Last Minute Details for your Holiday Event
By Dawn Robson
Year end is approaching and you may well have arranged for some holiday celebrations with your team. Here are a couple of things to think about with the approaching event.
Company Message
Whether it is a restaurant location for lunch or dinner, a potluck, or drinks at the office, you will have a good majority of your staff together. The mood should be light and collaboration high as people focus on relaxing and sharing with their colleagues.
This gathering could be a great opportunity for the leader of the team or organization to say “Thanks”. Thanks for the efforts over the past year, recognizing both the challenges and accomplishments; thanks for the contribution of individual team members who have worked hard on different projects; and thanks to everyone for helping to move the organization along on the current path. This is a fun way to do a “year in review”, and provide some focus for the year ahead, challenging everyone to “keep up the fight” for 2018!
If the partners/significant others of your team members are attending, this message is still important. These guests may not have a good understanding of the business and its’ accomplishments or challenges, or know who their partner works with on a regular basis. A holiday event is a great way for you to recognize the commitment that the partner has made (by supporting their spouse) to your team or company’s success.
Safety Factors
Providing alcohol at a company “social” does present a few challenges. As you have a level of responsibility for your team at a company-sponsored event, you will need to consider how much alcohol you provide and how you might deal with anyone who is getting intoxicated.
You also have a responsibility to ensure that all staff members get home safely. Make sure that this concern is raised in advance so people can think about how they are going to get home. Perhaps you could make an arrangement with a cab company and provide “tickets” for a ride home. The cab company will then invoice you after the event. This is a great way to show your staff that you care for their safety and want them to enjoy the festivities.
Dietary Constraints
The reality is – you could have vegetarians, vegans, celiacs or people with bad allergies attend your event. You could also have people who don’t eat certain foods for religious and/or cultural reasons. It is critical that time is taken to ensure that there is an appropriate selection of food and drinks for the comfort and enjoyment of all of your guests. It is a good idea to send out a note to your staff so that they can highlight any food allergies, sensitivities or preferences. Most restaurants are readily able to accommodate with alternate menu selections. You just need to let them know.
Cultural Implications
It is important to recognize that some of your staff will have different religious and/or cultural traditions that may not align fully with the Christmas theme. Try to focus the event on a celebration of family, friends and collaboration – and most guests should be able to relate and enjoy being involved.
Holiday events are a great opportunity to relax, connect with your staff and have a bit of fun.
And from all of us at Chemistry Consulting, here’s wishing you all the best for the holiday season!
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