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Although it may not seem like it, it is the high time to start planning your work Christmas party if you want to take advantage of all the possibilities this event has to offer. Sure, you may be able to boost team spirit by hosting the party at your usual workplace, but you would probably be depriving yourself of other valuable benefits.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of having a party outside your workplace:

• A change of environment – if you want to see each other in a different light, it will go a lot easier if it is in different circumstances as well. The office is where you spend most of your working hours and is often associated with work pressure and stress. A change of environment will also benefit the mood.
• Flexibility in schedule – a party taking place away from the office, can offer better options in terms of time, as well as entertainment, food, and drinks. You can also avoid the potential limitations of an office environment such as low volume requirements, dance floor space or catering options.
• Investment in your employees – hosting a party away from the office often requires a bigger investment, which doesn’t sound particularly appealing to the employer. However, this investment pays off in the form of higher employee morale, loyalty, and satisfaction. It shows that you’re willing to invest in your people, and that you simply value them.
• An opportunity to incorporate interesting experiences – opening up opportunities to incorporate unique experiences that wouldn’t be possible in an office setting. Examples include live music, dance performances, workshops, or other team building activities that could be included. Additionally, corporate spaces often do not have a convenient place to comfortably fit everyone in for these activities.

Whichever option you choose, there are two safety warnings. The first is the nature of the content or ‘entertainment’: it is always important to remember that a work Christmas party is still a professional event. Any performances, games or content should be suitable for a diverse group of people. This means avoiding controversial or politically sensitive topics or jokes that might offend someone.

And with that comes a final reminder: the work Christmas party is there to celebrate a year of work together, to look back, to have fun, to appreciate each other – just to enjoy time together. Avoid anything in the programme or the venue that points anywhere else. There will certainly be plenty of time for that at another time and it is not worth spoiling a good time with colleagues before the holidays.