- Published
At the end of the year, many workplaces start planning Christmas parties or end-of-year celebrations. These events are a great way to celebrate the year together, thank your team for their hard work, and create lasting memories.
If you’re in charge of planning this year’s festivities, here are some HR-friendly ideas to keep everyone smiling, including HR!
1. Lunch or Dinner
Sometimes, the classic options are the best. A team lunch or dinner at a nice venue, perhaps with a few drinks, never disappoints. It’s a chance to dress up, enjoy a delicious meal together, and relax outside the office.
Tips:
-
Ask your team to vote on the top three venue options.
-
Check for food allergies or dietary restrictions.
-
Think beyond restaurants — options include a river cruise, high tea, sports venue, comedy club, or theatre.
-
For family-friendly or budget-conscious events, consider a picnic in the park or a BBQ on the beach. Covered areas are a good backup in case of bad weather.
2. Team Activities
Team activities are a fun way to bond and mix up the usual end-of-year routine. Matching team merchandise, like polos, caps, or Christmas-themed shirts, can add a festive touch.
Ideas (including family-friendly options):
Barefoot Bowls
Head to a bowling club for some relaxed fun with barefoot bowling. It is a great accessible activity, so everyone can join in and many of the clubs offer food and drink.
Cooking Class
Because who doesn’t love food?! A cooking class is a great option for your team to bond and learn something new. Plus, it will give the team the energy to keep the party going!
Beach Party Games
Want to get outdoors and active this year, why not head to the beach for some fun – Food, drink, Volleyball, Cricket, Beach Tennis, Spike Ball, Beach Boule….. A Great option for all the family.
Escape Room
If your team likes a good challenge, then completing an immersive adventure game in an escape room may be a good option for you.
Amazing Race/Scavenger Hunt
Depending on where your team are located, a scavenger hunt or amazing race-style challenge could work. This allows you and the team to get out of the office and explore your local city together.
Bowling
Whether ten-pin or lawn bowls, this is a great idea that caters for everyone, any time of day, especially if you are allowing partners and little ones to attend the event.
Putt Putt
Another one that caters for everyone, including kids, and can be held at any time of day.
Go-Karting
Go-karting is always a hit for the kids and adults alike, and you’ll be impressed by the competition and camaraderie you witness between team members. Some places even offer a podium finish and trophies!
Karaoke Night
Whilst this may not appeal to everyone at first, you can guarantee that it will be a fun night for everyone involved.
Visit a Theme Park
There are many theme parks in Queensland (and other states) offering group packages during the day and night.
Deep Sea Fishing
Pack your fishing shirt and hat and make a day of it! Usually, these charters and tours are catered too, so food and drinks won’t be a worry!
Paint & Sip
Take the stress out of Christmas by getting creative with your team through painting, music, and good times in an art studio. Oh, and did we mention it’s BYO?!
Axe Throwing / Batting Cage
These places are popping up in most capital cities and may be the perfect place for your next event!
Give Back
Embrace the true meaning of Christmas and spread some cheer by doing something special for those in need. You may want to consider donating to a charity or arranging hampers and meals to a shelter.
3. Secret Santa
If the company or a group of employees organises a ‘Secret Santa’ gift exchange, ensure that employees understand that any gifts they purchase must be ‘G’ rated. This means that the recipient or others who will see the present (or even hear of it afterwards), should not have cause for offence leading to a possible breach of the organisation’s Sexual Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Policy. All gifts must be suitable for family viewing!
Also be sure to check with everyone beforehand that they are happy to be included and the gift budget is suitable for them.
4. Virtual Party
If your employees work remotely or are spread across different locations. you may want to consider a virtual Party.
-
Dress Code: Add a theme, like Santa hats, reindeer ears, or ugly Christmas sweaters.
-
Party Packages: Send festive goodies, wine, or snacks to team members’ homes.
-
Food & Drinks: Set a budget or arrange delivery to employees’ doors.
-
Virtual Happy Hour: Share cocktail recipes and make drinks together.
-
Music: Play festive tunes during arrivals or background music while eating.
-
Games & Competitions: Bingo, trivia, gingerbread decorating, or “best ugly Christmas shirt.”
-
Time Limits: Set clear start and finish times — optional after-party for those who want to continue.
Mitigating Risk
There are many risks and obligations for employers that come with end of year parties and functions. And while we do not intend to dampen the mood, it is important that all employers are aware of these. You can read about these risks and how to manage them in our Quick Guide to Xmas Parties & Functions.
The employer should ensure employees enjoy the festive season safely. It’s advisable to remind employees that end of year events are still a work event and that they will still need to comply with the company’s policies and procedures, as they would in the usual workplace.
This memo would be a way for the employer to:
- comply with its obligation;
- demonstrate duty of care; and
- show proactiveness when it comes to employee’s safety, health, and wellbeing.
Apart from reminding employees of their obligations and encouraging them to be safe and responsible at the function and afterwards, it is also evidence that the employer took all reasonably practicable steps to prevent conduct in breach of its policies.
No matter what you decide to do, having a Christmas event is a great opportunity to say thank you to your team and provides them with the opportunity to bond at a fun and enjoyable event.
