We all know employee engagement is crucial to maintaining a positive and productive workplace. With shifting engagement budgets and priorities, businesses must find creative (and cost-effective) ways to foster a sense of community among team members. In this blog post, we will explore strategies to get the most out of your engagement budget.
Hostless Events: Embracing the DIY Approach
One clever approach to staying within budget is the concept of hostless events. Instead of relying on external hosts or facilitators, consider embracing the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. For example, DIY craft boxes can be a fantastic way to encourage creativity and collaboration among your team members. These boxes can include all the necessary materials for a fun and interactive crafting session. Try assembling succulent terrariums or crafting mosaic coasters with the help of simple instructions and watch teamwork and creativity flourish. DIY events also work great for distributed teams since they allow room for staggered sessions. After all, the best engagement event is the one that is best for your unique team.
Non-Traditional Events: Crafting Stations Over Classes
While a traditional team building workshop or class can be a great way to improve morale, there are more cost effective ways to provide that opportunity for creativity that your team is seeking. Crafting stations take the place of sit-down classes at larger employee events such as holiday parties. Try a candle making or cookie decorating station to help employees get in the spirit and leave with a lovely, personal piece rather than an expensive bag of swag that might go to waste.
Working with Event Planners: Experts at cost saving
Working with an event planner might sound like it’s not in the budget, but in reality working with an event planner at a corporate-events focused company can save you money. Collaborating with event planners can obviously be a strategic move to ensure a successful and well-organized engagement event. In addition, an event planner may be able to coordinate vendors, supplies, and other aspects of the event within their own companies, reducing costs with a more holistic approach. The services of some event planners may even be free when you plan your event using offerings from their company. With the expertise they bring to the table they can also help prevent costly mistakes such as late fees.
Fun Without Alcohol: Diverse and Inclusive Events
While social events often involve alcohol, it’s crucial to recognize that not everyone may partake. To make your engagement events more inclusive, consider organizing activities that don’t rely on alcohol for enjoyment. This could include team-building games, themed events, or crafting classes that cater to various interests. By diversifying your event offerings, you not only promote inclusivity but also keep costs in check.
Virtual Events: Celebrating Across Distances
With remote work becoming increasingly common, celebrating with a distributed team can be challenging. However, hosting virtual events can bridge the gap and allow employees from different locations to participate without the need for travel or venue expenses. Virtual engagement activities, such as online games, virtual team-building exercises, or digital celebrations, offer a cost-effective way to connect with a dispersed workforce.
Booking Well in Advance: Securing Discounts and Savings
Planning ahead is a fundamental strategy for managing an employee engagement budget effectively. By booking venues, services, or activities well in advance, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and secure better deals. Proactive planning not only helps in staying within budget but also ensures that you have ample time to explore various options and negotiate favorable terms. Working to develop a calendar for the full year in advance can set you up for success managing your budget and finding the best opportunities for cost saving.
Making the most of your employee engagement budget requires a strategic and creative approach. Embrace hostless and non-traditional events, work with event planners who offer holistic models, prioritize diverse and inclusive activities, leverage virtual events for distributed teams, and always plan well in advance. By implementing these strategies, you can foster a positive workplace culture without breaking the bank. Remember, employee engagement doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag – it’s about creating meaningful experiences that resonate with your team.
