Company Picnics A company function gives everyone a chance to become better acquainted in a casual atmosphere.
By Jan Peters
Company functions are a great way to recognize the value and importance of your employees and actually show them how much they are appreciated. Company picnics have become popular once again and are taking on a whole new look. Picnic baskets, softball games and lemonade have been replaced with sand volleyball, banquet style meals and inflatable moonwalks.
Picnic Benefits The greatest benefit of a well-executed company picnic is satisfied employees. Knowing that happy employees make for a more effective and efficient workplace, a casual event allows employees to mix and mingle with their co-workers across department lines. Company leaders also have the opportunity to socialize with all employees and seek suggestions, input and ideas on a variety of topics. Want to know what employees are really thinking about that new sales effort? Just ask. They will appreciate the opportunity to give their feedback and that “front-line” perspective. How is the new company policy affecting the employees? The company picnic is the perfect time to discuss it in a casual environment.
Another benefit of a company picnic is the opportunity to invite loyal customers and suppliers. There is nothing better for strengthening a business relationship than the chance to “put a name with a face.” Often, people talk on the phone with clients and suppliers and do not have the chance to meet in person. The company picnic is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Want to keep valued employees? Invite their family members to the company picnic. Again, it’s the perfect setting to find out about employees and what their lives are like outside of the workplace. Let the employee brag and share the success of the child who won first place in the spelling bee or who scored 20 points in the basketball game.
Maximizing Resources An event such as this doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some suggestions for using your resources wisely and appreciating your employees at the same time.
Plan an event with other small business owners and pool resources, such as time and money. No one company will then be responsible for the entire expense or planning of the event.
Find the entertainment within your ranks. Have the employee who is a member of a small band be the “headliner.” Pay accordingly for the band. The sound system is usually part of the package.
Enlist the “guru of barbecue” in the company to show off his or her latest technique and “rub.”
Perhaps someone who loves to do “scrap-booking” will appreciate the opportunity to do the invitations.
Determine whether this will be an annual event or a one-time event. After the first year, employees will probably want to get involved to ensure that next year’s event will be a great success!
This is the time to publicly recognize employees for a job well done. Give an award for the big things and the small things, such as meeting a sales goal or implementing cost-savings measures. Read an appreciative letter from a customer about an employee, for example, or a letter from the charity that recognized your employee for organizing efforts in the last fund-raising campaign.
Simple Ideas There are two ways to ensure that the event is fun for everyone. For simple, effortless, and “no surprises” food, enlist the help of a great caterer. For those who think planning is half the fun, here are some simple ideas and tips to follow.
Serve a lot of a few food items. Quality and quantity still triumph.
Have a plan “B” in case of inclement weather.
Have each “department” create a picnic basket for auction. Of course, the proceeds go to your company’s favorite charity.
Variety is the key when it comes to music. Make sure that every age group (8 to 80 years old) hears a few favorites from their era.
Choose a theme that allows for creativity, such as sports, NASCAR, Boats and Bikes or Mexican Fiesta.
Show a movie, such as “Picnic.”
Get your best “social” person to serve drinks. (Hint for employees: This is the best job for the event.)
Invite loyal clients and suppliers.
Invite a local “celebrity” to sign autographs or serve as emcee.
Recognize the founder of the company in a big way.
Make sure everyone has a party gift. Hats and T-shirts with the company logo are always a hit.
Hire a photographer to take pictures of every employee. Display the photos at the office the following week.
Company picnics are one of the best investments for your business and the future of your company. Happy employees are more productive. Family members get to see first hand the company environment, and employees get to have a great time in a causal atmosphere. Successful businesses recognize the importance of appreciating and recognizing those people who set the course for future success. Company picnics are an investment in the future success of the business.
Jan Peters is president and CEO of Overland Park-based Projects by Design. She can be reached at .
