The party season

With the holiday season fast approaching, many business owners are thinking long and hard about whether or not to throw a party for the office this year. With lower revenues and fewer resources available for most businesses in what's being called The Great Recession, it may seem like a no-brainer to postpone or cancel a holiday celebration. However, most experts agree that business leaders would be wise to re-think a strategy of scarcity and instead consider the positive impacts that celebrating the firm's survival and the sacrifices everyone in the organization has made to make it through these challenging times.

Throwing a holiday party even a modest one shows employees that they are appreciated, especially in these trying times. Keeping employee morale and spirits up can also have a beneficial effect on the bottom line with greater productivity and a "can do" attitude.

But, what should you do if hosting a holiday party is not in your budget? Consider modifying your tradition to make this year's event more appropriate for your company's situation.

Not only do you not want to spend money you don't have available, you don't want your employees to feel the party is over the top. Your employees have been along for the ride with you dealing in some cases with layoffs and compensation cutbacks in their own households. They likely feel the situation as much as you do, so having an extravagant party may leave them feeling like they would have rather had the money or that the company is not using its funds in the best way possible.

The moral of the story: Have a party to show your employees they are indeed appreciated but observe some simple "do's and don'ts" this year:

Don't go overboard.

Over-spending when staff is taking pay cuts will only hurt morale. You don't want your staff wishing they would rather have the money.

Don't invite families.

You can keep your budget down and have your celebration at lunch or right after work. For cocktail parties after work, keep it to 60 to 90 minutes to control cost. But do remember to observe your employees' personal time. It is the holidays and they would likely like be with their families so try to regard that as well. If you are not going to include families don't have the party on a weekend.

Don't think you have to have your party in December.

There are so many things going on in December that January has become a celebration month. More venues are available and pricing may be better. Plus you may have better attendance because of scheduling conflicts before the holiday.

Don't encourage over-drinking.

A simple beverage station with red and white wine, two types of beer, and non- alcoholic beverages (mandatory) is perfect. You can add a fun mocktail to the mix or have a totally alcohol-free event.

Do think of creative ways to have an event.

Bring in lunch and then give the staff the rest of the day off perfect on Christmas Eve. Honor birthdays for the year or have a little mixer once a month. Celebrate the company anniversary or end of the year with a happy hour mixer. Theme it! Dickens, South of the Border, Retro, Pan-Pacific have fun with it! Simple decor can add a lot to the energy of an event and to the office. Think of an interesting location go bowling or ice skating.

Do hold your party on a week day.

Parties held on any day but Saturday may be less expensive. You will also have more choices when it comes to a venue or engaging a caterer.

Do hire a caterer.

Many restaurants that do not serve dinner have a nominal fee to have an after-hours event. There are many budget-savvy options available. Great food can be dropped off at the office or be brought into many of the local smaller drinking establishments that don't provide food service. The employer can host two beverages and the food after that, the employees are on their own.

Do remember to thank whomever it is that organizes the celebration.

It is their holiday, too, and organizing takes them away from their "to do" list.

Do remember the spirit of the holiday.

Think of ways you can help your community along with your staff. There are so many that don't have a job. Instead of a gift exchange, sponsor a family in need. Volunteer at a local non-profit. Whether it is a dining hall, food bank, soup kitchen, distributing turkeys they could all use an extra hand.

Company holiday parties should show your appreciation as an employer for everything your employees do over the year. In a time where morale may be an issue, it is important to take the time. That being said, holiday celebrations don't have to be elaborate or expensive to accomplish that. In fact, if your company has had to make tough choices over the year like so many others, spending a lot of money on a party may do more harm than good. Make the gesture in a way that does not cost you more than you can afford.

Debbie Branby is the owner of The Cheese Board and Wine Seller. Contact her at 323-3115 or debbie@thecheeseboard.biz.