Planning an office party for your employees is an essential way of connecting with them, boosting the team spirit and letting them know that they have done a good job. The idea is to create an environment where they can get to know each other better, bond with each other, and strengthen their relationships. The problem with a lot of office parties is that they tend to be uninspired and make people form groups, which pretty much defeats the purpose. You need to think about the goals and other important aspects of the party. Here are some of the things you should take into account.
What is the purpose of the party?
What is the main purpose that you are having the party in the first place? If you are merely rewarding your employees for doing their job well, all that you need to focus on is the fun factor. However, if your party is a commemoration of an important event for the company, there is more that you should keep in mind. If your goal is to show an individual or a team recognition for what they have accomplished, you should do your best to inspire other employees to reach that level too. Company holiday parties are the trickiest ones, as they tend to be obligatory and end up as expensive. What you can do is mix them up with, for example, a party for staff appreciation, and gain more from them in the end.
Where is the party going to be held?
You need to think about the venue of the party. If the area within your company’s building isn’t big enough for all the people, you should find another location where you are going to hold the event. This depends on a variety of factors. The most important one is your corporate culture. There is also location, budget, and size. If your culture is more modern, you might want to go for a dance club, loft, entertainment complex or a charter boat. If on the other hand, you are a more conservative type of company, you will want to go to a restaurant, museum or a hotel ballroom. You can discuss with your colleagues what the best choice for the party is. Or, you can find a party rental company to do the job for you.
What are the audio and visual aspects of the party?
Every party is defined by two big factors – lighting and sound. When it comes to sound, it needs to be the smallest obstruction possible, so don’t go for big speakers and have microphone feedback in mind. Make sure to properly set up your sound system, and have a professional help you out.
Furthermore, lighting is something that you mustn’t forget about. Almost every room can be made to look exciting if you use the proper lights to make it shine. Use different colors and light fixtures, and light the room from various angles. Some venues will provide you with their own set of lighting options, but if you are holding a party in an empty loft, you will have to devise your plan. Usually, the best idea in this situation is to hire a party rental company to provide you with the lighting that you need.
What kind of entertainment should you provide?
Party entertainment requires that you put some creative thought into it. There is a whole variety of options that you can go for – games, contests, live bands, DJs and dancing, and the like. Again, thinking about your corporate culture is an important factor in determining your decision. If your company consists of a more conservative lot, avoid entertainment that is overly interactive and demands that they participate. In this case, a lot of companies make the mistake of bringing a stand-up comedian around, who possibly ends up offending people with their jokes. Make sure that you keep the party’s tone appropriate and traditional.
If on the other hand, your company consists of people who are more open to creative and fun ideas, you could set up karaoke, a talent show or a theatre. You want to set an example for your employees, so make sure that you are having fun and taking part in these events. This will make them feel a lot more secure about following your lead. Another fun activity, suggested by photo booth hire Sydney professionals, is to install a photo booth and provide your employees with the endless fun of taking party pictures with their colleagues.
In summation
It is important to make your office party fun to all the people present, but also appropriate according to your corporate culture. Think about your goals and budget, and decide about the right venue for the party. Make the best out of lighting and sound, and of course, provide the right kind of entertainment.
