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
The end-of-year holiday party is more than just a chance to mingle and indulge; it’s a vital opportunity for companies to show employees they are appreciated.
Employee satisfaction and retention are increasingly tied to workplace culture. In this case, a lackluster holiday celebration can leave staff feeling undervalued and disconnected as the prime time for job searching approaches.
Consider my friend’s recent experience with their company’s underwhelming holiday party: a lack of seating, raw vegetables and mystery meat sliders, and tired music over a struggling sound system culminated in overwhelmingly negative reviews (during the party!), leading to a collective sense of disappointment.
Unfortunately, such missed opportunities can affect motivation and morale well into the new year.
According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 85% of American workers feel that holiday parties “contribute positively to workplace culture” and allow workers to “bond with colleagues” even though only 48% of workplaces still host holiday gatherings. Food and beverage quality ranks number one on the list of what matters most to employees, while “entertainment and activities” comes in a close second.
Well-planned holiday events play a significant role in reinforcing employee loyalty and commitment. For the hospitality industry, where employee turnover rates are among the highest, showing your team genuine gratitude during the holidays can be a powerful tool for retention.
Throwing a great holiday party requires intention, creativity, and careful planning, so it’s not too early to start thinking about how to improve on next year’s (or wow staff for the first time).
Here are some tips to ensure events leave a lasting positive impression:
Food and drinks are at the heart of any celebration. Your team is likely familiar with high-quality service and expects the same standard at their holiday party. Partner with a reputable caterer or showcase your own culinary expertise if your company operates in food and beverage. Make sure to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions to ensure all employees feel included.
Open bars can elevate a party, but they also come with challenges. Consider implementing drink ticket systems to encourage moderation. Serve a curated list of signature cocktails alongside non-alcoholic options that are just as enticing. Providing rideshare discounts or shuttles shows that you prioritize employee safety. (A coffee bar can also be a nice incentive to encourage a graceful exit.)
Entertainment should reflect your company’s personality and culture. Whether it’s a live band, a DJ, or interactive experiences like photo booths or themed activities, aim to create an atmosphere that resonates with your employees. For instance, a luxury hotel might opt for an elegant jazz quartet, while a restaurant group could embrace a more laid-back vibe with festive games. The key is to keep it personal and engaging.
Create opportunities for team members to interact and bond. Icebreaker games, team-based activities, or awards ceremonies recognizing outstanding contributions can help employees feel seen and appreciated. Thoughtful gestures, like customized holiday gifts or handwritten thank-you cards, can also leave a meaningful impression. Just make sure not to leave anyone out.
Transform your space with holiday-themed decor galore. Ambiance sets the tone, and if your team works in hospitality, they’ll notice and appreciate the effort that goes into creating such an atmosphere.
Whether it’s a winter wonderland or a sleek black-tie affair, staying consistent with high-quality details shows you care. Decorations don’t have to break the budget! Get creatively crafty with a party planning committee.
Adding a give-back element to celebrations provides a major holiday boost, helping employees feel proud of their organization and fostering a deeper sense of purpose.
Aside from the essential good that charity work provides, it also influences job satisfaction.
Research sponsored by Fidelity Charitable reveals that most Americans (a whopping 86%) feel they need to work for someone whose values align with theirs.
Four in 10 want their employer to put more effort into workplace giving programs. At the same time, nearly the same amount of Gen Z and Millennial workers say that their company’s charitable efforts affect their decision to stay put or look for another job.
So, what does giving back look like? Consider hosting a donation drive at the party or donating a portion of your event’s budget to a worthy cause.
Arranging onsite visits with a local organization throughout the year allows staff to connect with those whose lives are being changed for the better. Make sure to showcase this special relationship with the community during the event.
A holiday party is more than a festive gathering – it’s an investment in your team. When thoughtfully executed, these celebrations can strengthen bonds, boost morale, and reinforce company culture.
While it may be too late to salvage this year’s festivities, it’s never too early to start planning for next year.
Remember, businesses in the hospitality industry thrive on exceptional service, and the holiday party is an opportunity to extend that same standard to the people who make your company shine every day of the year.
By prioritizing appreciation and connection, the next holiday party could be the morale-boosting event your team and business deserve.
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