How to Plan the Perfect Office Party

Ten Tips for Planning a Work Celebration

By Angela Epps, published Feb 14, 2008
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Do you want to know how to plan the perfect office party? Whether it is for a holiday, a birthday, someone's retirement, someone's moving or just to show appreciation to your co-workers; this article will give you ten tips for planning a work celebration.

1.Make sure it's alright with the boss.
If you are the boss, so much the better! But if not, make sure to check out the company rules before you start. There may be clauses for different religious occasions or other limitations, so have a meeting with human resources beforehand.

2.Ask for input.
Ask your co-workers for input on what they would like at the get-together. It will create a sense of unity and no one will feel let out of the mix. Ask your boss if you can have a meeting over lunch hour to discuss it with anyone who wants to take part.

3.Give plenty of notice.
With so many more single parent families, or couples that both need to work out of the home, make sure to give everyone plenty of notice for babysitters etc. Otherwise, someone who may really want to be there can't be if they do not have time to make arrangements.

4.Have an alternate date set.
Unforeseen occurrences (such as the guest of honor being sick) could make you have to change the date of the get together. Having an alternate date already in place will save from scrambling at the last minute. (This is especially important for any outside events such as a picnic or during a season that is known to cause bad weather and horrible driving conditions.)

5.Make note of diet restrictions.
One of the most important, and often overlooked aspects, of how to plan the perfect office is party is consulting everyone who will be present about the menu. On the invites, or during the meeting when planning a work celebration, make sure to have a sheet where people can list any dietary restrictions such as food allergies or vegetarianism. That way, you can avoid serious health complications and someone leaving the place hungry.

Takeaways
  • Get everyone involved when planning an office party.
  • Make sure to ask about dietary restrictions.
  • The perfect work celebration does not have to be perfect in order for everyone to have fun.
Did You Know?
Drinking too much at a work function is considered to be one of the top etiquette "don't s" for business relations. Talk to everyone and see if they would prefer to also have beverages available without alcohol.
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