on the job
“For companies with heftier budgets, a professional entertainer can add pizzazz to proceedings”
T
he office Christmas party is a much- anticipated event in the work social calendar – never complete without cross- departmental bonding, dodgy dancing and a bucketload of festive cheer. And believe it or not, one night of fun can help improve a business’ overall productivity, so most employers are keen to make it a big success.
ONE STEP AHEAD
Starting preparations early is vital – ideally the beginning of October – as venues get booked up well in advance. Don’t worry about finding a date that suits everyone (unless you work in a small office) and avoid canvassing opinion for the venue – too many cooks are likely spoil the party. Most companies go for dinner and drinks, but whatever you decide remember to find out when the chosen venue expects you to leave and if there’s a dress code. Once it’s all confirmed, give everyone at least six weeks’ notice so that they can put the date in their diaries. Russell Davey, director of events organiser West End Events, recommends that office party organisers steer clear of the office itself on the chosen evening even if it has its own hospitality area. “Staff members feel more valued if they’re taken out, plus you don’t have to worry about office health and safety issues or the mess the next day,” he says. Providing food as well as drink is advisable,
particularly since embarrassing drunken mishaps are to be avoided at all costs. Depending on what your boss thinks, it might be a good idea to liaise with HR on how best to brief staff (even in a carefully worded sentence or two) on the kind of behaviour expected on the night. If there is a drinks limit, let everyone know prior to the party. Russell points out that food won’t necessarily be expensive, because most venues will have designed set menus for a range of budgets. In order to make things easier for staff at the venue
you could write your colleagues’ dinner choices on the back of their name cards. And to make sure everyone remembers what happened on the night (and how much
fun they were having) it’s also a nice idea to provide each table with a disposable camera.
FESTIVE FUN
Every office has its Christmas scrooges, Russell says, so try and generate as much interest as possible in the party, before the event itself. “Ask people to come in fancy dress or run an award on the night for the best dressed or most festive looking person.” Entertainment is an important part of the evening and
doesn’t have to be costly. “Quizzes and games are a great way to break the ice and for people to get to know one another better. The more silliness and fun the better,” says Russell. “A good way to get a party going is to have a theme. Dressing up is an easy way for people to lose their inhibitions and it can help to break through the normal office stereotypes.” For companies with heftier budgets, a professional entertainer can add pizzazz to proceedings – magicians, musicians and even fire-eaters are worth considering. Finally, Russell advises you book end-of-night taxis in advance of the party, ensuring everyone gets home safely after what will definitely have been a Christmas party to remember (and for all the right reasons).
THE APTLY NAMED NICKY CHRISTMAS, FOUNDER OF PRACTICALLY PERFECT PA, GIVES YOU HER CHRISTMAS PARTY DOS AND DON’TS
Do: ask for objectives and treat the task as you would a normal business project. Do: suggest a new year’s party if your company is on a tight budget. It’s much cheaper and you’ll have lots more choice. Do: have fun! Although you’ve organised the event, it’s your Christmas party too so make sure you have a good time. Don’t: forget to visit the venue prior to booking. Make sure there’s easy access for any disabled guests. Don’t: try something new if your colleagues still rave about last year’s do. Don’t: forget to ask for feedback so that you can plan an even bigger and better bash next year.
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