Ditch the Over-the-Top Holiday Extravaganza This Season

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies everywhere are adding final touches to their Holiday Parties, but are employers really giving employees what they want? BizBash, the leading trade media for the event industry, released its annual Holiday Party Survey, polling corporate planners and employees. The findings show holiday parties continue to be an important part of office morale and team dynamic. While employers may think they need to spend big, the survey reveals employees have three wishes—fun, photo booths, and a charitable component.

"The survey was enlightening as it shows that while corporate planners think they need a bigger budget to give employees what they want, that's not the case this year," said BizBash C.E.O. and founder David Adler.

"What employees want is the opportunity to wind down with their co-workers and feel appreciated by their company, but they also want the opportunity to give back to the community."

The BizBash holiday party survey unveiled the Top Dos and Don'ts for Holiday Parties in 2014:

Don'ts:

• Long Speeches by the Boss: Leave the work talk in the office; a party should be a party.
• Secret Santa: Don't force gifting on employees; show appreciation by hosting a fun and relaxed party.
• Cash Bars: Save on decor and entertainment; two or three drinks are better than none.
• Potluck Dinners: If the holiday party is a way of saying thank you, then food should be provided.

Survey participants even shared horror stories, with one participant revealing: "Fast food was served for dinner. What better way to give thanks than with food off the dollar menu?"

Dos:

• Photo Booths: They've been a trend at events all year, and the trend is not going away; photo booths are the #1 desired activity at holiday parties.
• Dinner at Restaurants or Hotels: If budget is tight, a local restaurant or hotel is a smart investment. More than 50% of respondents said their favorite holiday party was held at a hotel or restaurant.
• Charity Initiatives: Employees want to see charitable efforts incorporated in company events, and holiday parties are no different. Rather than spending on office awards, use the resources to help those in need.
• Prizes, Dancing, and Games: Employees want their parties to be fun, so include a DJ, a dance floor, or trivia games to liven up the night.

At the end of a long year, employees want to let loose and leave the work in the office. A good party should always have a personal touch. One respondent relayed: "My favorite memory was taking photos with colleagues at the party and then being surprised on Monday with snow globes on each person's desk with their photo."

For more holiday party ideas visit www.bizbash.com/holiday-ideas.

 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ditch-the-over-the-top-holiday-extravaganza-this-season-300005850.html

SOURCE BizBash

Related Links

http://www.bizbash.com