Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock… Do you hear that? That’s the sound of the countdown until Christmas. As of last week, we’re merely three months away from the day itself, when those who celebrate will be tucking into turkey with all the trimmings and gorging on chocolate and cheeses with regional names oft-unpronounceable.
But Christmastime is not just about the day itself, is it? The buildup to Christmas Day comes with all sorts of preparations and invitations; from friends, family members and, depending on your line of work, a staff party. As an employee, you have very little to worry about, besides perhaps finding the right denier coverage on a new pair of tights to go with your most trusted festive frock, but for business owners with employees, organising a staff party can be testing.
My first experience of a staff party came at the tender age of twenty, when I worked in fashion retail. Before that, I had only waited tables, and a staff party in the catering industry during our busiest season was a non-starter. The sales assistants and stock room lads from across the nationwide stores were all invited to pick our main dishes of choice beforehand, and a swell time was had by all on the night. Incidentally, this was the first time I experienced a Maltese fenkata, and from then on, I have always been prepared for the fried rabbit’s head it entails.
The dinner was followed by an unofficial afterparty in Paceville, where we collectively drank enough vodka to make a dent on the ph level of the River Nile. Funnily enough, we all reported for work the very next day.
Nowadays, I’m on the other side of the fence, as a sometimes-DJ and entertainer, and the staff party sector has moved on considerably from the classic dinner being the only option. Which is not to say it’s outdated. Many companies return back to their favourite restaurant of choice to celebrate and spoil their team members. There’s nothing wrong with trusted tradition! Saying this, I’ve seen some decidedly novel ideas over the past couple of years. A hired function room with finger-food catering and Music Bingo, for starters, was a memorable night which brought a quiet software team together. And a full-on fancy-dress party in a Wartime aircraft museum was as surreal as it was enjoyable.
There are wine and canvas or clay painting workshops to consider, and even treasure hunts and paint-balling sessions on the table in Malta these days. It’s all about knowing your team. An office vote, I imagine, is a democratic way of choosing the right event to suit your staff members. You wouldn’t want to alienate the more introverted members of the team with forced karaoke now, would you. The aim of a staff do, essentially, is a big thank you for all their hard work, and with any luck, an investment in employee retention.
Every company is different, and no two staff parties are the same!
While it’s great to let your hair down and throw your hang-ups to the wind during the festive season, staff parties can be ripe ground for epic misdemeanors.
Here are six tips for smooth sailing when it comes to kicking it with your colleagues.
Do – Plan your trip home
Ditch the car if you’re expecting to drink alcohol. You’ll save yourself any parking hassle too! Link up with a sober designated driver friend beforehand, or take the bus to cut the costs to zero with your Tal-Linja card.
Do – Go along with the theme
If you’ve been asked to dress up in a particular themed costume, don’t hold back! Fancy dress is a fun way to connect with your colleagues in the lead up to the event. A Christmas jumper is always a crowd-pleaser, as are reindeer antler headbands, bauble earrings and Santa hats—just go with it.
Don’t – Ask if your partner can join
Unlike weddings, staff parties are just that— meant for staff members. The point of the do is to reminisce on all the year’s funniest (and most dramatic) moments and have a jolly old time with your fellow team members. Your significant other will most likely have to sit this one out!
Don’t – Arrive late
Office Managers take on a huge task each year of organising the end-of-year shindig, and, even if you know the venue and what to expect, there might be some big surprises thrown in that you’re not aware of! Arriving just on time will mean you won’t miss a thing, and that any games and appetizers can begin on time.
Do – Chip in for the Boss’ gift
It’s traditional in Malta to form a kitty for the boss or bosses’ Christmas present, which is usually a voucher or something pre-decided and generally a little pricey, such as an original artwork or something sculptural. If you’re new to the Islands, this might come as a surprise, but being asked for €20 in December towards a big gift is totally normal across all sectors.
Do – Eat beforehand
If you’re sticking to a diet, it’s a good idea to fuel up beforehand. Events canapés can be deceivingly calorific, and you’re more likely to be able to avoid those delicious puff-pastry fancies if you’ve already eaten! Saying this, Christmas is the time to let your hair down, so don’t be too strict with yourself either.
Have yourself a Merry Christmas countdown – and I hope to see you on a dancefloor soon!
