Companies are always looking for ways to improve their work culture. Aside from installing recreational areas within and around business premises, they are also sponsoring outdoor events that can help improve professional relationships and unity among employees.
One idea you can always try out as the CEO is to sponsor a company tailgate party. This would be a great opportunity to bring sports fans and casual enjoyers together to unwind, savor good food, and create memories worth cherishing. However, just like any other employee engagement event, there’s still a lot that’s involved in planning a company tailgate party that everyone will appreciate. However, just like any other employee engagement event, there’s still a lot that’s involved in planning a company tailgate party that everyone will appreciate. It may be anything from creating attractive clear decals to sending memos in advance. If you are not sure how to get started on this, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Assemble a team
It takes more than one person to plan and manage a company tailgate party, so you must choose people who will serve as the main points of contact. Considering the many elements of any corporate event, you will need someone to handle logistics and another person to come up with the menu. You also need another person to scout for locations where the party will take place. Having a team will help lighten the load and allow you to get suggestions on how to make the tailgate party fun.
Treat it as a team-building activity
If you haven’t organized a tailgate party before, your safest option is to organize the party like you would a company team-building activity. Apart from giving them the time to leave the office, you can also get employees to take part in games and activities where they can work together and achieve a common goal. Go beyond board and card games by introducing games that can improve the way they communicate with each other such as the barter puzzle.
Send out an advance notice
If you want everyone to do their part in making the event successful, you need to issue a memo announcing the event at least a month before. This should give each department enough time to prepare everything, from transportation to the food that they will bring along. Make sure to give out clear instructions about the event and provide employees with the flexibility to choose their menu. After all, having too many rules will only defeat the purpose of organizing the company tailgate party in the first place!
Don’t forget the music
Music can do more than just set the mood in any corporate event. It can also lift the spirits of your employees and warm them up for the other activities that lie ahead. Be sure you have the right equipment with you. If the tailgate party has a large attendance, you may have to rent a sound system complete with a power amplifier, microphone, and mixer. If you have room in your budget, you can even hire a DJ or a live band to play original tracks. Before that, make sure you have a stable power source nearby. If your chosen location is in a remote suburb or open field, you can try to use tailgate generators to power your rig, but you’ll need to make sure you have enough fuel with you.
Consider a barbecue party
Whether you are attending a sports event together or going on an outing, a tailgate party is never complete without a barbecue. While employees can bring their food and beverages, you may want to provide a grill and a variety of meat, including burger patties, sausages, and ribs. You should also include options for vegetarian employees. Consider marinating them before the big day. In addition, you can also sponsor other food items such as coleslaw, salad, and desserts. Keep these fresh by storing them in a heavy-duty cooler. Moreover, make sure to bring utensils such as spatulas, tongs, and gloves.
Get the beer ready!
Employees need a beer or two to wash down all the good food they will be savoring, so you should provide cases of cold beverages during the tailgate party. Just in case some do not drink alcohol, you may have to offer non-alcoholic drinks such as juices and soda.
Make it a tidy affair
If you are worried about the amount of trash you will need to dispose of after the tailgate party, have employees bring their plates, bowls, and utensils. This will save you the trouble of buying, collecting, and throwing away paper plates and disposable spoons and forks. Regardless, you still need to set up a trash can nearby and ask everyone to clean as they go.
A company tailgate party is the best way to go if you want to reward your employees with a more authentic way to engage their need to rest and relax. Use these tips and organize one that everyone will love.
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