How can you get the most out of your engagement budget? Check out some tips from the experts at Garden Streets
Employee engagement is a critical factor in the success of any organization. Engaged employees are more productive, motivated, and loyal, leading to increased retention rates and improved morale. However, economic conditions can sometimes put a strain on budgets for employee engagement events. This makes it challenging to plan meaningful activities. But fear not! In this blog, we will explore how you can plan engaging employee events on a smaller budget.
Value of Teambuilding and Engagement Events:
Engaging employees through teambuilding is not just a luxury but a necessity, especially during challenging economic conditions. Such events provide opportunities for employees to bond, collaborate, and develop relationships. These factors can boost their performance and job satisfaction. Engaged employees are more likely to stay with their employers. Events help employees feel a sense of belonging and loyalty towards the organization. These events can also serve as a morale-boosting tool. They help employees feel appreciated, motivated and connected to the company’s mission and values.
Planning Employee Engagement Events on a Smaller Budget:
While economic constraints may limit your resources, there are still plenty of creative ways to plan meaningful employee engagement events on a smaller budget. Here are some cost-effective suggestions:
Demo-only events:
Instead of hosting elaborate events with high material costs, consider organizing demo-only events. For example, you could bring in an expert to demonstrate a skill or conduct a workshop where employees can learn new techniques or skills with existing materials in their homes or in the office. If your team is remote, demo-only remote cooking or crafting classes can be a great option. For instance, Pineapple Fried Rice or Origami 101 are great options for AAPI month.
Expert talks on relevant topics such as edible gardening (perfect for summer), public speaking, or cultivating self-compassion are also great lower-cost options. This can be a fun and interactive way to engage employees without incurring significant material costs. Plus it can be an opportunity for employees to learn and develop new skills that can benefit them in their roles.
Hostless DIY Craft-in-a-Box:
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) craft boxes are a cost effective and engaging option for employee engagement events. Instead of hiring external hosts or facilitators, you can create customized craft boxes with all the necessary materials and instructions for employees to complete a craft project on their own. This allows employees to engage in a creative activity at their own pace and comfort, and it can also be a fun way to foster creativity and collaboration among team members. If you don’t know how to put together a craft box, that’s okay – the pros at Garden Streets have a variety of boxes available with options that are perfect for your next team building event.
Customize your Events:
If you’re working with an planner or event company, make sure to be candid and upfront with your budget and expectations. Many planners specialize in working with smaller budgets, and companies often have lower-budget options or the ability to customize events if requested. For example, a kitchen herb garden planting event might be standardized with a larger window box and multiple plants, but could easily be reduced to one plant, a smaller container and a focus on developing the skills necessary for your employees to start and manage a garden of their own. Planners and event companies want your employees to have a satisfying and meaningful experience at their event and might have many cost-effective ideas for venues, activities and materials. All you have to do is ask!
Outdoor or Virtual Events:
Outdoor events can be a cost-effective option for employee engagement, as they often require minimal setup and materials. You can plan team-building activities, such as a picnic, a hike, or a sports day. These events can be enjoyable and engaging for employees without breaking the bank. When planning outdoor events or events with athletic focus, it is important to keep accessibility in mind. Alternatively, virtual events can also be a budget friendly option, as they eliminate the need for physical materials and venues. Some great virtual team building activities include virtual trivia events, virtual murder mystery parties or escape rooms, or virtual scavenger hunts.
Meaningful events with Manageable Budgets
Even with a smaller budget, it’s still possible to plan employee engagement events that can have a positive impact on employee morale. By being creative and resourceful, you can organize demo-only events, DIY craft boxes, or outdoor or virtual events, and work with your planner or partners to customize events based on your budget and the needs of your team.
Remember, employee engagement is not just a cost, but an investment in the success of your organization. Engaged employees are more likely to be committed, productive, and loyal. This leads to increased retention rates and improved morale. These factors ultimately contribute to the overall success of your organization. Even in challenging economic conditions, prioritizing employee engagement can be a wise investment in your company’s future.
With creativity, strategic planning, and a focus on the value of engagement, you can create meaningful experiences. You can foster team spirit, boost morale, and strengthen the bond between your employees and your organization, even on a smaller budget. Remember, engaged employees are more likely to be committed, productive, and loyal. That is a valuable asset for any organization, regardless of economic conditions. So, go ahead and plan those engaging employee events within your budget. Watch the positive impact it can have on your employees and your organization as a whole!
Learn more about our virtual event process here and contact us here to get started planning your next event.
