For some people, the holiday season is equal parts wonderful and stressful. Likewise, the traditional office holiday party is viewed by some with great expectation and by others as a drain in a time-crunched season.
With that in mind, TheBalance.com, a personal finance website, offers the following low-key alternatives in a Nov. 7 article:
1. Make cookies for a holiday cookie tasting.
Supply beverages and a holiday atmosphere with music and decorations. Ask employees to bring in a plate of cookies—even bakery bought is OK.
2. Schedule an ugly holiday sweater day.
Employees may enjoy wearing fun and tacky sweaters and sweatshirts, sparking laughter all day.
3. Hold an in-house catered lunch with employee fun and games.
Shut down for the last few hours of an afternoon and bring in soups, sandwiches or other fare. Games can include anything from card games, shuffleboard, basketball and board games to table tennis and pool.
4. Participate in a holiday card exchange.
Employees can sign up to participate in a card exchange. If your company is large, those participating can draw a few names from a hat and send just to those.
5. Make a charitable contribution in lieu of an office party.
Pinpoint charities employees support or those already supported by the company. Employees can collect money or items for the charity or come together to do an act of service.
6. Schedule an employee potluck lunch.
One company with employees from various countries asks them to bring a traditional dish that represents their country, the article notes.
7. Sponsor an office/work area decorating contest.
“In one client company where employees worked in a manufacturing clean-room environment, holiday cheer spread every year as teams of employees competed to decorate the windows that looked in on employees from outside the clean room,” the article says. Employees voted on first-, second- and third-place winners. Those who win could receive a small gift such as a gift certificate.
8. Pick a Secret Santa.
Have employees draw names and set a price limit for the gift. One company extended Secret Santa through several weeks, asking employees to give several small gifts and surprises. “Surprises were in employee mailboxes, on employee desks and hanging on the restroom mirror,” the article says. “Other Santas were even more creative—think ribbon-festooned cubicles.”
9. Plan an office party for a different season.
With so much going on in December to compete for an employee’s time and energy, some companies opt for a big celebration at another time of year, such as a midsummer eve in July or a harvest party in September. Another perk to keep in mind: “Outside of the December holiday season, venues are available and less expensive. Food, dress, decorations and drinks can be less ambitious and more casual and fun,” the article states. “Even a picnic on the company grounds may beat the holiday blowout when employees are over-celebrated and over-stressed.”
10. Hold the office party—but keep it low-key and casual.
Make it a buffet. Invite the kids. Denote casual dress. Offer team-building activities or other ways to play to make it fun.
