Internal events are often misjudged despite being a great way to enhance an employer brand. The holidays are coming up, so it’s time to plan one of the company’s annual major events. It can be overwhelming arranging a gathering in a post-pandemic world.
So why should you still host an office Christmas party?
Firstly, Christmas parties are not about celebrating religion, but rather about improving employees’ morale and loyalty. They are an opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and efforts over the year.
Although governments are lifting restrictions, many still fear the consequences of a new wave of COVID-19 infections. As businesses struggle to figure out the post-pandemic environment, several companies are choosing not to have a physical get-together these holidays, with some choosing to hold a digital celebration.
But the truth is that no virtual event can replace meeting people in person. It can’t answer the basic need for human connection, which some even say is as fundamental as our need for food and water. In these troubled times, it’s more important than ever to develop a company culture and pay extra attention to employees.
We must keep in mind that most offices are not fully staffed. You just can’t pass on this opportunity to get everyone together face to face. The so-called human factor may get lost with the increased work and focus on the company’s development.
Nonetheless, it is true that in-person events will look a little different. Event planning will have to account for certain factors that were once barely thought about before the pandemic hit.
Make sure that your venue is flexible in terms of reconfiguring spaces to ensure social distancing. Don’t forget to follow health and safety protocols, aligned with government guidelines. Also, put together a contingency plan to map out a timeline of when and where things could go wrong, and pre-determined instructions on how to deal with them.
Company Events Boost Employee Engagement
A 2001 report on the changing nature of work highlighted the importance of the relational and interactive aspects of work. As collaboration and collective action become more prevalent, personnel need well-developed social skills—what the report calls "emotional labour."
Without question, social and team-building events are a crucial part of any corporation’s general health. Taking a break from the office and interacting with colleagues in a relaxed and fun environment enhances employee engagement and productivity. And employees want to work where they feel involved and empowered: engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their companies.
Company events are much more than just an occasion for employees to gather, they nurture the invaluable sense of belonging to a community. To be part of a shared space that provides them the chance to be inspired, solve problems, vent their frustrations, and share their achievements. To be content and to feel welcomed.
Employees that are happy with their place of work collaborate better with other team members. As a result, the whole company is driven forward to achieve new goals and grow to their fullest potential. All in all, corporate events allow to:
- Recognize the workforce’s hard work
- Promote team building and bonding
- Boost team spirit and company morale
Remind employees why they are working for your organisation
Whether you’re a large organisation or a small start-up, it doesn’t matter. Every company can benefit from having social events. These events are a great way to underline the company’s core values and culture.
According to Entrepreneur.com, company culture is “a blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals, and myths all companies develop over time”. This culture is moulded through the daily activities and mindset of the corporation, but it can be consolidated at social events.
But what are your company’s core values? Words on a poster don’t mean as much as actually showing what you’re about, in practice. People want to be in a workplace that lives up to its mission statement and aims to reward and validate its employees. Focus on your company’s core values and turn words into action with a company event.
Employees truly enjoy initiatives that cater to them, they appreciate having more experiences than just dealing with day-to-day tasks. By giving your team a clear indication that they matter and are being taken care of, you reinforce the bond that they have with the company.
In short, an office Christmas party gives you the opportunity to close out the year on a high note and set the bar for the future.
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