It's Christmas again after a year. That's right, Christmas is coming again. And with it the theme of corporate Christmas parties, Christmas gifts for employees and also for customers. These Christmas activities are usually organized by the HR department. And since even HR professionals can get tired of the Christmas hustle and bustle, the easiest way is to look on the Internet and get inspired by what corporate Christmas parties are organized elsewhere and what they do with each other in other companies.
That's why this year we decided to save corporate Christmas coordinators and coordinators a job and wrote down some tips for original corporate parties and Christmas activities that will add the right charm to these Christmas gatherings. And what tips are those?
Christmas brunch
Meeting colleagues in the evening for wine in an establishment that is close to the building of your offices is nothing original. In addition, not every employee must necessarily stick to activities in which a glass of alcohol plays a role. But Christmas brunch can be a good compromise. Invite colleagues to your favorite cafe, order something good for the tooth. Everyone will find their own. Especially if, when choosing a business, you will also think about your colleagues with food intolerance.
Corporate Christmas party full of Christmas activities
If you have a limited budget for the event or simply want to stay at the Christmas party in the company premises, do not be afraid to lighten the corporate environment with a series of Christmas activities. Organize a contest for the ugliest Christmas sweater (or vice versa for the prettiest one), organize a movie marathon with Christmas movies, play board games, decorate Christmas cookies together or bet on Christmas karaoke. Again, these are activities that may not suit absolutely everyone involved. Therefore, customize the atmosphere of the party even for those who do not want to participate in Christmas activities. You can solve this with a separate room, in which no program will take place.
Corporate Christmas party as a team workshop
Organize a team workshop with the preparation of Christmas decorations. For example, Advent wreaths or original decorations on the tree. You can organize a workshop on your own or arrange a workshop with an external company. In activities of this type, you will assemble a team and even bring your own Christmas product. However, not every colleague can welcome this creative idea. Therefore, even plan such a workshop that could cement the less creative part of the team. For example, a beer brewing workshop or preparing cocktails.
Pub quiz, escape game or laser game
If your team is action, why not plan a corporate party in the style of an escape game, pub quiz (ideally themed when employees guessing information pertaining to the firm) or laser game. The less action-packed part of the team, meanwhile, can wait for you in the cinema or in your favorite establishment.
What should you think about when organizing a corporate Christmas party?
Although the employer puts a lot of money into the preparation of the Christmas corporate party and the organizers considerable effort, it should be borne in mind that participation in company events by employees is optional. So it may happen that only part of your colleagues arrive at the scheduled event. According to research by STEM/MARK, only 16% of employees like to attend a corporate event. Corporate parties should therefore always be voluntary. Any forcing subordinates to participate in the event does no good.
The timing of the company's Christmas party is also important. It should ideally take place by December 15, as after that date, employees are often overwhelmed with preparing their own family Christmas.
In addition, the Christmas party is a great opportunity to pass on Christmas Gifts for employees, thereby expressing appreciation for their year-long work. Such a gesture can foster loyalty and a positive atmosphere in the company.
Whichever way you host your corporate Christmas party, take care of sufficient organization and, ideally, to provide entertainment, no matter what. It is also important to provide snacks. But the main thing is, enjoy it!
