Ahhh the festive season. A time to spread cheer, eat way too much food and spend time with our beloved friends and family. But it is also the time for the all-important Workplace Christmas party!
Planning the office festive function is daunting at the best of times… let alone in the midst of a global pandemic! With this added level of difficulty, it is no wonder that many usual event superstars aren’t quite sure where to start. Now we know, nothing can be worse than 2020… however 2021 is not the year to be complacent either. But have no fear as this is not our first festive season! We wanted to take some of the stress and pressure away for you and run you through our top tips to preparing amidst COVID and some fabulous Christmas party ideas that will see your team saying, “that was the best Christmas party yet!”
Let’s get started:
Before we get to the fun part lets cover off the all important COVID planning; an essential component for any event for the foreseeable future. You will find a plethora of guides and articles all oozing with valuable information on how to keep your team safe this Christmas so we have pulled them apart and here are our top five tips to prepare.
Tip 1. Know your Restrictions:
There have been a lot of changes over the past few months, so even if you think you know what the restrictions are, it is worth the 5 minutes it will take you to double and triple check this on the local government site. Keeping in mind that these restrictions will be different depending on the size of your event and whether you are hosting your event indoors or outdoors. Find your local government website here.
Tip 2. Plan Ahead:
When it comes to the safety of your team you can never be too prepared. Plan ahead and assign a COVID safe representative to ensure your event meets legislation and everyone can have fun while being safe. Consider COVID tracing, symptoms checker, health messaging, COVID safe plans and travel policies. For a more a hands-on detailed version, download our 6-month Christmas party planner complete with COVID safe checklist.
Tip 3. Prioritise Clarity and Communication:
While I understand that sometimes it’s nice to keep the agenda of the day or the evening’s festivities a surprise, this year is not the year for that. Send out clear invitations for the event, including a schedule, travel policy, symptom screening, health messaging, contingency plans and COVID requirements ie. Wearing a mask. This does not mean that you can’t still have a few surprises up your sleeve, you are just trying to set some expectations around what is possible.
Tip 4.Consider Hybrid or Virtual Contingencies:
Does your usual Christmas celebration include bringing teams together from multiple locations, states or even countries? If COVID could stand in the way of your Christmas party proceeding, consider the benefits of going hybrid or virtual (read more about Hybrid Events here or Virtual Events here). As experts in this field, our team of professionals can help you plan a Christmas Party to remember regardless of travel or lockdown restrictions.
Tip 5. Create an Event kit Checklist (& check it twice!):
This last 12 months has brought a whole new meaning to being prepared come event day. Whether that means having a tech wiz on standby for connecting your live stream event from overseas or a table for hand sanitizer and a QR code to check attendees in, the important thing is to make sure you take the time to clearly plan out exactly what you need. Not only will this help you approach your event with confidence, but it will also help you feel cool, calm and collected come event day, which means you will get a chance to enjoy the festivities too!
While I understand that sometimes it’s nice to keep the agenda of the day or the evening’s festivities a surprise, this year is not the year for that. Send out clear invitations for the event, including a schedule, travel policy, symptom screening, health messaging, contingency plans and COVID requirements ie. Wearing a mask. This does not mean that you can’t still have a few surprises up your sleeve, you are just trying to set some expectations around what is possible.
So, there you have it, by following these simple but essential tips, you will be planning this year’s festivities with all the confidence and sparkle of the 2019 versions of yourself! Oh, and one final tip… don’t forget to give yourself a chance to celebrate too!
Stay tuned for Part Two of this blog where we discuss Christmas Party Ideas to impress!
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