If you are lucky enough to live in a warmer climate area, this is the perfect time of year to have a company picnic and if not, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about having one – Successories hosted one at the end of January here in South Florida! In places of the US, like Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana and Florida, the weather is starting to warm up, the sun is usually shining, and the uncomfortable summer heat has yet to set in.
Company picnics are a great way to show employee appreciation and to improve workplace satisfaction, if it is done right. Incorporating some of the following tips can turn your company picnic from a simple potluck meal into a fun gathering that leaves employees feeling refreshed, appreciated, and motivated to do their best at work.
- Make the picnic interactive
Instead of going to an amusement where employees naturally gravitate to the small group of friends they have at the office, hold an old fashion picnic where everyone has a chance to mingle. A picnic is a great time for employees from different departments to meet and get to know each other, which can lead to improved teamwork and productivity at work.
- Show support for all types of families
Employees that work for companies that encourage a healthy balance between the job and family tend to be healthier, happier, and more productive. A company picnic is a great time to include employees’ family members, and show that the business values this balance. It is important for management to stress that all types of families are invited, regardless of their makeup.
- Keep the playing field even
It is important that everyone participates in the games and activities, managers and staff. When management shows that they can laugh at their inability to hit a ball and employees can gain respect and improve self esteem when they score a winning run. This also helps to open lines of communication, and provide plenty of laughs when everyone is back at work.
- “Picnic” should not be taken literally
Throwing a company picnic is a way to thank employees, and this does not mean that they should spend part of the day in the kitchen preparing a dish for the potluck meal. While it is more cost effective to have a potluck picnic, it does not really show employees that they are appreciated. Having the picnic catered not only makes employees feel special it can also improve the overall mood of the gathering.
- Don’t forget about special diets
Include plenty of options for vegetarians and employees who might be on a restricted diet or trying to eat healthier. This could include veggie burgers, fresh fruit and vegetables, along with pasta and salads. This will ensure that everyone feels included, which is important when you are trying to show your appreciation.
- Create a memento of the day
It is easy to create a memento that everyone can enjoy. One of the simplest ways is to create a hash tag for the picnic and collect all of the Instagram pictures into a fun memory book. Keep it in the break room for employees to look at together, and it can even help improve the attitude at work.