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Party on a Budget: Preparing your Business for Holiday Parties
It’s that time of year — when the temperature drops, the shelves become stacked with golds, silvers, greens and reds, and your staff grab the boxes stuffed deep in storage. It’s the holiday season!
With the landscape of the ever-changing pandemic, businesses may be opting out of the holiday office party altogether, or perhaps the celebrations will happen online. Whether you’re celebrating safely in person or keeping a distance, holiday parties always take a bite out of a business’ budget (especially if you want the party to be successful!).
To help prepare your business, here are ways you can party on a budget without sacrificing fun.
Consider the date.
Sure, most parties happen around November or December, but there is no golden rule that you need to follow that date. If your business is tight on expenses, consider moving the date to January or February. Rentals costs are often reduced at this point, and a party can bring life back to the team during the January blues!
Think inside the box.
Most companies try to move the location of their holiday party to a third-party venue, but what about having the party at the office? You save your spending, and your employees are somewhere they feel comfortable and safe. Just ensure you properly research liquor licenses, safe rides home and ways to keep people from hiding in their personal office or cubical. For example, with the money you saved, spend more on decorations to transform the office. This also applies to online parties! Spend more on fun activities and décor to drop at each staff member’s home for the online party.
Food for thought.
Having a good amount of food is important, but there’s no doubt that catering can be expensive. Consider a potluck dinner for the evening, getting your staff to bring in their personal holiday favourites, or looking into serving breakfast for dinner instead! Sure, it’s not the traditional turkey, but who doesn’t love breakfast food? If the party is online, introduce fun food activities, such as sugar cookie decorating. If you’re thinking of switching it up, involve your staff in the decision!
Gift-giving alternatives.
This one is tricky because you want your employees to feel appreciated by the company without seeming cheap. But there are ways you can save with gifts. Instead of gifting each of your employees a large, expensive gift, host a gift exchange, like Secret Santa. Set a budget and some rules and let them go crazy! Still give a gift from the company to your staff, but you can save a little knowing they will be receiving two gifts.
There are many ways you can get creative with your holiday party without going over budget. Other tips involve putting finances aside at the beginning of each year and re-using previous decor! We’re confident you will host an amazing party your team will love.
Happy planning, and stay safe!
Source: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/are-you-planning-this-year-s-employee-holiday-party-1223813
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