Company Party Planning

Like many businesses everyone likes to provide their employees with an opportunity to relax and be appreciated for a job well done. If you are an employer looking for inexpensive ways to treat your staff to a fun filled day then here is a few ideas to get you started.

First step is deciding what you're willing to spend, an amount that will fit into your budget. Let's assume a staff of about 60 people and we'll go with a nice round number like one thousand dollars. Next step is deciding what kind of party you want to have, decision matters a lot. Your first option is making use of another facility like a bowling alley, or a skating rink. This option is by far the easiest but I am not a huge fan because it will also use up far more of your funds than if you did the work yourself. Let's assume you choose a bowling alley for instance. You will pay for the cost per person with shoe rental, lane rental and the number of games played. If you in addition make use of their concession stand then your entire thousand will be used up and maybe even then some. This method requires little to no planning and very little time on your part. One benefit is If you are doing something like this you may have a good chance of working out some kind of deal with the management for bringing such a large party and hopefully you'll bring that final total down a notch.

Option two is my personal favorite. Instead of allowing someone to do the work for you, enlist some of your staff and set to work planning and delegating tasks to get the most for your buck. Options in this category are BBQ's and picnics. Some form of in house casino night with fake money of course where you can sell prizes with the money your staff has won. Another idea would be some form of outdoor sporting event. Try setting up shop at a baseball or football field in the park, you could split your staff into teams by department or station and play them against each other for awards and bragging rights.

Let's go ahead and walk through some details to take into account for say a BBQ. First off you need food, refreshments, condiments and flatware. I suggest making use of a Costco type grocery store where you can purchase large quantities in bulk for a smaller price. I would assume if you planned it right you could feed your staff and possibly their families with less than half of your budget. Next you need to find a location. Visit your local parks, from time to time you can find very nice free lots where you can setup at, other times you can find more secluded lots owned by small clubs that you can purchase for the day for a minimal fee. Now setting up activities, this is where your staff comes in handy. Brainstorm things that your staff will do in a day to day routine and use them as competitions. Say your a restaurant, how about an obstacle course while carrying trays. You can also have more traditional games like a pie eating contest. The list is endless and to make the most out of your party you must individualize it to your staffs interests.

Finally you have the awards. Now if you chose option two, you have already saved yourself a lot of money. Well there you go, you can start with that. Go to the store and use what you have left to get some great gifts your staff would appreciate. Next is something a lot of people may not consider. Any business uses other businesses to supply it. Anyone from the guy that delivers your uniforms to the company that delivers your office supplies. There is almost always some budget these companies have to help out their clients. You will never know unless you ask them. Restaurants can get the most out of this with liquor, produce, and bread distributors you can easily supply if not food then possibly additional prizes for your staff. Don't be afraid to look around, make some calls and ask questions. There are possibilities out there and no matter how large or small your party is going to be you can always work it into a reasonable budget. The most important thing to remember is that this is fun, enjoy doing it. your staff will appreciate the extra effort you have put in.