Office birthday parties are a fun light-hearted way to foster stronger relations in the workplace. Remembering your co-workers' birthday makes them feel appreciated. However, taking the extra step to plan an office party is a sure way to elevate work culture and build stronger connections within the workplace.
Here is a guide to planning a killer office birthday party to make your co-worker feel special.
When planning a celebration for a co-worker, it's essential to tailor the theme to their personality, whether they lean towards introversion or extroversion. Considering their individual traits helps narrow down the thematic options. For instance, if your co-worker prefers a more intimate setting, organizing a board games-themed event is an excellent choice, creating an atmosphere conducive to a small, close-knit group.
On the flip side, for those who enjoy a livelier celebration, a karaoke-themed night or an 80’s-themed party could be just the ticket. Other popular theme ideas include 'The Office,' sports-related activities, and engaging murder mysteries. While not every office birthday needs a theme, incorporating one can add an exciting twist to the celebration. Themes serve as an uplifting element for co-workers and can spark interesting conversations during the festivities.
Select a venue and time that suits all your co-workers' schedules. To ensure maximum participation, it is important to coordinate using their schedules to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Litespace offers an event management feature that allows you to put into consideration everyone’s availability. It suggests times that synchronize across schedules and viable venue options.
Plan ahead to secure items that contribute to your theme and meet budget expectations. Place your order well before time to guarantee item availability and select similar replacements within the same price range if need be.
Part of planning ahead includes collecting data on allergies, preferences, reputable catering and distribution companies.
Send out communication and invitations at least two weeks before the intended date to allow coworkers space to plan and RSVP.
Crafting invitations could be a fun way to tap into your creative outlet. Platforms such as Canva and Adobe offer you the option to design an invitation from scratch or edit a quick featured template.
Access the room earlier on to plan your layout, making it a faster and easier set up on the day of the birthday celebration.
If the venue is within the office building, it is vital to find out if it is in use at any given time during the date of your event. This allows you to factor in the amount of time you have to set up before your big event. This can be the difference between your vision coming to life and shabbily put together decorations.
Remember to ask for help and enjoy the bonding experience that comes with coming together to celebrate one of your own.
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Now that your office birthday party is set up, allow your guests to mingle and set the atmosphere. As we all know, it can be difficult to loosen up among your managers or your co-workers, therefore, have a couple of ice breakers ready on hand to help ease the anxiety.
Good icebreakers should be inclusive, act as an energy booster and best of all engaging. Hubspot has a diverse compilation of ice breakers ranging from technical to extremely simple icebreakers you can peruse for the office birthday party.
Lastly, don't forget to have a little speech and cut some cake!
Whether you plan an elaborate office celebration or you opt for an intimate gathering, celebrating your co-worker on their birthday is a lovely way to bring the office together. It not only shows your co-worker they are appreciated but also fosters deeper relationships within the office space. Playing ice breaker games, singing karaoke or singing happy birthday together creates a festive atmosphere that's sure to leak into the next day's productivity!
Ruby is a Marketing and Content Intern at Litespace. She is eager to apply her background in communications to transform thoughts into words and ideas into engaging narratives.
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