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Celebrations at work enhance employee bonding
Celebrations at work mark the Thanks Giving weekend every November in the US. The western countries have a long tradition of annual celebrations at work. Seasonal occasions and holidays such as Halloween, Thanks Giving weekend, Christmas and New Year are traditionally celebrated by the organizations involving their entire workforce. Though we are a nation of many festivals and traditions we are yet to catch up with celebrations at work in a big way. We treat festivals as f
amily and social events but not necessarily as corporate events. Traditions are important in organisations as they are in families. Festivals are celebrated to enhance family bonding and similarly celebrations at work boost employee bonding.
Choosing a few festivals and celebrating them annually is a good option to bring together all the employees. These festivities pep up the employee morale and improve their motivation levels. Motivated employees lead to greater productivity and organisational success. These social events enhance employee loyalty too.
Taking cues from the west some big corporate houses have incorporated annual celebrations as part of their corporate culture. You too can introduce the tradition of annual celebrations in your company to enhance employee motivation. Whether it is Diwali, Dussera celebrations or perhaps a more secular occasion such as Independence Day, Republic Day or New Year allow your employees to relax and recharge. Company formation day is an important occasion to perpetuate the tradition of annual celebration. The celebrations send a positive message that you value and respect your employees. Your commitment to keep your workforce happy and in high spirits gets reiterated.
Annual events reaffirm the company’s belief that all employees are like one big family. It is worth making budget allocations for such celebrations. Here are some tips on how to organise company celebrations.
Constitute committees: Constitute a committee to organise the annual event with representation from across the organisation. Care should be taken to see that the committees are not dominated by senior employees or employees of a particular department. Opportunities should be provided to old and new employees alike to take an active part and contribute their creative ideas to make the event a success. Sub committees should be formed to take care of cultural events, food to be served, transport, general arrangements and security needs for the day.
Invite employee families: Involving employee families in the celebrations can add to the fun and enjoyment. It is a nice way to thank the families for all the support they extend to the employees to work hard and bring laurels to the company.
Plan ahead: Announce the date of the annual event well ahead. Publicise the event and solicit participation from all the employees. Provide opportunities for the employees to display their special talents. Estimate total number of attendees to the event including family members of the employees. This helps to plan about the venue, food and other arrangements.
Food and beverages: Make sure that a variety of dishes are served to cater to the diverse food habits of the employees. Designate volunteers to oversee the arrangements.
Transport: Make arrangements for the transport of the employees and their family members to the venue or issue complimentary passes.
Special gifts to children: Small presents with the company logo can be given to children of all the employees. In addition games and competitions can be held for the children. It is a good idea to have special events for children such as magic shows and puppet shows.
Safety arrangements: If fire works are a part of the celebrations make sure that all the necessary precautions are taken. Ensure that fire fighting equipment and medical help are ready in case of accidents.
Maintain records: It is important to maintain records of all the expenditure incurred so as to avoid wastage and plan better in future.
A word from the boss: Let the Chairman or MD make an inspiring address to the gathering focusing on the significant achievements made during the year. It is a good occasion to announce the future plans of the company, thank the employees for their hard work and seek their continued cooperation. An awards ceremony can be organised to reward employee excellence. High performers get company wide recognition and this helps to inspire better performances from colleagues and coworkers.
Annual celebrations inculcate a spirit of unity, cooperation and excellence among the employees. So go ahead and plan for the big event now!
N. PURNIMA SRIKRISHNA
faqs@cnkonline.com
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