who, what and supplies.
Gifts - what, supplies, details (preparation, wrapping etc. Be thoughtful.)
Speech - who, when, and content.
Timeline - outline the evening (keep it rough, flexible) but make sure you think of the first impression - decorations. Think of the tone of the evening (fun, light hearted) and make appropriate accommodations. Think of possible family members and special requirements or needs (food allergies, handicaps etc).
Interaction - different than games. Is this an evening to hang out and relax? Are you creating space for your employees to cross Office Hierarchy and have conversations with suits or managers?
Timing - waiting until January or February is a gift to your employees during the Holiday season. This also gives you time to really think about the last year, year ahead and be prepared for a great celebration. You might also find that waiting til after a new year gives you more of a budget for a party. Your employees will appreciate not being reminded that finances were the deciding factor in an evening or afternoon meant to thank them for all their hard work.

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