The infamous office party is often viewed with impending doom.
It's reputation often precedes itself and has resulted in the end of many a career. How can the trappings of the evil office
party be avoided? Here are some party planning and etiquette tips that hopefully will help you survive.
* Set
a date and time for the office party that is convenient for all involved. Try not to make it on a date when there is other
important business commitments.
* Select an alternative location for the party if it is decided not to have the party
at the office.
* Determine how the office party will be financed and/or sponsored.
* Choose a party theme.
This can be helpful in deciding food choices and atmosphere.
* Send out a memo at least three weeks in advance. If
the party is being held away from the office, send out invitations at least three weeks in advance. Make sure a RSVP date
is included on the invitation.
* Plan some activities for the party (e.g. games, entertainment, gift giving, etc.).
* Have breakfast or lunch instead of an evening office party. This can allow employees to include their families in
the festivities.
* Have a brunch in a restaurant instead of an on-premise office party. Allow for dancing following
the meal.
* Have the employees to donate gifts to a charitable organization and collect these at the party instead
of exchanging gifts.
* Try an indoor carnival with proceeds going to a charity.
* Plan a volunteer activity
with a local charity.
* Have employees display their talent through funny skits and/or musical selections.
*
Have the employees decide whether or not they want to have a party or donate the money that would be used for the party to
a charitable organization instead.
* If there is an evening party planned and alcohol is served, make sure that arrangements
are made for taxis to take people home or arrange a designated driver system.
* Make sure there is enough help for
the party. If catered, determine what assistance will be needed.
* Make sure there are plenty of alternative, non-alcoholic
beverages available.
* Because remembering guests and spouses names is difficult, festive nametags should be provided
to help reduce the faux pas of forgetting names.
* If the party is being held in a non-smoking building, make sure
to make accommodations for smokers.
* Consider making two punch bowls, one with alcohol and one without alcohol. Keep
the non-alcohol bowl constantly full.
* Have a potluck party making a sign-up list of what is needed to prevent duplications.
