I probably should have written this particular post a couple of months ago but better late than never! Especially if your company isn’t throwing a holiday bash for your employees.
Even taking religion out of the mix, December has become the traditional party month. Some companies throw a huge, formal party while others go the Scrooge route. I think you do your company and your employees a disservice by ignoring the celebrations going on all around you.
If your company is doing the big bash, then you’ve been planning this for months and don’t need my advice. But what if you’re a company that would love to do the big bash and just doesn’t have the money? Then you need an alternate plan that will be appreciated for the effort, not the cost. And if you’re not doing anything, keep reading.
Involve your employees! You’ll be surprised at the employees who love to be challenged with creating a party atmosphere on a limited budget. Give them a budget and let them be creative. Often you just need to keep an eye out for certain things (like requiring employees to chip in or participate).
Potlucks are usually popular and only need a few decorations to make it festive. You might even make it formal dress if the employees want to make it a "special" event. One of my companies did cookie swapping … each participating employee made up dozens of one type of cookie and all the participants swapped cookies so everyone had a mixed batch when done. Try a holiday costume contest. Or a cube/office decorating contest and let employees choose a small group of judges. Create a booklet with memories of employees’ favorite holiday events from their childhood. Collect toys to give to children’s homes or abuse or homeless centers.
The important thing is to allow your employees to be in the holiday spirit this month and to help this in whatever way your company can (or can afford).
