What your team really want this christmas

When we think about education, we often picture conference rooms or classroom settings. However, every employee experience is an opportunity to educate, enrich, and motivate buy-in. Education has evolved from being a one-way street to a multi-lane highway of engaging experiences. It’s no longer just about ticking off CPD points or going through the motions—it’s about igniting those ‘aha!’ moments that make the employee experience truly unforgettable.

Celebrate shared achievements: We’ve all had moments of clarity or sudden understanding, moments that we later refer to as “aha moments.” In the office environment, these moments can be few and far between. However, creating an unexpected, insightful, and meaningful experience in a social setting can set the stage for remarkable revelations.

Rather than a standard “Year-in-Review” presentation, consider a “Journey of Gratitude and Growth” presentation. Create a visual timeline of key moments and achievements throughout the year, paired with authentic messages of appreciation and encouragement. Include personal anecdotes from team members about how specific challenges or achievements have contributed to their personal and professional growth.

Integrate Core Values: Use the celebration to highlight and reinforce your company’s core values. For instance, if one of your core values is innovation, showcase a few innovative projects completed during the year with mini-presentations or demo stations. If community support is a core value, share stories of charitable initiatives your company participated in or invite a charity partner to present on your companies impact on the community.

This is where the magic truly happens. Engagement breathes life into the celebration, transforming a room full of individuals into a dynamic, interconnected team.

Engagement is more than mere participation; it’s about fostering a sense of value, connection, and commitment among attendees. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, teams with high employee engagement rates are 21% more productive.

It’s about fostering a profound sense of collective achievement. One powerful way to achieve this is through a thoughtfully arranged Socially Responsible Gift Exchange. Instead of the usual Kris Kringle, invite every guest to bring a gift that supports a charity close to the organisation’s heart. Whether it’s toys for disadvantaged children, essential items for families sleeping rough this Christmas, or donating books to a local library drive, this act of giving brings the team together for a higher purpose. For an innovative spin on the Christmas party, consider transforming it into a charitable team building day with “Santa for a Day.” This engaging and impactful program targets alleviating holiday hardship. Teams compete to fill a Santa Sack with gifts destined for children who need them most. The victorious team’s gifts will spread joy to those who need it most, instilling a sense of pride in everyone involved.

If you’re up for a grand adventure, consider swapping out the traditional Christmas party with the ‘Hunt for Santa’s Sleigh.’ This epic team building program will engage teams in a thrilling quest to locate Santa’s missing sleigh, infusing a sense of delight and triumph.

The final touch to crafting an unforgettable Christmas party is fostering a sense of connection among your team members. We often overlook the fact that the strongest bonds are formed when we build real relationships. Consider creating a networking activity where each attendee is given a list of questions. They must find and engage with colleagues outside their immediate team to get the answers. This activity could be structured like a Christmas themed problem solving exercise or a bingo game to add an element of fun and competition.

The combination of a robust educational focus and a truly engaged team paves the way for our third ‘E’ – Environment. The environment, both physical and psychological, is a vital aspect that can significantly influence the effectiveness of any employee celebration. It’s not just about the aesthetic appeal but also how it fosters an atmosphere conducive to connection, engagement, and interaction.

Transform your venue with decorations that capture the holiday spirit and reflect your company’s visions and values. Use a blend of traditional holiday elements like Christmas trees, and lights alongside personalised touches such as company-themed ornaments. Consider a colour scheme that aligns with your brand identity and incorporate elements that symbolise your values, such as collaborative artwork from employees or displays of value avatars.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Soft, warm lights can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while dynamic lighting can highlight key areas such as the stage for presentations or interactive zones for activities. Proper lighting can improve mood and energy levels, while good acoustics ensure clear communication.

Venue selection is equally important. Select a location that’s easy to reach for most participants. Ensure the venue has facilities to accommodate various needs, making everyone feel comfortable and included. The layout should foster interaction and collaboration. Consider including fun elements like chill out zones or food station lounges. These can create a relaxed atmosphere that promotes socialisation.