Make Celebrating Safe and Fun!
‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations, and for many businesses that means CEO-hosted events. Planning and hosting a successful holiday party involves many considerations, from making sure the food is tasty to precepting appropriate employee behavior. The holiday season can bring unwelcome stress to the executive suite, with the possibility of expensive HR incidents, as well as reputational damage from gossip about inappropriate employee conduct. Fortunately, there are simple steps that CEOs can take to ensure their holiday party runs smoothly and every guest has an enjoyable time.
This article provides an easy-to-follow guide for CEOs in order to ace the holiday party season and make sure their event is protected from HR incidents. It addresses key considerations such as party planning, etiquette, employee behavior, and tips to make sure everyone is having a good time. Whether hosting a dinner at a local restaurant or a holiday event in the office, the ultimate goal is to create a festive and stress-free atmosphere. So, read on and learn the secret to throwing the best holiday bash around!
Planning
Start the planning process early; don’t wait until the holiday season is already here. Make sure you clearly communicate the event expectations, including expected dress code and time of arrival, to all employees in advance. Discuss the budget and event themes (eg. formal vs. casual) with your team. Orchestrate the occasion so that it is pleasant for everyone attending.
Choose the Right Venue
The venue represents the setting for the holiday party; choose a spot that best matches the tone of the occasion. Decide the size that best suits your event (including appropriate catering); if it’s a larger event, consider renting out a larger space in advanced. Consider booking a dedicated party planner if your budget enables it.
Food
The food is an essential part of the festivities, no matter how informal the event. Try to keep the menu in line with the theme of the party and make sure there are options for guests with different dietary needs. Offer a selection of beverages to accommodate different tastes.
Decorations
Bringing decorations to the party often sets the tone, so make sure to plan specific colors and themes to match the party. When using rented items, always check the return policy, look out for any restrictions, and confirm the duration of the hiring period.
Entertainment
If you plan to have music or other forms of entertainment, make sure to look into permits, licenses, and any associated city regulations. Choose entertainment that aligns with the tone of the party (eg. a DJ, a live band, etc.).
Etiquette
One of the main areas of concern for CEOs is ensuring that guests understand appropriate etiquette while attending the event. Remind employees of basic rules of etiquette such as not playing loud music, not using foul language. Make sure staff are aware of workplace expectations when it comes to alcohol consumption. Stressing these topics ahead of time will help limit any potential awkwardness or inappropriate behavior.
Employee Conduct
Ensure that all guests are treated in a respectful manner during your event. Consider creating a clear policy that outlines the types of language and behavior that are and are not acceptable. By setting expectations ahead of time, you can remind guests to be mindful during the festivities.
Guests
Make sure you have invited the appropriate number of guests for your event. When inviting guests, review their social media profiles to make sure they conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.
Negative Attention
Once the party is over, do not forget the possibility of negative attention from employees, former employees, or even the media. Make sure you are prepared to deal with any negative fallout from the event. Have an action plan in place for dealing with any situation that could arise in order to minimize the potential impact of any negative attention.
Safety
Finally, make sure the environment is safe by ensuring there is adequate screening for the guests. Provide alcohol-free beverages and designate a “no drinking” area if needed. Have sober staff members (including the CEO) circulating the party to keep an eye of the proceedings.
Planning for a holiday party requires thought and preparation in order to create an enjoyable and safe atmosphere for all guests. By starting the planning process early, clearly communicating expectations to staff, and taking into account the proper venue and decorations, the event can be orchestrated to meet the desired tone. Food and entertainment that fit the theme should be provided, thus allowing for a pleasurable experience for all in attendance. Appropriate etiquette and a strict code of conduct should be followed and emphasized for all guests. Finally, have an action plan prepared in case of negative attention and a safe environment for all involved. With an attentive eye to these details, your team can work together to create a holiday party that everyone remembers.
