Things To Remember For A Successful Workplace Party
Many work dos take place out of the office. Colleagues may group together and have a nice time together at a lavish venue. But what happens when the workplace is the venue?
Obviously, there is an adjustment of context here, and workplace parties can’t always transpire in the same way outings do. There are some unique factors to consider. Some worry their workplace parties may be in bad taste or a bothersome distraction. Others might struggle to help workers truly forget they’re at work.
Still, successful workplace parties are possible, and they can be fully enjoyed. Here are some things you should remember to ensure that happens.
Outfit the Workplace
Some workplaces lend themselves better to party scenarios than others. How they’re outfitted can influence the mood of the proceedings. For example, these office fit out projects from Amos Beech are a great example of how stylish and sophisticated these environments can be. While these offerings are completely professional, they are also spacious, comfortable and inviting as well. Workers will want to spend time in such places even when they’re on the clock, which bodes well for a workplace party as well. Your office will be a delight.
Obviously, there are some workplace environments which are not suitable. If there are hazards lying around or even spaces where employees of the company are still working when your team has signed off for the day, then they should be avoided. Anywhere that’s drab and dreary should be dodged as well.
Confirm Numbers
There are many logistics to organise when arranging a workplace party. You may have to work with multiple caterers and vendors to prepare everything in time. However, working with these businesses is a mistake if you don’t have a concrete idea of the numbers that will be attending. Though some people might accept an invitation informally, there can often be last-minute cancellations that risk throwing everything into disarray.
Of course, it’s important not to overpressure people into attending too. Even if they accept, the party atmosphere can turn sour under those circumstances. First, send out a company-wide email asking if there’s interest in a workplace party. Gauge that level of response, and then ask people to confirm nearer when you’re booking services. If you ask colleagues to commit too soon, it may seem like the party is mandatory rather than a bit of fun.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to lock in attendance numbers. That way, you can be certain that you’re arranging a proportionate and well-budgeted party. Even if you have fewer attendees than you’d prefer, the party won’t seem like a bust if you’ve catered for the exact number of partiers present.
Set Boundaries
People often let loose at the best parties. While it’s fun, these same carefree attitudes can’t always apply to a workplace party. After all, though everyone is having fun, it’s still a professional environment, and a certain level of conduct is required.
Limits on alcohol consumption should be applied. There shouldn’t be any flirtatious behaviour or promiscuousness present. Staring at phones in a quiet corner shouldn’t be permitted overlong. All should also project a safe sense of humour that won’t risk offending others.
Hard fast rules might seem off-putting and sure to kill any trace of a party atmosphere. However, not only are you all full-grown adults, but you’re also professionals as well. Higher standards of behaviour should be set for these reasons, ensuring the workplace party brings people together in an environment that’s safe and comfortable.
Remember, though colleagues must get on, they won’t always necessarily choose one another as friends to socialise with in their personal lives. Some people even change who they are around their colleagues in a bid to keep them at arm’s length. Workforces are made up of diverse characters who won’t always naturally gravitate to each other, so creating an environment that’s palatable for all is best.
Incorporate a Theme
Despite the need for hard fast rules, they don’t always mean that your party needs to have personalities absent. They just need to be agreeable.
A set theme can help attendees unite and approach the party in the same frame of mind. It can also make the party informal, to a degree, without leading to reckless abandon and taking things too far. Some themes are obvious if the party is timely with holidays like Christmas. Still, you could also host murder mystery gatherings, ugly jumper and pyjama parties, or invite pets and families. They’ll all invite more than the bare minimum amount of engagement.
Of course, the great thing about workplace party themes is that it gives employees a chance to get involved. They can also tap into their creativity. The success of the workplace party can be largely informed by how committed everybody is to the theme, leading to plenty of laughs and good times along the way.
