Friday, December 11, 2015

How To Plan A Company Holiday Party

Not everyone has a party planning committee as efficient as the one on The Office so what can you do to ensure your company throws an enjoyable holiday party for employees? Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you plan holiday festivities at work:


  • You want your holiday party to be inclusive and considerate of everyone’s holiday traditions. Different people will have different traditions so it’s better to keep your holiday party a generic, all-inclusive celebration.

“The festivities should be as inclusive as possible. It is better to host a party to celebrate the holiday season than a party to recognize one specific holiday.”

  • One of the best ways to keep your party running smoothly is to prevent excessive alcohol consumption. If the company decides to serve alcohol, you should consider hiring a professional bartender. Allowing employees to serve themselves could result in a messy situation. You should also make sure your employees don’t drive after consuming alcohol.

“Alcohol is a common source of trouble at company gatherings. It can lower inhibitions and lead to questionable judgment, which can be an unfortunate combination at a work function.”

  • When decorating for the party, leave out the mistletoe. After a few drinks, you don’t want your employees to lose their inhibitions and act on the implications of this holiday decoration. You can also remind employees that company policies are still in place during the party and no misconduct will be tolerated.
“It is a good idea to take steps to prevent harassment or similar inappropriate conduct.”

  • If you’re planning games or other forms of entertainment, you should keep them workplace appropriate.

“Keep the entertainment professional and non-controversial — avoid embarrassing employees with unflattering slide shows or roasts, hiring a vulgar comedian, or a DJ to play inappropriate music.”

  • Last, don’t make your company party mandatory. You want your employees to attend of their own accord and have fun. You also don’t want to pay them to attend.

“If attending the company party is mandatory, you may be opening up your business to a host of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage and hour claims. Plus, nothing kills holiday cheer like disgruntled employees who feel forced to be somewhere.”

What suggestions do you have for throwing a successful company party this holiday season? Please share your ideas in the comments!

Image by Cliff

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