By Rieva Lesonsky
The holidays are here and if your business is like most small companies, things are looking a tad more festive this year than they did the same time last year. That’s cause for celebration, right? At the same time, you’re undoubtedly still watching pennies carefully. So how can you throw a holiday party for your employees without busting the budget? Here are some ideas.
First, do have some type of celebration. Holiday parties are an important signal to your staff that business is doing well and that you appreciate the hard work they have put in all year long. In today’s economy, more than ever, events that bring your hard-working staff together to bond are essential morale boosters.
If your budget is very tight, consider going casual with a potluck lunch during work hours. This can still be fun and festive, and enlisting employees to bring different dishes gets everyone involved. Decorate the workspace and allow a longer than usual lunch break so everyone can enjoy mingling. You may want to consider a Secret Santa gift exchange or playing some types of games to add fun and humor. Put a couple of employees in charge of planning the event so your staff will feel part of the action.
If your budget is larger, consider a holiday lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Get a banquet room and order a few options for meals and desserts. If you’re hosting an evening event, consider whether you will allow employees to bring significant others. Also, be aware that you’ll need to set a policy about serving alcohol. Your company could be held liable if you serve alcohol and staff drives themselves home.
One option that means a lot to employees is hosting an event in your home. If you have a small staff, or a large home well suited to entertaining, this is an intimate alternative that will make employees feel honored. You’ll probably want to have the party catered so you have time to mix and mingle with the staff. An in-home affair lets you make the party as casual or fancy as you’d like it to be.
Whichever option you choose for your business’s holiday party, make sure the event reflects your company’s culture and attitude. I’ve been to all types of events, from full-out affairs with DJ’s and open bars to beachside barbecues. The best holiday parties are those that don’t try to be something they’re not, but grow naturally from the way you and your employees work together.
Last, but not least, include some kind of thank-you to your staff, whether it’s gift cards, holiday bonuses or simply a heartfelt speech. Employees want to know that you care about them and appreciate them. That’s what the spirit of the holidays is all about.
Image by Flickr user Schipulites (Creative Commons)
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