Company Parties that Make your Employees Feel Appreciated

Employee Appreciation

A well-planned company party isn’t just a chance to unwind; it’s a powerful tool for reinforcing appreciation and boosting morale. When done right, these gatherings can leave a lasting impression on employees and foster a positive workplace culture. Here are five key elements to consider to ensure your company party makes every employee feel valued.

Time of Year, Day of the Week, and Time

Timing is crucial for a successful company party. To maximize attendance and ensure that your employees enjoy the event, consider these factors:

• Time of Year: Opt for a period that doesn’t coincide with high-stress work periods, like the end-of-year closeouts or major project deadlines. Holiday seasons can be ideal for festive celebrations, but make sure to book the event and send out the schedule well in advance.  Giving everyone at least 2-3 monts notice will help your employees accommodate their own personal plans.  Did you know that many companies are hosting “Holiday Events” from November to February, not just in December?  Summers can also be fun if you plan an outdoor event, but remember that many employees are on vacation at this time.
• Day of the Week: Weekends are often preferred as they allow employees to relax and socialize without the pressure of work the next day. However, if your company operates in shifts or has varying schedules, a Friday evening might be a good compromise, allowing for a relaxed wind-down into the weekend.
• Time: Consider hosting the party in the late afternoon or early evening. This timing respects employees’ personal time while still allowing for a relaxed, enjoyable event. If an after-work party isn’t feasible, a lunchtime gathering with a special lunch or catered meal can also be effective if the employee doesn’t have to go back to work afterward.

Gift Giving

A thoughtful gift can be a tangible expression of your appreciation. However, the wrong gift may actually backfire and be seen as a “waste of money” that employees wished had been a bonus or pay raise instead.  Here are some tips to make your gift-giving meaningful:

• Personalization: Tailor gifts to reflect your employees’ interests and preferences. Customizing gifts, such as monogrammed items or personalized gift cards, shows that you’ve put thought into the presents.
• Practicality: Choose items that employees will find useful or enjoyable. High-quality merchandise, such as tech gadgets, gift cards to popular stores, or subscription services, can be both practical and appreciated.
• Presentation: How you present your gifts matters. A well-wrapped package or a personalized note can enhance the gift’s value and show that you care about the details.  Just having gifts piled on a table for employees to take may send a bad message about the thought you put into the gift.

Incentive to Attend

To ensure high attendance and enthusiasm, provide incentives that make the event more appealing:

• Exclusive Experiences: Offer exclusive perks like access to special areas or activities during the party. This could include VIP seating, a special photo booth, or unique entertainment options.
• Raffles and Prizes: Organize a raffle with attractive prizes. This adds an element of excitement and gives employees a reason to stay engaged throughout the event.
• Recognition: Incorporate awards or recognitions into the party. Celebrating individual or team achievements during the event can boost morale and make the gathering feel more meaningful.

Guest Speaker or Entertainment

A well-chosen speaker can add value and interest to your company party.  However, this can backfire in the same way as a poorly-planned gift and make employees wonder why the company paid for a high-profile feature instead of investing in the employee themself.  Also be sure that the programming is not “work” for your employees, such as teambuilding or facilitated improvement efforts – this is an appreciation event, after all!  So, be thoughtful about what you are highlighting:

• Relevance: Select a speaker whose message aligns with your company’s values or the theme of the event. Whether it’s a motivational speaker, industry expert, or a local celebrity, their presentation should resonate with your employees.
• Engagement: Choose someone who is engaging and interactive. A speaker who can involve the audience and tailor their presentation to your company’s culture will make the event more memorable.
• Balance: While the speaker is a highlight, ensure their segment is well-balanced with entertainment and socializing opportunities. Too much focus on a single element can detract from the overall enjoyment.

Interactions with Various Teams

Encouraging interactions between different teams can enhance the camaraderie and collaborative spirit within your company.  Yes, we did just say NOT to make employees work at an appreciation event.  But done well, you can set up opportunities for your staff to get to know people outside of their every-day team socially:

• Structured Activities: Incorporate team-building activities or icebreakers that encourage employees from different departments to mingle. Activities like trivia games, team challenges, or collaborative projects can foster new connections and strengthen existing ones.
• Mix and Mingle: Arrange the seating and layout to promote cross-departmental interaction. For instance, consider using a mix-and-mingle buffet or “food stations” approach rather than having fixed tables and a plated meal, allowing employees to move around and meet new colleagues.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitate informal networking by creating spaces where employees can comfortably chat and connect. Providing a relaxed environment where conversations flow naturally helps build relationships across the organization.

Conclusion

Planning a company party that genuinely makes employees feel appreciated involves more than just organizing a fun event. By thoughtfully considering the timing, gifts, incentives, speaker, and opportunities for cross-team interactions, you create an experience that not only celebrates achievements but also reinforces the value you place on your team. A well-executed party can be a powerful way to boost morale, strengthen relationships, and show your employees just how much they mean to the company.

Not sure where to start?  Imperia offers inclusive planning services.  We bring a wealth of historical knowledge from hosting corporate events in the past, and can work with you to advise on event flow, setup, planning timeline, and vendors.