The office holiday party … so much significance is placed on what is typically held only one day each year. The vast majority of workplaces — 85% according to the Society for Human Resource Management — host year-end holiday parties, making these festivities an often expected part of office life.
And also an integral one. During the pandemic, organizations recognized the real need for employees to be together, first convening over Zoom and now in the same place.
Why not take the pressure off of the anticipation of the year-end office bash by creating a calendar chock full of opportunities to gather your teams together in addition to the company holiday party everyone knows and loves? There is an abundance of creative opportunities each month of the year for office celebrations big and small. Your employees will appreciate the chance to consistently gather with their colleagues in fun, out-of-the-ordinary ways.
Why it’s Essential for Teams to Congregate and Celebrate
Office parties serve an important purpose — they contribute to company culture, increase employee engagement, and create environments for team members to bond outside of structured work settings. These gatherings reinforce company values and help employees feel appreciated and valued, an imperative component of talent retention, a major challenge for modern workplaces.
Company events also help alleviate the nationwide loneliness epidemic by strengthening workplace friendships, which have been connected to increased worker productivity and organizational innovation.
Creative Ideas for Year-Round Holiday Office Parties
We’ve established the reasons why workplace fun shouldn’t be overlooked; now, here are some ideas for festive holiday office parties that don’t take place in December.
February: Super Bowl Bash
Yes, one of the most-watched sporting events in the world takes place on the second Sunday in February each year, but your team can get in on the football fun in the days leading up to the glitzy gridiron festivities.
Host a workplace tailgate replete with family-style corporate catering that highlights cuisines from the two teams competing in the Big Game and maybe even coordinate an office pool for some friendly wagering and well-earned bragging rights come Monday morning.
April: Earth Day
Highlight your workplace’s eco-friendly efforts with an Earth Day-focused celebration each April. Discover local restaurants and corporate caterers that offer environmentally aware practices and use the opportunity to learn about and implement more sustainable practices in your own office, such as encouraging reusable items and recycling programs.
June: Food Truck Extravaganza
Take advantage of the start of summer and gather your team outdoors for a food truck dining experience. While planning this type of party can seem complex, Cater2.me has years of experience helping coordinate food truck events and has a list of trusted and delicious vendors that are sure to delight your employees with an array of options and opportunities to mix and mingle in the sunshine.
August: Workplace Wellness
Commemorate National Wellness Month by letting your employees know that their health and wellbeing are a top priority.
Why not host an in-office yoga class and breakfast or lunch complete with easy and healthy boxed meals that accommodate all dietary restrictions and desires? Your employees will feel centered, cared for, and ready to take on their day.
September: Lunch-and-Learn Series
Back-to-school season is perfect for building a culture of learning within your company. Catch employees while they’re in September reset mode and present a beneficial lunch-and-learn series.
Cater2.me’s corporate catering services take care of the lunch part no matter your team size or budget, while you can focus on creating fun and informative sessions with guest speakers on internal and industry topics that will further your organizational output.
November: Day of Gratitude
Mark Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday with a day of team volunteering for a cause that matters to your company and its employees. Cater2.me’s partnership with Feeding America is a guiding light for our organization, and research shows that workplace giving makes employees feel more connected to their companies.
Ready to learn more about how Cater2.me can help with your catering needs for company events of all kinds? Connect with us today for more office catering tips, customizable meal programs, and much more.
