How to Get the Most from Your Company Holiday Party

We know the holiday season can be immensely stressful, both personally and at work. When you have the added responsibility of planning the company holiday party, it can feel like a lot to sort through. You'll have a lot to plan, many decisions to make, and a lot riding on your shoulders.

But we're here to make it a bit easier. Here's how to get the most from your company holiday party this year.

1. Make sure everyone feels included.

This may sound like a pretty basic expectation, but in today's workplace, it can be especially challenging. Some companies are working remotely but still want their company holiday party to feel and be special. Other  companies are in-person but need to find activities that appeal to all their team members. And perhaps most complex, many companies are a hybrid—with some employees working remotely and others in the same location.

No matter what your configuration, you'll want to find activities that are designed to make everyone feel included.  For example, a holiday scavenger hunt that works for BOTH in-person and remote teams!

As much as we wish it could all happen magically—like a happy accident—that's just not realistic. You'll need to be intentional about making your event include everyone.

2. Build toward a few special moments.

While we're all for focusing on fun, there's also something magical about the holiday season. It's the end of the calendar year and a time for reflection and celebration. So, while delivering on some fun activities that bring the team together, you'll also want to make sure to plot out some specific moments in your party—at the beginning, in the middle, and/or before saying goodnight—to commemorate the team's success. Have company leaders welcome the team and set the tone. Before dinner or between activities, share a slideshow or talk more about your team and what makes them so special. And before send-off, make sure to say thank you to everyone who made the event possible and the team at-large for their hard work!

3. Get in the spirit!

Wait a minute... this is supposed to be a holiday party, right??? So, let's get into the spirit! You don't have to (and maybe shouldn't) get into anything religious that might make some feel excluded, but you sure can lean into that winter vibe! Break out the hot cocoa and candy canes. Wear those ugly sweaters. Decorate with snowflakes and lights and other things that make you feel warm and cozy on the inside. It's not difficult to make your company party a holiday party... you just need to make it intentional.

4. Focus on personal connections.

And this is a big one. While in-person parties often center on the food and libations and virtual/hybrid parties often center on fun activities, EVERY EVENT should focus on strengthening personal connections among the team. Because at the end of the day, that's really what this party is all about. It's about the people in your company celebrating the year together. It's about building a strong foundation of camaraderie and chemistry that makes the team click.

So, don't stress too much. Because your company holiday party doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be meaningful. And with a little bit of intentional planning, you and your team can get the most from this special event.

Looking to partner with the expert in fun company events? ZogCulture has virtual, in-person, AND hybrid offerings perfect for your team. Don't wait another minute! Get in touch today!