Nobody wants to be at a Christmas party that they are forced to be at, looking at their watch until it's time to make an exit. Make it fun. I DJ'ed 25+ Corporate Christmas parties this season (new clients, repeat, some last minute & some booked months in advance, larger companies 500+ employees and smaller 50 employees) and always, the energy & vibe matters. Here are 5 ways to give employees a Christmas party to remember...
1. Keep formal company talk & speeches to a minimum. Employees want to mingle and have fun - not listen to yet another metric about company infrastructure, save that for an email or at least during work time.
2. Prizes! Big or small, it doesn't matter - everyone loves a prize. Do door prizes or a raffle, whatever. I've seen everything from a full size BBQ, a Spa Day or Hotel Booking, a free "DAY OFF" and even a trip to Hawaii. Make the effort, employees will love it.
3. Food & drink. Complimentary obviously, either a buffet dinner or plated meal + drink tickets (at least 2 or 3/person) don't skimp.
4. Extras. Make something a little bit "extra" and fun that employees will remember. A theme, one of my companies made it an Aprés Ski vibe - dress up in your best old school ski outfit, the venue was decked out as ski lodge while I played all 80's & 90's music which was sooo fun! You can hire a Photobooth or even a sketch artist to draw their portrait. Just need that extra talking point that they will remember.
5. DJ, or dance party. Ahem... I'm a tad biased but definitely give employees the option to stay and let loose. Not all will stay, sometimes many will leave straight after food and prizes but at least give the option! I've seen the dance party become the highlight of the Christmas party & unexpected bonding experience. If a company culture is good and employees generally like to hang out with each other, there will always be the usual suspects that will stay until the lights come on...
Try these at your next party & good luck! See you at the next one... ✌
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