Tips for Planning a Company Mixer in the Office
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Hosting a company mixer is a great way to boost morale and create connections among colleagues. The goal is to bring people together and foster a sense of community within the company. We’ve outlined tips for planning a company mixer in the office that will leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Integrate Different Teams
The magic of a successful company mixer lies in bringing together employees who rarely cross paths. You’d be surprised how much coworkers in different departments might have in common. Use this opportunity to encourage cross-departmental conversations, which can help dissolve silos and build cohesion on a larger scale.
Include Your Remote Workers
With remote work shaping future employment, it’s likely that you have at least a few employees who don’t come into the office at all. They might not even reside in the same city and, therefore, won’t be able to make it in for the mixer. That shouldn’t mean getting left out of all the fun.
Social isolation is one of the top challenges of remote work, so make a deliberate effort to include these employees. You can set up a live video call so they can interact with their in-office colleagues. Even simple additions—such as mailing them a snack box or hosting virtual games—can go a long way in making them feel like a valued part of the team, even from miles away.
Plan Fun Icebreakers
Getting everyone out of their workday mindset is easier when you kick things off with fun icebreaker questions or activities. Go beyond the predictable name and title intros. Ask something more personal, like “What’s been the highlight of your week?” or “What is your go-to comfort food?” These questions give employees a chance to share a bit of themselves while keeping the atmosphere light.
Once the intros are out of the way, ramp things up with party games. Trivia competitions, charades, or even a quick Pictionary session can energize the room and get everyone laughing.
Provide Food and Drink
Snacks or a buffet catering to various dietary preferences can keep the energy high and attendees comfortable. Be sure to offer a variety of drink options, such as sodas, juice, and water, to keep everyone refreshed and hydrated.
Clean Before and After
The importance of commercial cleaning and sanitizing becomes evident when so many come in and interact with each other. A clean space sets the right tone for welcoming employees and minimizes the spread of germs, especially when you involve food and drinks.
Make sure your facilities are spotless before the event starts, and arrange for professional sanitization afterward.
Build Connections That Last
Planning a successful company mixer takes a bit of effort, but the benefits of team bonding and building a positive work culture are well worth it. With these tips for planning a company mixer in the office, you’ll be well on your way to hosting an event that fosters connection, collaboration, and plenty of laughs!