How about a summer employee picnic?

Summertime, and the living is easy....

Yup, it's almost summer! So throw a party! Sure money is tight...yes, I know your budget is screaming in pain! But an employee picnic could be just the thing to cheer everyone up, improve employee morale and release tension and stress.

• Plan your picnic on a work day, if at all possible. Coming to spend time with coworkers on a Saturday or Sunday might actually add to many employees' stress. Some employees may be Sabbath observant and unable to attend. Others may have kids sports or family events planned, and yet feel obligated to attend. Having it on a work day makes it extra special..time off AND a picnic!
  
  
• Make it a potluck. Randomly assign employees to main course, appetizer, side dish or dessert by alphabet or date of hire or department. If employees are worried about costs, assign more to the main course category so each can bring a smaller dish.
  
  
• Invite families. It's summer so kids are off school and many spouses are home, too.
  
  
• Have your company provide the drinks (no alcohol!) and disposables.
  
  
• Make it fun. Have games, toys and music to add to the celebration.
  
  
• After the picnic, send them home! You'll score huge points with employees when they get to leave early on a workday, especially after a picnic!