Ponder this: what would the world be like if Happy Hour didn’t exist? While some might see this as an unusual question, we think it is actually an important! Happy Hour has been long with us for a reason; it has a specific purpose, it can be beneficial and in general, it can just be fun. And don’t forget, it is important to point out that Happy Hour does not have to include alcoholic beverages.
Happy Hour can be anything you want it to be — especially if you have the right catering options — but what would happen if it didn’t exist? We dive into that question, here. Interested? Keep reading, below.
What Does Happy Hour Look Like?
As mentioned above, it is important to recognize that Happy Hour does not fit into a one-size-fits-all category. It can look like many different things, and depending on your team’s preferences, it should! However, with so many different variations of Happy Hour possibilities, you may think the benefits might be different. But, in fact, the benefits of having a team Happy Hour still reign true regardless of what theme or type it may consist of. If Happy Hour didn’t exist, team’s everywhere would miss out.
If The World Didn’t Have Happy Hour, Team’s Would Miss Out on Bonding
We all know that team bonding is essential to team productivity, collaboration and the overall success of achieving goals. But often times, without incorporating a designated Happy Hour at the end of a work week, teams do not get the chance to truly bond outside of a work environment.
If office environments do not set a time for a little team get-together, it doesn’t happen on their own accord, nearly as much. Let’s face it: people have busy lives outside of work. Maybe they just had a new baby, they are getting married, spending all of their free time with loved ones, etc. This is pretty standard for most people in today’s busy world.
By incorporating a Happy Hour at the end of the day on Friday, before work hours officially ended, it’s likely that more employees will be able to attend to reap the benefits. Unlike sitting in a work meeting, employees then have the opportunity to chat about their hobbies, interests, personal lives and more. This allows co-workers the chance to truly meet with their peers and build a deeper, stronger understanding of one another that can carry into a great working relationship.
Team Collaboration Might Happen Less
As we all know, team collaboration is often essential in completing projects, creating a team-player environment and getting tasks done in a timely manner. Without collaboration, team members can experience burnout in their, they might lack fresh ideas and find that it is hard to get motivated to complete work in a timely manner.
Enter Happy Hour: a special time in which your team can bond, share stories and even discuss ways they can help one another at work. While it might seem like an odd solution, it’s actually becoming more common. Employees and teams tend to value time to get to know their peers, in a setting that feels a bit more laid back, while still being able to discuss work.
If you’re missing team collaboration in your office, try incorporating a Happy Hour every now and then. See what happens.
Team’s Might Feel Less Appreciated
Okay, this might be a bit of an overstatement on our part, but it still holds truth. Every team member wants to feel valued, appreciated and cared about by their employers. Happy Hour is just a small way to give a little something to your team, to show you appreciate them, and all their hard work. And they’ll appreciate it, too.
What Will Make Your Happy Hour The Best?
Now that you know what the world would be like without Happy Hour, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. If you’re thinking of starting an office tradition — or you’re looking to spice up your team’s regular Happy Hour — you’ve come to the right place.
The event can be whatever you want it to be. And it can be inclusive — team members do not have to drink alcohol to take part. Happy Hour can incorporate fun snacks and treats, games, themes and more.
In our blog on The Most Delicious, Unique Trends in Corporate Food Delivery, we included some great Happy Hour ideas, which we’ve also listed, below:
- 90’s Throwback
– Get a 90s playlist together, pick up some bubble tape, ring pops, pizza bagels and hot pockets. Throw in some old school beers and butterfly clips and you are ready for a throwback party! - Tiki Bar
– Turn up the Bob Marley, mix up some daiquiris and pretend you’re relaxing on the beach. A fruit display and Caribbean-inspired food will take it to the next level. - Sushi & Sake
– With a variety of sushi rolls complete with warm and cold sake, this one is super easy to throw together. Just be careful not to eat too much of the wasabi! - Game Night
– Who doesn’t love a good board game night? This is a great way to break the ice with your coworkers and have some fun. Games, beer, wings and a veggie tray? It doesn’t get better than that! Throw in a box of wine if you’re feeling fancy.
Think About Holiday Themed Happy Hour
With the Holidays fast approaching — even if it’s only October — don’t forget that your team can enjoy Holiday-Themed time, too! Try a spooky Halloween Happy Hour, a Thanksgiving themed Happy Hour or a festive December celebration with your team.
