Editor’s Note: Here at Dispatches, we are always looking for ways to help our readers do things. For some of our readers, that means helping navigate the working world, for others, it means assisting in the ever challenging question, “what’s for dinner?” For still others, it means figuring out how to balance family life with everything else. In an effort to aid in all of these endeavors, we have collaborated on this article written specifically for our readers.
Sometimes they can seem like a bit of a waste of time or money, but staff parties are usually something to look forward to in the working world. Indeed, even Richard Branson advocates for having staff parties. Businesses of all sizes can and should have a night where they can come together in an extremely informal setting.
They Keep Your Employees Motivated
If your employees know they’re valued by you, they’re likely going to keep coming to work and working to the best of their ability. Productivity aside, coworkers who spend time together often form a more of a tight-knit circle at work. The moral of your workers is incredibly important. A staff party does not need to be a full-blown catered, alcohol-fueled affair, instead, it could be a luncheon acknowledging accomplishments or a dinner.
They Make Sure You Celebrate Holidays (and Achievements)
A winter holiday or spring party is both fun and a good way to bring in the holidays, and a great payoff for either a good or bad year. Thank your employees for their participation in the working year during these periods, and let them bask in this reward. You can also reiterate your working message, or your brand, at this point as well, and remind everyone why they’re doing what they’re doing. It just helps to strengthen a business model on the whole.
It Keeps Work Enjoyable
Having fun while at the often is often forgotten. Yet, it is important for businesses of all sizes to remember that coming to work and wanting to come to work are two different things and should be treated accordingly. To converge them, find a way to make work fun. A staff party is great for sorting this out. If you don’t know where to start, or even what you would need to put one together, contact a few local event planners to help you get started. You may just need a guiding hand, or let someone else take the whole thing off of them if it’s too much for your workload. Of course, a party isn’t going to solve all the problems employees and managers have with work or in their lives, but it sure does make some of it easier. Don’t expect immediate results after having a good celebration together, but do try to keep the spirit of the night up throughout the rest of the year.