In recent times the Christmas party has been one of the areas that companies have cut out due to cost, but allowing staff to celebrate can be a good way of rewarding them for their hard work throughout the year.
Rewarding your staff does not have to cost a fortune but can speak volumes and go a long way to boosting staff morale. The benefits of an annual get-together encourages communication, motivate staff and reward them at a time when other perks, such as pay rises and bonuses, just aren’t an option.
Here are some cost-effective ideas to enjoy a company Christmas:
Talk to your staff
If you’ve had to cut the Christmas party budget, explain this to your staff as soon as possible. Most of them will already know that times are tough for small businesses. Also ask them if they have any ideas that don’t cost much money. By doing this you will demonstrate that you care and want to do something for them, however small. Once you have a few good ideas, put them to a vote and let your staff decide what they want to do.
Plan a low key event
A traditional Christmas party can be an expensive affair with arrival drinks, a three course meal and a free bar plus entertainment. You don’t have to go to this expense – if you have an area in your office that is big enough, you could arrange an informal get together. Provide a few snacks and nibbles along with a few refreshments and perhaps suggest that staff bring some too.
Entertainment
Usually entertainment conjures up a picture of a DJ and dancing, acrobats, comedians etc, but there is entertainment that doesn’t have to cost much. How about a festive quiz? You could give a small present to the winner. Or charades with a Christmas theme? Two truths and a lie is a real ice breaker – each person tells two stories about themselves, one of which is true and one is not. A great Christmas twist is to name their three worst Christmas gifts; two would be true and one would be false. All good fun, but at no cost.
Choose a lunchtime party
Who says that the Christmas get-together has to be in the evening? Rather than the Christmas party and an evening meal, you could take staff out for lunch at a local pub or restaurant. It’s cheaper than a traditional party, but your staff will still get a treat.
Look out for last minute deals
Invariably there are deals to be had if you can hang on before booking something. All good venue finders keep up to date with all the latest deals, so always worth checking with them. They usually offer a free service and are always happy to help no matter what the budget.
Make people feel valued
Sometimes, showing staff that you recognise their hard work can mean more than any present or bonus. Take the time to go round your place of work and talk to every member of staff. Talk to them about their plans for the holidays (remember they may not all be celebrating Christmas) and thank them personally for their hard work. Recognise members of staff in your organisation by giving awards for exceptional work. This can be based on sales results or even someone who has worked hard and been punctual all year
Secret Santa
This is always a good way to get into the ferstive spirit without spending too much. Ask a member of staff to arrange a Secret Santa, where participants each buy a present for one other member of staff.
Wind down
If it won’t affect productivity too much, you could allow staff to go home a couple of hours early on the last day before the Christmas holidays, especially if this time would usually have been taken up by the Christmas party.
Decorate the office
Get the staff into the festive spirit by decorating the office with Christmas decorations. A Christmas tree would be lovely but not absolutely necessary.
Involve everyone who wants to, to decorate the office – some may even bring in their own decorations. One simple idea is to wrap paintings and plaques up in the office using Christmas wrapping paper and then simply pop them back on the wall.
