An original holiday party for your employees to remember
The corporate holiday party is the perfect time to celebrate your teams’ efforts with a memorable event. Here are 5 ways you can stand out from the crowd.
Organizing a party that will be remembered for a long time is a way of standing out from the crowd on several levels.
- There’s the objective of strengthening team bonds;
- Recognition of the year’s successes and everyone’s achievements;
- Balancing the corporate and festive aspects;
- The investment required for a quality meal and venue;
- Then there’s the souvenir component: atmosphere, theme, activities and gifts.
1. Turn your holiday party into a team-building lever
A holiday party is a golden opportunity to strengthen bonds between colleagues. With telecommuting companies, hectic daily routines and different departments or branches, employees don’t always have the opportunity to get to know each other better.
For this reason, ice-breaker activities are ideal for encouraging complicity and more informal exchanges. They also break down barriers between departments and hierarchies.
The key word? Simple team games or challenges to create an atmosphere conducive to laughter and relaxed exchanges. But don’t go overboard. A simple game of “fun questions” will do the trick.
Place a container (in your corporate colors) on each table. This will contain questions that everyone takes in turn to answer.
For example :
- Star Trek or Star Wars?
- Coffee, tea or matcha?
- Burger or sushi?
- Cinema or Netflix?
To go further
- If you had a superpower,
- what would it be and why?
- What color do you hate?
- What was your first job?
- Who is the person who inspires you most?
2. Celebrate successes and boost employee commitment
A year-end celebration for your company is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of business and colleagues. It’s a special time to express your gratitude and appreciation to employees.
Aim for originality.
- Rather than the usual formality, if your company allows it, add a touch of humor to the awards ceremony. Be it through speeches or a video montage.
- Hold polls to elect people “of the year” according to various criteria. For example:
- the person who has contributed most to the well-being of colleagues;
- who helped others the most
- who showed the most leadership
- the one who most motivated the troops;
- Highlight the year’s highlights and name the people who took part in the projects or achievements.
- Ask leaders to write a personalized note to each member of their team, even if it’s only 2 lines, to thank them for their work. This message can be placed on the table in the employee’s name.
These gestures reinforce the feeling of belonging. They show staff that their efforts are appreciated, which can be motivating.
3. Strike the right balance between professionalism and festivity
It’s essential to strike the right balance between the professional aspect and the party itself. Lighten the formalities to reduce the rigidity of the evening. However, maintain a framework, notably by limiting alcohol consumption as much as possible. Avoid loud, intrusive music, and make sure you set an appropriate departure time.
The usual balance begins with thanks and a brief retrospective, followed by light activities. Then dinner, followed by an informal evening.
4. Invest in a quality venue and meal for a lasting impact
The Holiday meal and the venue contribute greatly to the overall experience of the evening. Opting for a quality venue and a professional caterer shows your teams that you care about their well-being and want to offer them an exceptional moment.
Add a warm decor, according to your needs and your brand image, and you’ll add to the magic of the evening. Venues and packages are always available to suit your budget.
You should also consider gastronomic options that take into account your colleagues’ dietary restrictions. Some caterers, like La Distinction, even offer a special holiday menu.
Tip to make you stand out! Add a delectable late-night snack station.
- Candy bar
- Mini-burger station
- Snacks (pretzels, chips and popcorn)
- Nacho Bar
- and more
5. Atmosphere, activities and gifts: the elements that create memories
Ambiance is the key to transporting guests into a memorable experience.
- Choosing a surprising theme can add a totally different touch. Be daring, if your corporate culture allows. A particular color, an 80s look, a red carpet party?
- Remember, activities should appeal to everyone. Don’t force people to participate. Rely on voluntary participation. It’s all about having fun. Plan a relaxation area other than the tables. This will allow for group exchanges, or a retreat from the nerve center of the evening.
- The possibility of a DJ for a dance party with an interactive playlist can be interesting. This way, everyone can request their favorite song. It’s another way of increasing participation.
- Innovate with gifts. Consider perks such as days or half-days off. Spa treatments or a meal for two. These are options that encourage the local economy and focus on well-being.
End the evening with a thank-you gift. It’s a detail that counts. It leaves a final positive impression. Remember, too, to offer a ride home if alcohol is involved.
