PaperDirect Blog PaperDirect Blog

December 29, 2017

7 Fun Days to Celebrate in the Office

Filed under: Office Fun — Tags: , , , — Megan Duffy @ 9:00 am
fun days to celebrate in the office

Just because the winter holidays and parties are coming to a close doesn’t mean that you have to give up the celebrations with your coworkers. Office gatherings like parties and group outings can drastically improve morale, which, in turn, increases office efficiency.

Sure, you’ve got all the big holidays covered, but you can also plan small celebrations for uncommon holidays. Here are some alternative holidays to add to your calendar to keep your office fun and functional all year long.

National Puzzle Day (January 29)

See if your entire team can put together a complicated jigsaw puzzle in a single day. Team members can work on the puzzle when they need a break or between meetings. If they assemble the puzzle by the end of the day, reward them with a complimentary meal or an afternoon off.

puzzled post-it notes giveaways

First Day of Spring (March 21)

If you work in a small office, go for a walk or host a picnic so your employees can enjoy the spring weather. If it’s still a bit chilly, consider taking your staff out to lunch instead.

Earth Day (April 22)

You can take Earth Day as an opportunity to get outside once more, or you can get your office organized to volunteer at an environmental charity. Your team will love helping out organizations who need it, and they’ll get outside the cubicle to enjoy nature.

Superman’s Birthday (June 30)

Celebrate the birth of an icon by taking everyone out for a movie, or by bringing some superhero films into the office. Whether you’re watching Superman films or you just take some time to check out a new flick, your office will appreciate the break.

The Dundies (September 20)

Demonstrate your employee appreciation by getting some certificates made up with silly awards for each person in the office. Be sure to host a screening of The Office’s Dundies episode!

picnic theme casual invites

World Food Day (October 16)

Organize a potluck in the office or cater some unique international food for your employees to try on World Food Day. Whether you taste Ethiopian cuisine or sample some unique Chinese dishes, your employees will enjoy bonding over delicious food.

Stay at Home Because You’re Well Day (November 30)

Your office will think you’re the best boss ever if you plan for everyone to stay home and work from the couch. Your team can use their laptops to work remotely, and they’ll love getting to work in their pajamas for the day.

No matter what fun days you decide to celebrate in the office, you’ll have to get the word out to your employees. Browse PaperDirect’s selection of invites and stationery to help spread the word!

January 2, 2017

How to Host a Chili or Crock Pot Cook-off at Work

Hosting a chili or crock pot cookoff is a simple and easy way to get the office to mingle during lunch. Also, food!

Here are some quick tips and an email template that you can use during your office’s next cook-off challenge.

Tips

Email Twice – People forget. Make sure you let your employees know about 10 days in advance and then email them the day before too.

Calendar Invite – Include a calendar invite as well.

Kitchen Signs – Tape festive signs in the kitchen to keep this cook-off top of mind.

Provide Ideas – Providing some inspiration will increase cook-off participation. (example in email template below)

Make it a Contest – At the end of your lunch, have people vote; for the best, the worst, and the most unique. Give the winners a small prize (coffee gift card or treat) to provide more incentive.

Provide Drinks or Fixins’ – As a company, you can make the cook-off better by providing something to compliment the food. Whether they are beverages or fixings (crackers, seasoning, cheese) this is a way to take your lunch to a whole other level.

Bowls! – Don’t forget disposable bowls and flatware for an easy cleanup.

chili pepper stationery for chili cookoffs

Email Template

Feel free to use this email template to send to your team.


The time has come…

To dust off your crock pot and put on your chef’s hat. We’re having a chili cook-off on [DATE]!

How it works:

  1. Sign up to bring your signature chili (any style you want)
  2. Everyone will gather at lunch to taste, enjoy, and vote
  3. Top chili chef wins an awesome prize (plus bragging rights)

Provided by us: Chips, sour cream, cheese, and tortillas 

Please let us know if you’re planning on making a chili for the cookoff by emailing back. If you’ve never made homemade chili before, check out this Pinterest board for inspiration. 


Other Cook-off Ideas

If chili isn’t your office’s jam, there are plenty of other cook-off ideas, including:

  • Soups & Stews (perfect for Fall!)
  • Anything Crockpot
  • Dips
  • Super Bowl Recipes
  • Holiday-themes (St. Patricks Day, 4th of July, etc)
  • Breakfast potluck

Best of luck to your employees; time to get cooking!

Powered by WordPress