Planning a Work Happy Hour: The Key Steps to Take
Did you know that employees with workplace friends are three times more likely to say they love their company? If you are interested in retaining employees, you want to improve their job satisfaction.
You can do this by building relationships. One great way to build relationships in the workplace is through work happy hours.
If you’re interested in planning a happy hour for work, keep reading to understand the key steps you need to take.
Get Approval
Make sure that your work is okay with the planning of a happy hour. Some offices may allow you to host a happy hour in the office.
Other offices may not be willing to sanction a happy hour. If this is the case, you want to make sure that when you invite people, you do so in a way that does not get you in trouble.
Add Variety
If you’re going to a restaurant or bar for your happy hour for work, there will be some great choices. However, if you’re hosting your happy hour at work, you will need to be sure to provide variety.
When it comes to variety, be sure to recognize that not everyone likes beer or wine. Provide different options so that no one feels left out. Take the time to talk to your coworkers.
Ask what their preferred drink is. Another consideration is that beer has gluten. If you have gluten intolerant coworkers, be sure to provide gluten-free options.
Also, consider the fact that there might be people who want to attend and not drink. This could be personal preference, or they might be sober. You want to be inclusive with your happy hour, which involves providing options for your sober work friends.
Grab Snacks
A happy hour isn’t complete without snacks. Grab snacks for your happy hour if you’re planning to have it in the office.
Do not forget to consider special dietary concerns. This will ensure that you provide options for everyone. Veggie and fruit trays are always great choices.
Also, keep the labels and put the labels next to the food. This will allow everyone to see what they are grabbing.
Don’t Forget Virtual Coworkers
If you want to have a work happy hour but you and your coworkers are virtual and spread out, have a virtual happy hour. Happy hour ideas like this also still allow for social distancing.
You can send a virtual happy hour gift basket to the members attending. This will allow for everyone to have snacks and drinks. You can spend the time chatting and getting to know each other.
If you want to plan an activity, you can do online games. Gaming platforms such as Jackbox games allow you to play games online together.
Plan Your Work Happy Hour
A work happy hour provides the opportunity to bond and build relationships with coworkers. Make sure you take the steps to be inclusive and ensure that you are planning it well.
Was this article helpful? Check out more articles in our work-life section for more ideas and tips.