Office Holiday Parties that Are Outside the Box

The holidays are approaching fast and will demand creative party ideas that show your office workers that they are appreciated and hard work has it's own rewards.

Idea Number One:

Invite a Mariachi band to play for your employees and replace any idea of a radio being played as background music. Set up decorations that include take home baskets filled with Mariachi band music, Margarita glasses and a gift card to a nearby Mexican restaurant for your employees to take home with them. This idea is fun and allows flexibility in where the party is held, either at the office or in a Mexican restaurant. Make sure your party takes place after office hours and that a cab or taxi number is handy for those who may have more drinks than they had planned. Sumbreros are fun hats to wear instead of santa hats and creates an atmosphere of fun.

Idea Number Two:

If your office is a non profit organization have a third world party. This seems a little sobering at first but the holiday spirit really shines through in the end. Have a meal that is similar to those had in third world countries. This usually consists of a handful of cooked rice and a small glass of water. A prayer or wish for those who live in this manner is given after the meal and gifts are given to each other. This is a great party idea for getting in the giving spirit and gift cards, in each employees name, of a set amount to a charity that helps those in third world countries can be sobering and connecting your employees to those parts of the world that do not do as well as those who live here. A trip to an India restaurant afterwards is suggested and for the sake of responsibility please have a cab or taxi number handy for those who may have had too much to drink at the restaurant. Give gift cards in amounts that allows your employees to take their families out to a India restraint on you. The end of the night is both eye opening and fun for your employees.

Idea Number Three:

Silly contests are always fun. The prize for winning any of the suggestions are a box of cigars, a twelve pack of soda, tea set with exotic teas, or a day off in the coming year with pay and no questions asked. Contests can include a coloring contest, who can hold their breath the longest, impressions of celebrities, what I did on my summer vacation stories, and whose got the largest purse and/or thickest wallet. Afterwards, a Karaoke bar to top of the party night. Lots of laughter and cheer come into play with this party idea. Give gifts of gift cards to each employee along with a certificate of completion for the contests.

Whatever your party ideas are remember to include the season or event in it. Connecting to your employees is the best way for your company to thrive. When others feel that they are wanted by the company they work for, they are happier in their jobs and thus do better for their employer. Have fun, and have a safe party!