Best Practices and up to the minute news on Customer Experience Management and Service Excellence
Best Practices and up to the minute news on Customer Experience Management and Service Excellence
It’s the day after Halloween, and I’ve never been this excited to come to work. Halloween isn’t typically a major holiday at the office, but yesterday, our team bonded, and it will improve how we work.
Our epic Halloween lunch was a wise investment from the powers that be. Everyone, from management to part-time staff, was fully committed. I dressed up as a scary doll the office had been passing around and placing in different spots all month, so I received a great response from my coworkers (and the crown for “Best Overall Costume”).
Coming in today, there’s a noticeable warmth and camaraderie. I’ve already had more smiles from colleagues than in the past month combined.
Last Halloween barely felt like a celebration. There was no party, no decor — just a quiet reminder on the schedule that we were allowed to wear “festive accessories.” I awkwardly sat at my desk for 8 hours dressed as a penguin — yes, an actual penguin — with flippers. Only a handful of people wore costumes, and the day came and went like any other shift.
This year’s experience felt so different from last year’s, and it got me thinking about how crucial these moments of fun and connection are to the workplace. Having even one great social event can boost morale and create a tighter-knit team, ultimately enhancing our environment and productivity.
Research backs up what I felt after the Halloween party: Social connections at work can boost morale and productivity.
Building social ties in the workplace is linked to increased job satisfaction, better collaboration, and even enhanced performance. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health states, “Employees who have meaningful social connections at work are more likely to be motivated to complete assignments on time and handle tasks with greater efficiency.”
Positive feelings foster a sense of commitment and motivation, and a good portion of that feel-good energy comes from team bonding.
In the hospitality industry, where teams rely heavily on each other to keep service flowing, strong social ties aren’t just a perk – they’re almost a necessity. The dynamic is entirely different when you trust and enjoy working with the people beside you.
During yesterday’s party, I saw coworkers from across departments mingling, laughing, and sharing stories. It felt like we were all reintroduced to each other, and today, we’re still riding the wave of that energy. The day flows better because we lost a renewed sense of unity along the way.
Even though Halloween was a great excuse for a party, you don’t have to wait for an annual holiday to give your team that kind of morale boost. Incorporating social events into the work calendar can strengthen team bonds and have a positive ripple effect on non-party days.
Here are some practical ideas for hosting memorable social events without requiring employees to commit extra time outside work.
Not every party needs to be a grand event. Sometimes, smaller, frequent celebrations create the best opportunities for bonding. Monthly themes like “Taco Tuesdays,” “Friday Happy Hour,” or “First Monday Breakfast” give employees a lighthearted event to look forward to regularly. A simple taco bar or ice cream social during a shift break allows everyone to mingle without feeling like they’re sacrificing their time off. Our team’s costume contest added a lot of laughs and creativity to the day without extending work hours. You could host a “Decorate Your Station” contest or even a short scavenger hunt in the hotel or restaurant.
A “Skill Share” day can be both engaging and practical in an industry that relies on diverse skills. Everyone has hidden talents or hobbies; allowing staff to showcase these can be a great way to bond. You might be surprised to learn that your front desk attendant is an amateur magician or that your bartender is a fantastic artist. Hosting these sessions during a mid-shift lull can be an enjoyable break and offer insight into everyone’s talents outside their usual roles.
Instead of a standard lunch break, consider hosting occasional themed lunches that allow for team bonding without breaking the workday routine. For example, you could have a “World Lunch” where employees try dishes from other departments or cuisines from different cultures. A “Food Swap Day,” where everyone brings a dish or a favorite recipe from home, can also add a personal touch, inviting employees to learn more about each other. These lunches are easy to arrange on a budget and bring people together over something everyone can appreciate: good food.
Not every bonding experience needs to be within the four walls of your business. Organizing volunteer events or charity days allows teams to bond while giving back to the community, which can be incredibly rewarding. While this might seem like an out-of-work event, it can be structured to fall during a scheduled shift to avoid disrupting time off. Whether it’s hosting a food drive or spending part of the day helping at a local animal shelter, these events encourage teamwork while aligning with values that reflect positively on the company mission.
A low-cost, high-impact way to unite everyone is by transforming a meeting room into a mini-game zone. Have a popcorn machine and some soft drinks on hand, and host a game session featuring something simple like trivia or board games. These lighthearted activities are a hit because they allow employees to relax in a way that doesn’t feel like “work.” Plus, keeping the event on-site can help ensure it doesn’t cut into too much personal time.
The lasting impact of a high-quality party
Reflecting on our Halloween party, it’s clear that these types of events go beyond just having fun. Parties leave a lasting mark on how we interact with each other day to day.
Social events allow us to celebrate small victories and create memories that make work a more enjoyable place. Research suggests that when employees enjoy their work environment, they’re more motivated, engaged, and ultimately more productive.
If you’re looking for a way to cultivate a stronger sense of team spirit in your workplace, I beg you: add a few social events to the calendar. Whether it’s a seasonal celebration, a themed lunch, or an embarrassing karaoke session, these gatherings offer invaluable opportunities for employees to connect in ways they might not otherwise.
And who knows – like me, your team might just find themselves a little more excited to come to work the next day.
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