Workplace holiday party season is upon us, which means that it’s time for a few reminders about how to make your office shindig a success. Follow these tips to ensure that your party stays on track and accomplishes its goal—fostering community and togetherness among your staff:
Encourage a good turnout
A holiday party is only as good as its attendance. When management takes a lead in fostering good turnout, it sends a message that the party is important to office culture. This can be as easy as asking people if they’re coming in the weeks before the event and telling them that you’d really love to see them there. Often a personal nudge is all it takes.
Make the rounds
Take some time during the party to talk to as many staff members as you can. Needless to say, leave work out of the conversation. The party is a great chance to deepen personal connections by talking about family and holiday plans. If spouses are invited to your party, take some time to get to know them too.
Keep it cool
Some offices have wilder cultures than others, but it’s good practice for managers to always take a moderate approach to singing, dancing, and drinking. Keeping things PG-13 is a good rule of thumb.
Be safe
If there’s alcohol at your party, make sure that nobody drives when they shouldn’t. Keep an eye out for your staff and consider having the company spring for Ubers or taxis home as a holiday gift.
Give thanks
Take some time to recognize the people who organized the gathering with a brief speech during the event and a follow-up thank you note afterwards.
These are some great tips. Have a safe and very happy holiday season from everyone at Jerry’s Kitchen food truck and catering.