Organizing a successful office party can be a challenge if you’re not very experienced in the party-making field. It’s very easy to fail, and if you don’t succeed at first, there probably won’t be many guests at the next attempt. On the other hand, if you do succeed, you could not only increase your own reputation as a great boss but also strengthen the sense of community and loyalty within the work environment. So, to increase the chances of your gathering being a success, here are a couple of tips that should help you out.
Choose a team to assist you
Nobody says you have to do everything alone. So, if you’re unsure about your party-related skills, designate a team to help you out. Their job should be finding out what your employees would like to see at the party, and then looking for the most cost-effective but still quality options that fit those wishes. Such a team could gather some invaluable information; after all, you are the boss, so your employees might be a bit hesitant about talking to you directly about their expectations. Having a team with a clear purpose would show your employees that you want them to enjoy the party, and it would make your job much easier.
Provide drinks
You can never go wrong with the usual choices like wine and beer, but there should also be non-alcoholic beverages for the designated drivers. If you’re organizing a themed party, you can also opt for customized cocktails that would fit the theme. Just like with the food, you should give your guests choices so they don’t end up drinking water all night.
Offer great food
You can’t have a party without some delicious food. Luckily, if you’re from New York or somewhere near it, you can find great catering in NYC, as long as you know what you’re looking for. In order to do that, find out what kind of food your employees would prefer, and, of course, find out whether they are allergic to any specific types of food. Either way, there should be more than a few types of food on offer, so nobody ends up going home hungry.
Choose the right timing
The timing of your party is crucial if you want everybody to have a good time. After all, in order for people to truly relax, have fun, and be in a good mood overall, there can’t be any deadlines hanging over their heads, unfinished projects waiting for them, or important presentations to prepare. In other words, make sure to plan the party when there aren’t any important things happening at the office, and when the reduced productivity during the following few days won’t make a huge impact on your business.
Don’t forget the entertainment
Parties aren’t fun just because they are parties; people are not going to have fun just by standing and chatting to each other. Of course, socializing is an important part of parties, but there should also be actual activities that can keep people engaged and entertained. Needless to say, music is a must, but there should also be some smaller, interactive activities. For example, you can rent some gaming equipment, like a pool table, or you can organize quiz games. Finally, don’t forget to book a photographer and perhaps even get a photo booth.
If you’re thinking of organizing an office party, and you want it to be a success, consider the listed suggestions. If you choose the right timing, order quality food and drinks, and ensure that there’s plenty of entertainment, your party is bound to be remembered for a long time.