If you’re planning an office mixer, then there’s a lot you should keep in mind. A simple event with no solid plan in place won’t do. A proper plan, complete with a budget and agenda will help you throw the best mixer possible. It will also let you include activities and ideas to break the ice between your employees.
So, get planning and also make sure you promote your office mixer across your audience. This way, your event will be successful and will foster healthy communication and professional relationships in your company. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
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Set a budget
The first thing you need to do is create a budget. Take all expenses in account, from food and entertainment to decor and venue rental. If you’re planning to host activities, divide the budget accordingly, so that no aspect is ignored.
Make sure you write down all these expenses in one place, and get them approved by the relevant departments. Then, reach out to vendors who fit within the expenses allocated in the budget. This will make it easier to shortlist these vendors, and incorporate everything you want.
Take employee feedback
An office mixer won’t work well if you completely ignore what your employees want. So, take an initial survey where you ask people what they would like to see in the event. From theme to refreshments, you can offer options for various mixer elements.
Of course, you don’t have to include everything from the feedback you get. Pick and choose what works with your mixer, and what fits within your mixer. This will help you make your event successful and make your employees look forward to it even before it takes place. Get this feedback through a company-wide email hyping up the event. Use the corporate email templates on PosterMyWall to create an attractive email which will also spark employee enthusiasm.
Find the right vendors
Once you have everything planned and budgeted, you should start reaching out to vendors. Do your research and find what works for your budget. Then, shortlist a few options for each vendor type. Get in touch with the options on the shortlist, and see who offers the best deal. At this stage, do not be afraid to negotiate. You should also ask for demos or visits to get an idea whether the vendor is right for your office mixer.
Ideally, you should need only a few vendors to get things done effectively and within budget. If you find a good event planner who specializes in office mixers, that would be best. That way, you won’t have to make too much effort.
Send out invites
Now that you have your ducks in a row, you can work on your invites. Finalize the date, theme, and time, then create an attractive invite. Make sure you include all the relevant details. Also design this invitation according to the theme of your office mixer.
Hype up the event with a few teasers. These include an idea of what activities will be there, and what entertainment will be on offer. If you plan to invite other businesses for networking purposes, then add more details and include an RSVP too to get a proper headcount.
Incorporate fun games and ice-breakers
The whole point of an office mixer is to break the ice between employees and get everyone to interact comfortably with each other. This is essential to foster good working relationships and also grow your company. After all, if everyone is on the same page, they are more likely to work more cohesively towards your goals.
So, include some fun team games and ice-breakers. This will encourage everyone to cooperate and get to know each other. Simple games like Taboo, Pictionary, and Guess the Personality serve this purpose quite well. Just make sure you have the necessary pieces, and then encourage everyone to participate.
Serve refreshments
Your office mixer needs some refreshments to get people happy and satisfied. Set up a few snack tables, and also set up a drinks station. Make sure you are inclusive with your choices and avoid common allergens.
Also make sure you serve both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks so that no one is left out. It is a good idea to hire a bartender. This way, they can make sure no one overindulges and the atmosphere remains cordial.
Arrange some entertainment
A small performance, such as a concert, magic show, or dance will help you keep the mixer interesting. Get some entertainment for your event, so that people are excited, and appreciate your efforts.
This entertainment will also become a good conversation starter for your employees, and lead to more mingling.
In conclusion, there are many ways to plan and promote your office mixer. So, get started and take your office communication to the next level.
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