There are a few clever ways to subvert the typical, run-of-the-mill work event into a fun extravaganza for employees. Some fun twists on the average work event include party games, themed events, and a creative menu.
Social work events allow co-workers to connect and participate in activities that can build rapport and promote teamwork and productivity in the office. Let’s explore clever ways to subvert a typical work event into something all employees can enjoy and feel appreciated for their hard work.
1. Enlist a Work Event Planning Committee
A planning committee can take the next work event to the next level. Enlisting a planning committee can build engagement between your co-workers, boost team morale, and provide a fun activity for them to work together on to reach a common goal.
Much like projects, a party planning committee will brainstorm ideas and seek avenues of collaboration to help them effectively plan and execute their objective. A planning committee can encourage growth and productivity in the company’s team.
2. Bond Over Food
Some employees come to work events just for the grub. What better way to bond than over some delicious food? That’s probably why pizza parties are so familiar in the workplace. Then again, you don’t have to go with the all-too-common, tried-and-true pizza party. You can put your own spin on it and make it a lot more interesting.
Outside of pizza, hosting a picnic is a great way to get everyone outdoors and simultaneously connect over nature and food. Food-eating contests are another fun way to bond over food, although they can get messy.
3. Choose a Fun Theme
Themes are a fantastic way to get everyone pumped about an upcoming work event. Everyone likes dressing up and getting into character. Go all-out with photo booths, themed foods, and decorations for a spectacular event that will provide a fun experience for everyone.
Some fun theme ideas are sitcoms like “Friends” or “The Office,” a decade party like the ‘80s or the roaring ‘20s, or a Hawaiian lūʻau. Decorations can be retro-inspired with Walkmans, glowsticks, and disco balls for the ‘80s; low lights and a secret entrance for the ‘20s; and some leis for a lūʻau.
Choose music that’s appropriate for the party theme or consider hiring a live band if it suits the budget. Games that mimic or recreate an era or show can get everyone boasting about their work event for years to come.
4. Host Office Awards
Office awards are the ideal way to make employees feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Office awards can be an extravagant event where everyone dresses up like they’re going to a banquet with ball gowns and tuxedos galore.
Who doesn’t love to dress up? Award banquets could also be informal, with “Dundee” awards like the ones from “The Office.” That particular award ceremony would be perfect for a themed party but can be tailored to whatever event is thrown.
Allow workers to invite their family and friends to watch them receive an award from their boss or fellow employees. Office awards are an enticing way to boost employee engagement and give them something to strive for yearly.
5. Murder Mystery Party
A murder mystery party can encourage workers to practice their team-building skills and put their heads together to find common clues and solve the murder mystery. A murder mystery party can turn any event into a delightful yet rewarding experience.
Allowing workers to play while remaining on the clock could make this party even better. Turn the office into a murder mystery overnight, so employees are surprised when they arrive to work the following morning.
Recruit some employees to assist with clues and assign one of them the role of the murderer. Creating a storyline can be a fun way to get employees working together and bouncing ideas off each other for the company’s benefit. This event will boost communication and improve teamwork across the board for the business.
6. Out-of-Office Events
Take the work crew on a field trip for their workday somewhere local and out of their work wheelhouse. This can be an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as individuals and a team or just a great way to blow off some steam.
Employees need to de-stress, and switching their work environment might do the trick. If local sports are an option, consider taking employees to a game as a treat. Do something fun outdoors like hiking, floating, or having a barbeque where they can invite their family and friends.
A low-budget option for a field trip out of the office could be a trip to a local park for a picnic or a day filled with games and activities. Sack races and other outdoor party games are an excellent way to increase engagement and thank employees for all they do.
Plus, nature is known for its rejuvenation qualities, so allowing employees to get some fresh air can do wonders for their productivity once they’re back in the office.
7. Host a Game Night
Board games are fabulous for icebreakers or interactive opportunities for teammates to work as competitors and as a team. Game nights are fun for everyone and can turn a boring workday into a day full of competitiveness and laughter.
Board games can encourage new employees to open up and let their true character shine. Games also allow employees to become more comfortable in their typically professional setting. Workers can be separated into groups for particular contests or everyone can get involved if the game allows many players.
Classic board games like Chess and Checkers are always a hit, but there are also some entertaining group board games that can have everyone rolling on the floor from laughter. After a long and exhausting work project is complete, game nights might be just what employees need.
Subverting a Typical Work Event
Careful planning can turn the next work event into an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Allowing employees an opportunity to connect and bond will improve the company’s culture and boost morale. The objective of work events is to make employees feel appreciated and valued. The proper way to subvert a work party is to ensure everyone feels esteemed as they leave the event.
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