With the Christmas decorations
hanging lopsided and mince pie foil cases well and truly emptied, I wanted to
examine the benefits, or perhaps just perceived benefits, of the “Work
Christmas Party”.
This annual event used to be
something of a “given” in most companies, prior to the 2008 economic slump. In
fact it was seen as a great way of showing gratitude, albeit in a very
expensive way, to employees at the end of the year. Since the economy became
more turbulent, companies have been reassessing these ‘luxuries’ and many have
chosen to cut back, with some deciding that it is inappropriate to have a
Christmas party.
But what positive or negative
impact can a work Christmas party have? Is it worth the money or just another
way of ending up with inter-team trysts, blushing cheeks for the month of
January and a sore company bank balance?
I think I may be slightly biased.
For the last two years I have been involved with the running and execution of
the Christmas ‘do’ at the companies I have worked for and each time I have had
a blast, as have my colleagues. However, the real question is, does the company
get enough bang for their buck?
The answer is obviously variable.
To get a return the event must be planned to specifically aid the team in some
way. For example, rather than just having food and drinks in a stuffy
restaurant where someone is definitely going to end up cornered on a table with
the bore from legal, why not involve an element of team building and relationship
building. If possible, try to avoid sit down meals; people are far more likely
to mix if they are standing rather than static at a table.
Treasure hunts or team
competitions can be organised cheaply with a little DIY and are great at
creating a competitive spirit that helps to bond teams. Charity events can also
give the team a good feeling of festive spirit, perhaps the team could help to
box gifts for the less fortunate or visit a local hospital as a team to give
presents to the sick.
Most importantly, make sure you
mix people up; don’t let everyone stay in their cliques. Creating stronger
relationships between colleagues and across the business is paramount to a more effective working environment
which in turn can increase productivity and therefore the bottom line. A great
Christmas Party will keep an excitement alive for the coming months but it shouldn't be a one-off. Continue to get the team involved in the team-building
events throughout the year (although perhaps with a little less alcohol
involved!)
One important point to remember is
that not all Christmas events need to be expensive. This year we had a budget
of £25 per head for a team of 40 and with this we managed to spend a successful
day in teams on a treasure hunt in St. Pauls (bought from the internet for
£29.99) followed by food and drinks in a wonderful bar in Clapham Junction (The
Plough – if anyone is interested). You can also find things to do for free or
even ask your colleagues to chip in a small amount of money towards part of the
evening. As a prize for the winning team, I bought flashing Christmas hats,
presented them with a certificate and managed to convince the bar to give us a
bottle of prosecco on the house. The prize may sound small but the winning team
proudly showed off their hats and certificate.
Quite simply…
As long as the event is engaging,
builds relationships and allows people to let off a little steam – most will be
happy, engaged and it will have a positive impact. I say most because it is
inevitable that you will have at least one person that thinks they could have
done better or does not want to be involved. My opinion on this matter is – who
cares?? I always follow the 20:60:20 rule. Concentrate on the top 20. The
middle 60 will follow because they want to get the same attention as those at
the top. The bottom 20 will either eventually see that everyone in the top 80
is having such a great time that they want to be involved or they will leave.
Don’t waste your time on the moaners!
I think that Christmas events are
a fantastic way to creatively engage your people, whilst recognising them for
their hard work. Many companies have decided that a Christmas Party is just too
expensive at the moment when cuts are being made, but they don’t have to be
expensive. Employees know that gone are the days of the big, expensive,
all-company parties in a posh hotel. Why not get their input on how you can DIY
the Christmas Party – I bet they would have some great ideas!!!
What did you do for your
Christmas Party this year? Was it any good, how would you have made it better?
