Corporate parties are not known for generating much excitement. Typically, employees find themselves in a drab hotel conference room drinking cheap beer, eating bland h’ordeuvres and plotting an earlier departure.
These events are so notoriously bad, they make employees yearn to return to their desks.
Why suffer? That’s no way to run a corporate party. Especially now that there are so many ways to offer workers something more engaging than the typical humdrum shindig.
Engaging and challenging employees
More companies now approach parties as a way to engage employees with their fellow workers as well as company leaders in a way more memorable than listening to speeches and watching PowerPoint presentations.
A lot of corporate parties have moved out of conference rooms. Some have chosen clubs or pubs where they can enjoy a higher quality service and maybe through some karaoke and dancing into the mix. Others rent upscale venues and hire bands to play.
Increasingly, though, companies are ditching the old combination of speeches/alcohol/dancing and taking their events outdoors, where games and competitions are used to underscore teamwork and encourage the competitive spirit.
Plus it’s actually fun.
Options for Creating a Better Corporate Party
Recognizing there is still a kid in all of us, many companies such as AirFun Games in Tampa Bay now offer rental opportunities that will allow employees to actually enjoying themselves while getting to know each other better.
For example, there’s gladiator joust, which gives players a way to knock around that special someone at the office while protected with safety gear and using padded batons. It brings a sense of competitive spirit to the party.
Or for something with less direct contact, there’s the Inflatable Bungee Run Rental, which requires two people to race each other down an inflatable path while being pulled back by a bungee cord.
Whatever kind of activity you choose, it’s important to keep certain things in mind.
Tips to Remember for Corporate Parties
In addition to the alternative – and much more fun – ways of throwing corporate parties, here are a few other things to keep in mind.
- From the outset, set a budget for what you are willing to spend and also brainstorm with others on ways to have a good party and stay within that budget.
- Determine the goal of the party. Do you want to build bonds between employees or are you looking to motivate them to increase productivity and sales?
- Decide on a theme for the party and schedule events that fit within that framework.
- Make sure to take plenty of pictures and videos at the party to show employees later. This is especially true if you are doing something involving the type of games listed above.
Whatever you do, make sure to take advantage of the new kinds of parties available and ensure your employees have a good time rather than suffer through another boring event. Smart companies want happy employees. Good company parties help achieve that goal.
