Office parties are a great way to boost staff morale, thank staff for their hard work and acknowledge important goals and milestones. However, in these trying economic times, it's more important than ever to keep the expenses to a minimum. Here are some ideas to do that.
1Summer Celebration Office Party Ideas
To celebrate the start of the summer, consider throwing a hot dog party for your office staff.
If you do this, make sure to find out if anyone on your staff doesn't eat meat or pork. You should have options available for them so nobody feels left out.
You just need to grab a few bags of potato chips, beverages, carrots, apples, and celery sticks and you have the making for an immensely fun budget friendly office party!
Toppings like chili, cheese, sour kraut, ketchup and mustard can also be purchased affordably to provide your staff with the toppings that will let them make their hot dog exactly what they want.
As an alternative to hot dogs, consider setting up a grill outside of your office building and throw a few hamburgers onto the grill! While not as budget-friendly as hot dogs are, hamburgers can be just as fun for your entire office staff! Consider a selection of fruit as an accompaniment to your burgers. Fruit can make an excellent and healthy alternative to French fries.
2Office Christmas Party Ideas
The end-of-year office party is a longstanding tradition amongst business; however, it can prove to be incredibly difficult to throw a Christmas party at the end of the year when there are incredibly tight budget-constraints. While your company may not be able to provide your dedicated staff with an end-of-year bonus, lavish gifts, and expensive dinners, there are certainly methods of showing your appreciation to your employees.
Potluck Lunches
Potluck lunches are always a popular and budget-friendly option for an office party; for Christmas and perhaps even for Thanksgiving celebrations consider asking your office staff to participate by each bringing in one item to contribute to your spread! Have the company contribute by providing a turkey or delicious honey-baked ham or even a tray of cookies.
Be sure that someone takes the organizational reins in order to ensure that you don’t wind up with ten bowls of macaroni and cheese at your potluck lunch! An organized potluck can be a great stress free way to ensure that your staff thoroughly enjoys their Christmas celebrations!
Appetizers In-Home Party
Consider hosting an appetizer party in your home; this can not only help you to keep costs low by not needing to reserve an otherwise costly event venue but it can also provide you with an opportunity to invite your staff's significant others to join in on the celebrations.
Appetizers can be purchased or made very affordably; from bite sized quiche to bruschetta and even chicken wings – the appetizers that you serve can range from the elegant to the casual.
Be sure that you are a responsible host and don't offer alcohol at your party. Not only is it generally a good idea to keep alcohol and business from mixing, even at a party, but it could prove to be difficult to convince an employee who has indulged a little too much to not drive home.
Instead offer a selection of soft drinks, juices and water – and don't forget a cake or tray of cookies to top off the evening!
3Other Office Party Ideas and Office Party Games
Dessert Party
For a celebration at any point in time consider hosting an all-dessert office party. It can be a great way of showing your appreciation to your staff!
Cupcakes, cookies, and brownies can be ideal dessert options for your party and are sure to bring a smile to the faces of your staff.
If there are leftovers at the end of the day then consider asking a few staff members to take them home so that their family members can share with them!
GamesTo further add to the fun of your budget-friendly office party consider playing a few games like charades and a scavenger hunt, or even have one of your staff members dress up as Santa for a Christmas celebration. Your Santa could help to distribute gifts, candy canes, and generally help to boost the overall sense of fun at your party!
Just For Fun
Don’t forget that the simple gesture of purchasing a dozen donuts for your office staff to enjoy can be a small token of appreciation that everyone is sure to enjoy. What better way to start the day than with fresh coffee and donuts!
No matter the size of your office or even the size of your party budget, the most important thing to remember is that your staff should feel appreciated for all that they do to ensure the success of your business!
What Do You Think?
Do you have any other ideas for inexpensive office parties that have been a big hit?
