How to plan the perfect office happy hour

The importance of office happy hours

Office happy hours are more than just a chance to unwind after a long week. They’re a fantastic opportunity for team bonding and boosting morale. Studies show that office happy hours can drive employee happiness up by 66%. Research by Oxford University found that happy workers are 13% more productive. 

These events can improve communication and relationships among team members, fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing productivity. Let’s explore how to plan the perfect office happy hour that everyone will look forward to.

Key considerations

Setting a date and time

Choosing the right time for your office happy hour is crucial. Aim for the end of the week when everyone’s ready to relax and celebrate the week’s accomplishments. Ensure it’s a convenient time that works for most employees, typically late afternoon or early evening.

Budgeting

Determine a budget that covers all essentials, including food, drinks, and any additional supplies. Keep in mind the size of your guest list and the type of event you want to host. A well-planned budget helps in creating an enjoyable experience without overspending.

Guest list

Decide whether the happy hour will be for the entire office or specific teams or departments. Smaller gatherings can be more intimate, while larger ones foster broader team connections. Whichever option you choose, make sure to communicate the guest list clearly to avoid any confusion.

Creating the right atmosphere

Setting up the space

The right setup can make a big difference. Arrange the furniture to encourage mingling and interaction. A mix of seating and standing areas works well. Add some decorations to create a welcoming and fun environment – think string lights, colorful tablecloths, and a themed backdrop for photos.

Selecting food and beverages

Offering a variety of food and beverage options is essential to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. This is where Wolt for Work can really shine. With Wolt for Work, you can easily order a diverse selection of food and drinks that everyone will love. From appetizers to desserts, and cocktails to mocktails, Wolt for Work simplifies the entire process, ensuring timely delivery and quality.

💡 Tip: Wolt for Work is ideal for happy hours of any size and budget, offering simple monthly invoicing saving back office work.

Supplies and equipment

Make a checklist of all the supplies and equipment you’ll need. This includes napkins, plates, utensils, and glasses. For convenience, you can also rely on Wolt for Work to handle your office happy hour supplies, including disposable tableware. Don’t forget about the entertainment side – a good sound system for music or a microphone for quick speeches can add a professional touch. 

Ideas for office happy hour activities

Keeping everyone entertained is key to a successful office happy hour. Consider a range of games and activities to keep the energy high and the mood light. Start with simple icebreakers like “Two Truths and a Lie” to help everyone relax and get to know each other better. For something more active, try a scavenger hunt with fun prompts, like finding colleagues wearing the same color outfits and snapping a photo together. Interactive elements like karaoke, a photo booth, or themed dress-up can create memorable moments and lots of laughs.

Structured networking opportunities can also help folks from different departments connect and build relationships, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Tips for a successful office happy hour

Promote the event

Use your internal communication channels to build excitement. Send out invites well in advance and follow up with reminders. Creating a buzz around the event ensures a good turnout and sets the tone for a fun evening.

Encourage participation

Regardless of whether the happy hour is for the entire office or specific teams, make it clear that the event is inclusive and everyone is welcome. Encourage managers and team leaders to promote attendance and participation.

Gather feedback

After the event, ask for feedback to understand what worked well and what could be improved. This will help you plan even better events in the future.

Conclusion

Office happy hours are an excellent way to boost team morale and foster a positive workplace culture. With proper planning, the right atmosphere, and fun activities, you can create a memorable event. And with Wolt for Work, you get access to a great selection of restaurants and retailers, making food and drink arrangements super easy. Plus, our smooth accounting and invoicing process keeps everything hassle-free. Start planning your next office happy hour with Wolt for Work and enjoy all the benefits it brings.