The company picnic is a much loved tradition in many companies. These events can be quite effective as a morale booster for employees. Because it gives them a chance to mingle and "let down their hair," a well organized picnic with planned activities can help integrate employees with each other. This is particularly important if the company has undergone recent reorganization. As such it functions as a "team bonding" mechanism.
Picnics can be held for a department of 30 or an entire company of thousands. Like any other type of event, you need some picnic ideas to decide what you want it to look like and how much you want to spend. You can organize it by yourself or borrow picnic ideas from the staff or from many theme internet sites.And as with any event, you also want to keep the needs and tastes of your attendees paramount. You will also want to allow yourself sufficient time to book your venue if the picnic is offsite. You'll need to plan your food and beverages, and activities and entertainment.
You want to have time so you can notify your employees well enough ahead of time so they can plan accordingly-especially if you'll be inviting family members or if it is held on a weekend. Company picnics and company picnic ideas can range from the very simple to a pull-out-all-stops extravaganza. People can have a good time at both. There are pros and cons to weekday picnics versus weekend picnics. Company picnics held during a workday will ensure a greater attendance for employees. After all, your staff would be in the office anyway. And, they don't cut into precious personal time. But if you want to include family members, think about it.
WHOM do you want to invite?
Staff only? Members of the employee's immediate family? What about significant others, friends? Decide where to draw the line.
Family picnics are a great way for employees to meet families-and if you permit-friends and significant others of the employees. It humanizes co-workers by showing another dimension to their at-work personas.
On the other hand, single or divorced employees can feel like the odd wheel if it is a very family oriented event. That can be overcome by planning activities suitable for people of all ages.
Activities that require participants to form groups can help integrate the attendees. And it keeps your guests occupied.
WHERE do you want to have your company picnic?
Picnics can take place under a tent in the company's parking lot, but one of the best picnic ideas is to organize it in offsite venues where people can feel more relaxed. If you're on a strict budget, one option is a nearby state park. Many have large pavilions ideally suited for such events. An excellent option to consider is a venue that is set up especially for the company picnic. Generally these picnic parks come set up with in-house catering, and lots of picnic games and activities for the big and smaller kids. Some day camps, rent out their facilities on weekends when they are otherwise not in use. Amusement parks are another option.
Food and Beverages
If you choose to have the food catered, you don't have to worry about preparation or cleanup. Many venues such as picnic parks have in-house catering. The wonderful thing about picnic fare is that it can be very simple if you choose. Hot dogs and hamburgers are still the most popular dishes at picnics. But caterers will cater to your every whim. Decide whether you want to permit alcoholic beverages. If so, make sure there is a way to ensure that anyone who drinks a bit too much makes it home safely.
These are some of company picnic ideas and planning tips to get you started. And after you've worked so hard to plan it, be sure to go and enjoy yourself!