Planning an office party everyone can actually enjoy
Timing, food, drinks and activities for a company party that works for parents, non-drinkers, remote staff and people who'd rather not dance.
An office party has a harder job than a party with friends. The guest list includes people at very different stages of life, some of whom would genuinely rather be home. You won't please everyone, but a few decisions make it a lot easier to want to show up.
Hold it when people can come
A party at 7 p.m. on a Saturday asks parents to find a sitter and asks everyone else to give up a weekend night. A late-afternoon party on a weekday, ending close to normal quitting time, usually gets better attendance and fewer apologies.
Make the non-alcoholic options good
A real mocktail, not just soda, tells non-drinkers they were thought about. Put it on the same menu card as the cocktails, with the same care.
Ask about food once, early
One question in the RSVP covers allergies, vegetarian and religious restrictions. Label the dishes at the buffet so people don't have to ask.
Have something to do besides talk
Not everyone is comfortable making conversation with a vice president for two hours. Low-pressure activities help: a game table, a photo booth, a short trivia round about the company's year. They give quieter people an easy way in.
Remember the people who aren't there
If part of the team works remotely or has to cover a shift, send them something: a gift card for lunch, a box of what everyone else is eating, or the photos from the night.
For the logistics side, the holiday party checklist covers dates, budget and vendors.