If your company is looking to show its employees some appreciation, a lunch outing is the perfect way to do it! However, if you want to make sure that your employee appreciation lunch is a success, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Let’s break down how to host an employee appreciation lunch, what to avoid during this lunch, and key elements involved in such an event.
What is an employee appreciation lunch?
As the name suggests, an employee appreciation lunch is a meal organized by a company to show its appreciation for the hard work of its employees. This type of event is usually held once a year, and it is often accompanied by a speech from the company's CEO or another senior executive.
The purpose of an employee appreciation lunch is twofold: first, it gives employees a chance to relax and enjoy themselves outside of work; and second, it provides an opportunity for the company to publicly show its appreciation for its employees' contribution to its success.
Of course, an employee appreciation lunch is not the only way to show appreciation for your team's hard work; however, it can be an effective way to boost morale and show your employees that their efforts are valued.
Tips for hosting a successful employee appreciation lunch
Employee appreciation lunches are a great way to show your team how much you value their hard work. But if you've never hosted one before, the prospect of planning and executing a successful event can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose a venue that will be comfortable for everyone. If you have a large team, you'll want to make sure the space can accommodate everyone comfortably. Similarly, if you have team members with special dietary needs, be sure to choose a venue that can accommodate those requirements. Keep in mind, if your building is set up in a way to accommodate a large luncheon, then feel free to host it on-premise. Just make sure to reinforce the idea that this is an event designed to help employees relax and feel valued – not feel like they have to work more.
Plan an engaging program. A successful employee appreciation lunch is more than just food and small talk. Take the time to plan an engaging program that will truly show your team how much you appreciate their contributions. This could include awards, speeches, or even fun activities like trivia or games.
Make it memorable. The goal of an employee appreciation lunch is to show your team how much you value their hard work. So be sure to take lots of photos and send out a follow-up email with all the highlights from the event. This can help bring everyone together and get them excited about a potential future luncheon.
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What to avoid during an employee appreciation lunch
When hosting an employee appreciation lunch, there are a few things to avoid if you want the event to be successful.
First, avoid scheduling the lunch during regular work hours. This will ensure that everyone has enough time to eat and enjoy themselves without feeling rushed.
Second, consider avoiding alcohol at the lunch. While a few drinks may be appropriate at a later time, if employees are expected to return back to work afterwards, then it is best to stick to non-alcoholic beverages.
Finally, steer clear of any negativity. This is not the time to bring up any problems or grievances - save that for another day. Instead, focus on the positives and express your genuine appreciation for your team's efforts.
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How often should you host an employee appreciation lunch?
Employee appreciation lunches can be a great opportunity to promote employee bonding and team building. However, you don't want to overdo it or else your employees might start to see these lunches as a chore.
A good rule of thumb is to host an employee appreciation lunch once a quarter. This gives you ample opportunities to showcase your appreciation – without making the lunches feel like a burden. Plus, it gives employees a special event to look forward to multiple times throughout the year.
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Should you give a speech at an employee appreciation lunch?
Giving a speech at an employee appreciation lunch is a great way to show your appreciation for your employees' hard work. Not only will it give them a chance to hear how much you value their contributions, but it will also help to build morale and encourage them to keep up the good work. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to give a speech.
Keep it short and to the point. Your employees are likely to be hungry, so they won't want to hear a long, drawn-out speech.
Focus on the positive. Extol the virtues of your employees and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.
Conclude with a call to action. Encourage your employees to continue working hard and remind them of the ways in which they can make a difference in the company.