With Christmas fast approaching, now is the time to spread the holiday cheer and plan the perfect workplace celebration. We spoke with Sally Dickson, Group Human Resources Director at Winc, to share her insights on the advantages of a fun and engaging workplace Christmas party.
Enhance employee morale
Did you know that 85% of employers believe that Christmas parties boost employee morale and keep teams motivated?1 End of year celebrations make team members feel appreciated and inspire them to keep up the good work.
“Holiday celebrations give your people a chance to come together and acknowledge team members for their achievements, they can be a great way to motivate and encourage team members,” says Sally.
Strengthen team connections
According to research, team members who form strong social connections are more likely to be motivated at work2. With many people opting for hybrid working conditions, face-to-face workplace events help to build and encourage better collaboration.
“Organising a fun workplace end of year celebration or party is an excellent opportunity to connect with coworkers. End-of-year celebrations provide an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy spending time with their team members outside of the office, while also boosting engagement. Remember to make sure the event is inclusive and safe for everyone,” says Sally.
Build company culture
“For leaders, the company end of year celebration is an opportunity to let your actions speak louder than your words. Show your team members that your company values them by celebrating by setting a good example. It is an excellent opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their support and commitment to encouraging good team spirit,” recommends Sally.
Motivate high performance
“Because the end of the year is typically when projects and work are completed, rewarding team members who have done a good job and highlighting their accomplishments can be encouraging and inspire more productivity for the coming year,” suggests Sally.
Reflect on the year and set the vision for 2024
Christmas parties are also an excellent opportunity to quickly recap on what has been done in the current year and set the tone for the coming year. “It’s a great time to look back and reflect on great outcomes, thank people and inspire the team for what’s coming up,” explains Sally.
Hit pause
Sally suggests planning a party at the end of the day or end of the week to allow team members to unwind and relax after their day at work. “This is an excellent time to put their work on hold and have some fun with their team members.”
Fun, fun, fun!
“Christmas parties are enjoyable, and the idea is to reward your people for their efforts. Having fun with your coworkers has a plethora of advantages that last long after the party is over. As the year ends, team members deserve to relax and enjoy themselves with fun celebrations and good food,” says Sally.
Shop online for everything festive and find all the Christmas party essentials you need for the perfect workplace celebration.
References:
1. Relationships Australia, 2019, ‘Workplace Christmas Parties’<https://relationships.org.au/document/november-december-2019-workplace-christmas-parties/>
2. Positive Psychology, 2019, ‘The Importance of Positive Relationships in the Workplace’<https://positivepsychology.com/positive-relationships-workplace/>
