The success of your small business relies heavily on your staff. The holidays are a great time for team building exercises and to show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work.  Here are just a few fun ideas for this year’s company holiday party.

Potluck Dinner

A potluck is a great way to bring your team together and let them show off their cooking talents. Set out a sign-up sheet in the weeks prior to your party so people can note what they’ll be bringing.  This will ensure a good variety of dishes. Also, everyone should include a list of ingredients along with their dishes in case you have employees with food allergies. It can also be fun to include a theme for your potluck. This time of year, it may be a particular holiday or simply the winter season in general. Carve out a time when you won’t be super busy and everyone will be able to enjoy some great food and conversation.

Holiday Play

There are usually a wide variety of holiday plays that your team can attend during this time of year.  Take a poll of your employees to determine which one you’ll go see. You’ll of course want to fit the bill for this outing and if the budget allows you should also invite the families of your staff. This will make for a very festive atmosphere where people will get to know each other on a more personal level. Including a trip to a nice restaurant as part of your outing is also a great idea. 

Secret Santa

Secret Santa is a fun way to organize your holiday gift exchange and ensures that everyone who wants to participate gets a chance to give and receive a gift. Put all of your participants names into a hat and have each person draw a name as their recipient. Setting a limit on how much each person can spend ensures a level playing field for giving. Set aside a time where everyone can get together in your store or office and open their gifts. This is a fun team building exercise that is sure to put your staff in the holiday mood.

Happy Hour

Schedule an after-hours event at a local restaurant and invite your staff to enjoy happy hour. This should include drinks and appetizers and allow for family members to attend as well. Organize your party with the management of the venue you’re using so they can be prepared. Hand out drink tickets so that each of your staff members can have a couple of drinks on you and your spending doesn’t get out of control. 

Holiday Trivia

Holding a trivia contest at your location or at a local restaurant is a fun way to bring holiday cheer to your staff. You can make it holiday themed or match the theme to the interests of your team. You can give out prizes to the winners as well as participation gifts for everyone who plays. As the owner of the company, you should be the host. Take advantage of the spotlight to compliment your employees on the hard work they’ve done throughout the year.