The annual company picnic is a popular custom at many companies.
It’s a great opportunity for employees to meet and “let loose the hair.”
A well-planned company event with planned activities and a picnic can aid in bringing employees closer to each other and help them get to know each other. This is especially important when the business has gone through a recent restructuring. It functions as a “team bonding” process.
A corporate picnic could be arranged for an entire company of thousands or one department of 30 people.
In my job as an entertainer for parties (and before that, a, a corporate employee), I’ve been to many of these occasions. Here are some of the observations as well as tips and suggestions I have picked up during the course of my travels.
General Aspects
As with any other event, you have to choose what you want your picnic to look like and what amount you would like to invest.
Like any other occasion, it is essential to consider the wants and preferences of your guest’s top of mind.
Give yourself enough time to reserve the location if it is not on site. The demand for certain locations is high in peak times. It is not unusual to book reservations a few months or more prior to the date.
It is essential to plan your refreshments and food as well as entertainment and, in certain cases, transportation to the picnic spot.
Make sure you can give your employees enough notice in advance to include the picnic in their plans. This is particularly important in the event that you’ll be inviting relatives or guests, especially when it’s held on the weekend.
Corporate picnics and picnic ideas range from the simplest to an all-out party. My impression is that the attendees are having fun at both.
Do you wish to create A theme? It’s entertaining! It also makes it easier to arrange food and entertainment.
When do you plan to organize your company’s picnic?
In the Philadelphia region, businesses hold their annual picnics from June until early October.
Things like your business’s workflow, the accessibility of a venue you want to use or venue, etc. These factors can help you decide on the time. Employees are more likely to take a vacation in September or June; however, they’ll relish the opportunity to relax during the months of July and August.
There are pros and cons of picnics on weekends versus weekdays.
Corporate picnics that are held during a working day will result in a better attendance of employees during times when they typically work at work. They also don’t take away precious time for personal activities.
However, spouses and children are usually more willing to go on an evening out on the weekend.
Who do you wish to invite?
Only employees? Employees, who are members of their immediate family? What do you think of significant other’s family members? Determine which line to draw.
Family picnics are an excellent opportunity for employees to get together with the families of their colleagues. They can make coworkers feel more human by relaxing their professional selves.
However, individuals who are divorced or separated may feel like an outcast at a family-oriented celebration. It is possible to overcome this by planning events that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.
Group activities that need participants may aid in integrating the participants. It also keeps your guests busy.
Where do you want to host your corporate picnic?
Many picnics are held under a tent on the parking lot of the business, and offsite locations can help people feel more comfortable. If you’re on a tight budget, one possibility is to use a nearby state park. There are many large pavilions that are designed for such occasions.
I’ve also attended corporate picnics that are held in the house of the firm’s CEO or the owner. This type of setting provides an inviting flavour to the celebrations. In certain instances, the structures were set up in order that guests could take care of their requirements without having to go into the home of the host.
One option worth considering is a location that has been specifically designed to host the corporate picnic. The majority of picnic parks are with in-house catering as well as many games and games for children, large and small. Certain day camps rent their facilities on weekends when they are not utilized.
River cruises and amusement parks are two other options.
Tip: Plan B in the event of rain.
A few Plan B options include:
A tent with a wall or access to an on-site structure
Insurance for events
o A rain date
Be aware that if you choose rain dates, your entertainers and vendors may require an additional fee to secure for the next date. This is due to the fact that they need to refuse other customers in the summer months to ensure that they have a slot for you.
Food and beverages
If you decide to have your food prepared, it isn’t necessary to worry about the preparation or to clean up. Many picnic parks offer catering in-house. Catering companies are experts in catering corporate picnics.
The best part about picnic food is that it is easy and filling. Burgers and hot dogs are popular choices for picnics. But they’re not mandatory, and caterers can cater to your preferences.
Make sure the menu is adaptable enough to meet the needs of people with special needs or preferences. Today, you can find a lot of vegetarians and meat-eaters, as well as those who follow Atkins, South Beach, and various other diets. Muslims and Jews might not want to consume pork.
Therefore, having at least one option that is non-meat and non-pork is a good option. If you are planning a picnic with a theme, the menu could be a reflection of it.
Determine if you would like to allow alcohol consumption. If yes, ensure that you can make sure that anyone who drinks a little excessively makes it home in a safe manner.
Include activities for children of the appropriate age, as well as games
Certain venues like picnic parks are able to offer a variety of activities. But, you might want to add additional activities. Entertainers like DJs, caricature artists, Tarot card readers, face painters, magicians and clowns are a few well-known additions.
The door prize is a popular company picnic concept at numerous companies. Door prizes serve as employee recognition and also as an incentive to encourage employees to stay.
Examples of prizes I’ve seen include a certificate that can be used to purchase a meal with two people at the local eatery or gift card at a local department shop or a day of play and even a complimentary vacation that includes round-trip airline tickets.
Here are some corporate picnic ideas and tips for planning to help you get going.
The most important point is one that I leave for the end of the year. After you’ve spent a lot of time planning and organizing your event, make sure to take a break and have fun!
