So, you’re thinking on how to reward your employees after one of the most stressful years in recent memory, but you have a small budget, or lack ideas? First of all you should keep in mind that’s not really a problem: people expect from corporate holiday parties is just spending a good time far away from the pressure of the work place.  Most employees view corporate oliday parties as a way to improve personal bonds with co-workers, thus promoting a more relaxed – and productive working environment. Once you realize the global goal of the get together, the occasion is all about sharing experiences, thoughts, and socializing out of the office.

With that in mind you shouldn’t be concerned about renting an expensive place for the party… actually, if the weather is inviting, fresh-air activities are always one of the best choices that you can make. You can start by arranging collaborative activities that can stimulate the group, while encouraging people to communicate collectively. It’s always nice coming up with some fun activities or sports that will keep people entertained and promote a friendly environment. Such scenario will get people to speak freely even with their superiors.

Cutting the formalities right from the onset of the party will be a good way of promoting friendly interactions. Naturally, it’s always a good idea to get some snacks offer your guests, using the less formal attitude you can find, and why not give some symbolic awards (with no material relevance) to the top performing teams from the events you organized?   

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="344" caption="Buy favors for your events at the Planaganza Event Shop and get Free Shipping when you spend more than $50! Use Discount Code "Holiday08" to save 10% off your purchases over $100!"][/caption]

Whether it be holiday parties or corporate picnics, office socials help to bring the team together. Interdepartmental shindigs and group outings help employees identify with their co-workers on a personal level as opposed to simply a person they work with.  This identification helps to build trust and fosters real idea sharing and teamwork in the office.  Additionally, employees generally start to care about the success of their teammates as well as their individual success.  Here are some quick, relatively planning-free social ideas for building camaraderie in the workplace:

1. Have an informal lunch at a nearby restaurant – conversation over some good food!
2. Attend a sporting event (group/corporate rates are typically lower) – even if you’re not a sports fan, bonding can take place at the ball game!
3. Bi-monthly family potluck dinners – people typically do not participate in social events for work because they would rather be spending that time with their families.  Get the whole family in on the act by have family potluck dinners on a rotating schedule at various employees homes.

Plan this and other events at Planaganza.com!