Making Your Company Picnic a Success

Are you running a company picnic this summer? Company picnics can be extremely successful, or they can be dreary events where everyone is miserable under their sunscreen. Running a successful picnic that people actually enjoy takes quite a bit of planning and thought.

What Makes a Company Picnic Successful?

The first sign that your company picnic is going to be a success is if most people willingly attend. The space should also be a good fit for employees and guests…neither so small some people are left on the outside nor so big that people are rattling around. If children are welcomed, make sure there are plenty of activities for them. People taking pictures is also a sign your event is successful.

The Importance of Time Together and Away From Work

A well hosted company picnic can have an enormous and positive impact on morale. It boosts engagement, encourages bonding, and promotes work-life balance. This is particularly true if you allow employees to bring their family members. One of the advantages of a picnic over other kinds of parties is that alcohol is not necessarily expected. Regardless of person preferences, this simple choice automatically makes your company picnic more inclusive. Spouses of your employees with children will tend to be more comfortable as well.

You can also add outdoor games and activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle and help people take a break from their routine. Some companies give out employee awards at the picnic. Raffles, door prizes and live music all enhance the atmosphere. All of this can improve morale, but you need to make sure it doesn’t turn into the dreaded “mandatory fun.” In fact, it’s best to avoid making the company picnic compulsory. Doing so can open you up to liability in the event of an injury.

Entertainment & Games Are For Everyone

Providing entertainment can help. Ensure there’s ample space and that the games don’t interfere with lively conversation. If your venue allows, bring in live music or a DJ. Our company picnics almost always involve outdoor games such as cornhole or tug-of-war. If you have people into pickleball, consider choosing a venue with courts nearby.

You can also do team-building challenges and make sure to include kid-friendly activities such as face painting or a bounce house. Theme activities to match what your business does, and consider giving away some swag, such as water bottles or cup holders. Make sure that you consider the demographics and needs of your team so that disabled or older members don’t feel left out. And while games are for everyone, don’t hassle anyone who chooses not to participate.

Remember the Food

Most company picnics are catered. Be sure to account for those with food sensitivities and those with young children. Remembering that some kids can be picky-eaters will help to put the parents in your company at ease. Make sure your picnic is inclusive. At a minimum, attendees should be able to put together a good meal if they are vegan, gluten free, or have common allergies. For example, if your picnic is a cookout, provide some Impossible or similar burgers and hot dogs as well as meat based products. For some employees, gluten free buns, and alternatives such as a salad “bun” or wrap. For desserts, a few options are always a good idea. While chocolate is one of the most common favorites, fruit options are a great idea. Provide water as well as other beverages! Iced tea and lemonade are frequent favorites, and unsweetened tea provides a good option for diabetics and people trying to cut down on sugar. Have plenty of plain water. It helps keep your guests from becoming dehydrated when spending extended time outdoors and in activities. Control alcohol or avoid it altogether is a wise choice.

When you need help making your company picnic a success, contact Successful Events. We can help you host a company picnic everyone will want to attend and remember.