6 Tips for a Fun, Affordable Holiday Party An end-of-year celebration can boost employees spirits and raise their morale for next year.
By David Allerby Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Holiday parties, when done right, carry many benefits. They have the potential to bring employees closer together, encourage teamwork, enrich the company culture and show that everyone's efforts throughout the year are appreciated.
Small-business owners shouldn't just buy some fruitcake, put out a few bottles of wine and turn on a festive CD. They have to demonstrate to employees that they care, but they don't have the break the bank, either.
Related: 4 Tips to Turn Your Holiday Party From Drab to Fab on a Budget
The following are some helpful tips for organizing a company holiday party that's enjoyable, unique and rewarding.
1. Take polls among employees.
Workers should be involved in the planning process of the party. It'll empower them and make them feel like their opinions are valued. Plus, business owners can find out if there are any food allergies, dietary restrictions or drink preferences for the event.
Perhaps employees will want to showcase their cooking skills and do a potluck, or order from the new pizza place down the block.
Bosses should let the employees have control of at least one aspect of the party, whether it's the food, music, entertainment, date and time or activities, so that they feel like they have more of a stake in the company.
2. Arrange a competitive group activity.
Parties are tough for introverts and shy employees. A fun game will break the ice, get everyone involved, and promote teamwork. The activity could be as simple as a game of Pictionary or Clue.
Business owners could bring in ping-pong tables or video games and let employees chose their own teams. This teamwork translates over to the office environment and brings a little bit of healthy competition into the mix.
To up the stakes and encourage more participation, business owners can offer incentives such as gift cards to local restaurants and shops.
3. Bring in lighthearted entertainment.
A holiday office party isn't complete without entertainment. While having a DJ is nice, people might be reluctant to dance amongst their coworkers.
Instead, look into hiring a corporate comedian or an improv troupe whose members interact with the audience. It's even better if the troupe is experienced with corporate training and team-building activities.
When approaching a booking agency, it's important for business owners to review comedians' and improv performers' videos to ensure that they are clean and non-controversial. Otherwise, it could end up causing more trouble than it's worth.
If comedy doesn't sound enticing, some other great acts to consider might be a magician, a group of breakdancers or a sketch artist.
Related: The Best (And Only) Tips You Need for the Office Holiday Party
4. Rent out a photo booth.
A photo booth costs only a few hundred dollars and allows employees to cherish the memories they made at the party. Some photo booth-rental businesses let companies use their logos on the strips as well.
Rent or buy wacky hats, masks and glasses or pick up some disguises and costumes at the dollar store to make it even more fun.
As an added bonus, employees can post the photos on the business' social-media accounts and show customers a more human look at the company.
5. Bring in an inspiring speaker.
A motivational, insightful speaker has the power to boost company morale and get employees excited about the company in the new year. Try reaching out to a local author, a CEO of a large company or someone who specializes in corporate training.
6. Pick a theme.
A costume or theme party pushes people to step outside of their "business" or "corporate" selves and let loose. The company can hold a costume contest and award prizes to the best dressed. A theme event is also something for everyone to talk about back at the office on Monday.
Just remember to make it neutral and be culturally sensitive so that workers don't feel uncomfortable. Possible office-friendly ideas might include a time-period theme such as the 1950s or the Renaissance, or employees can dress up like their favorite TV and film characters.
During the holidays, business owners have the chance to give back to the people who make their companies successful. By holding great parties, they can show their thanks and increase the amount of goodwill around the office.
Have any other tips? Let us know in the comments section below.
Related: Don't Let Your Holiday Party Cheer Steer You Into Court
