Page 24 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_October 2024

TRENDS

How to plan the perfect holiday work event

Holiday gatherings at work have
evolved significantly over the years,
reflecting changes in workplace culture,
technology, and employee expectations.
Gone are the days of simple potlucks and low-
key gatherings; today’s office events are more
sophisticated, inclusive, and tailored to create
memorable experiences for employees.
Whether it’s through hybrid events, wellness-
focused activities, or personalized experiences,
businesses are finding new ways to celebrate
their teams and create lasting memories.
By staying attuned to these trends, a well-
planned event can foster a sense of belonging
and unity among colleagues, while an oversight
can unintentionally alienate or offend.
It’s important to remain mindful of the diversity
within your team and by planning an inclusive
event, you can create a festive atmosphere
where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
Remember, the goal is to celebrate togetherness 3. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly 5. Choose a Neutral Theme
and create positive memories that will carry Celebrations To avoid making anyone feel excluded,
through to the next year. Consider the following consider choosing a neutral, non-
suggestions: Companies are increasingly opting for
eco-friendly options, such as using religious theme for your holiday party.
1. Hybrid and Virtual Events biodegradable decorations, reducing Instead of focusing on a specific holiday
Companies are finding creative ways to include waste, and choosing locally sourced, like Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa,
opt for a winter wonderland, a seasonal
remote employees in celebrations, ensuring organic food. Some organizations celebration, or a “festive fun” theme.
that everyone feels part of the team, regardless are even incorporating sustainability Also, try to avoid symbols or items that
into the party theme, encouraging
of location. Virtual reality (VR) gatherings, are closely associated with specific
online game nights, and virtual escape rooms employees to bring reusable items or religious holidays unless they are
are becoming popular as they allow employees participate in activities that promote inclusive of all traditions represented
to interact and bond in a digital space. Hybrid environmental consciousness. These in your workplace. This approach allows
events, where some team members gather in efforts not only reflect the company’s everyone to participate without feeling
commitment to sustainability but also
person while others join virtually, are also on the pressured to conform to a particular set
rise, providing a flexible and inclusive approach resonate with employees who prioritize of traditions.
to work gatherings. eco-friendly practices in their personal
lives. 6. Wellness-Oriented Parties
2. Experience-Based Events
4. Understand Your Team’s With an increased focus on employee
Experience-based events are gaining traction Diversity well-being, wellness-oriented work
as organizations move away from traditional functions are becoming more popular.
gatherings to more engaging and memorable The first step in planning an inclusive These events prioritize activities that
activities. These events focus on creating unique holiday function is to understand promote health and relaxation, such as
experiences that employees can share and talk the diversity within your team. This yoga sessions, meditation workshops,
about long after the party is over. Examples could include different religious or spa days. Healthy food options, non-
include cooking classes, mixology workshops, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, dietary alcoholic beverages, and stress-relief
or team-building activities like scavenger hunts restrictions, and personal preferences. activities are also key components of
and escape rooms. These experiences not only A simple way to gather this information wellness-focused parties. This trend
provide entertainment but also help strengthen is through an anonymous survey where reflects the growing recognition that
team bonds and foster a sense of camaraderie employees can share their thoughts on employee well-being is crucial to
among employees. what they'd like to see at the holiday maintaining a positive and productive
gathering. This will give you a better
sense of how to tailor the event to work environment, even during
accommodate everyone's needs and celebratory events.
preferences.

24 Fall 2024 www.cambridgechamber.com