Celebrate and Elevate: Your Guide to a Festive Business Party!

During the holiday season, business owners have a great chance to mark their accomplishments and conclude the year with a memorable staff event. To make sure your gathering is successful, there are important factors that all employers should consider. Leading employers use the following strategies to establish a best in class environment while protecting their business, as nothing enhances team morale as much as a karaoke machine and some fun dance moves!

Dust off your company policies and remind everyone of them in advance of the party season kicking off in full force.  Reinforce your fitness for work, expense, harassment, and code of conduct policies.  In addition to a reminder, consider a workshop for leaders to remind them of their responsibilities in enforcing and supporting those best practices.

Be sure that the timing of the invite is inclusive for the majority of your staff.  Think about their personal needs and consider if it makes more sense to host the party during the workday versus in the evening or on a weekend.  You want your event to be seen as a reward and not an obligation.

It's important to recognize that not everyone enjoys large social gatherings. Some individuals may have cultural or personal reasons for not celebrating, and for others, the holiday season can be emotionally challenging. If the party is scheduled during work hours, consider allowing employees the option to continue working while the event is taking place, or suggest that anyone who prefers not to attend can take available leave.

Plan a fun program of events that supports the diversity of personalities on your team and is inclusive of all individuals in attendance. Mingling and dancing can be fun, but additionally you may want to consider other activities like online games, quizzes, draw prizes or passive entertainment that encourages participation from everyone.

Anyone hosting social event hosted off-premises should purchase a separate liability insurance policy.  Talk to your insurance broker for a one-off policy to ensure you are fully covered.

If you are serving alcohol it is recommended to limit consumption by offering a one or two drink ticket maximum.  Be sure that you have an authorized bar tender, that ID’s are checked, and that nobody is over served.  There should always be at least one sober host to oversee the event, to make sure that things run smoothly, and to ensure guests get home safely.

Support a designated driver program and/or confirm that the company will cover the charge for any taxi or ride share.  Not only is drunk driving illegal but the host of the party can be liable for a guest getting behind the wheel intoxicated.

Remember to have fun and fully immerse yourself in the event! All leaders in the company should be encouraged to engage with attendees, demonstrating the value of being part of a successful team. Your active participation not only fosters a positive atmosphere but also reinforces the sense of camaraderie that makes your team truly exceptional.

Hosting a holiday party can be incredibly rewarding for business owners. It’s a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to your team and celebrate both individual and collective successes. Organizing such an event can represent a significant financial investment, so it’s essential to maximize your return. Don’t let a lack of planning or attention to detail diminish your or your team's enjoyment.

Don't end up on the naughty list - if you need assistance readying your business for the holiday season, reach out to Madsen HR Consulting Services for a quote!