The end of the year is approaching and so is the employee Christmas party. If you do not have a big budget for the party this year, then you should know it does not matter. Nobody wants you to rent luxury hotels, invite pop stars or provide so much food it breaks the tables. Remember the basic purpose of the celebration, is to thank your employees and show you appreciate them. This can be achieved without piles of money. A few inexpensive suggestions were published on Inc.com.
1. Hold the party in January
If you want to organize your party outside the company, January is perfect. Rental and catering prices will be lower than in the pre-Christmas rush. And your people will have an event to look forward to in the otherwise chilly month.
2. Arrange an office party during working hours
You will not have to rent anything. Just order snacks or ask your employees to bring Christmas cookies or other examples of their culinary skills. Your employees will appreciate the party not being held in their free time. You can also add a fun gift-giving game, e.g. the Pollyanna.
3. Offer free time instead of a party
Give all the members of your team at least a half-day paid leave. If you have some money, hand out free vouchers to a local store. Employees will appreciate your Christmas financial contribution as well as the extra time to go shopping when they would otherwise have to work. If you can't let the whole office have a free day at the same time, offer everyone the chance to select a specific free day.
4. Hold an unconventional celebration
The end-of-the-year celebration does not always have to look like a party. Depending on what your employees enjoy, you may visit the local zoo or aqua park or go bowling.
5. Beware of inappropriate requirements
No matter the form of celebration you choose, do not have mandatory participation. Some people simply cannot or do not want to come. This should not harm their future career in your company. Another thing you should avoid is demanding employees to pay to attend the party. Organizing a special party for employees and a different party for the company's management is inappropriate too.
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