The bright, persistent sunlight and warmth of summer make it a favorite season of many people. So many things in life can be just a little bit more enjoyable during the summer, from Sunday grilling-and-relaxation gatherings to invigorating swims. Company administrators can bring some of that experience to their workplaces as well.
Work outings can be fun for you and your employees. These activities also can benefit your company. They can help alleviate boredom that can afflict workers during spring and summer ─ when they see so many new beginnings take place and they might start thinking about changes in their work lives. Holding summer outings can combat this by showing you care about your employees' social well-being as much as their professional performance.
Outing planning basics
While your work outings are designed to put workplace concerns aside for a short while, you’ve got to consider practical planning issues. According to SurePayroll, Paychex's workplace tips blog, these include budgeting, venue capacity, invitations (including whether family and significant others are allowed) and planning time. The blog notes it’s best to plan well ahead of the event's ideal date ─ two to four months in advance should be fine.
Activity possibilities: Sports (as spectator or participant)
Professional baseball dominates the summer sports schedule. If your office is relatively close to any of the 30 major league pro baseball teams ─ or one of their minor league affiliate clubs - SurePayroll noted that an evening watching America's pastime can be a great work outing. Most pro ballparks offer corporate group discounts, and even if you're not all big sports fans, live baseball is as much about the relaxed, casual atmosphere as the game itself. Pro soccer is another choice, since teams play in numerous cities around the country.
If you've got active employees, they might not be satisfied with watching. According to marketing firm HubSpot, kayaking, laser tag, and activity parks with trampolines and other amusements can be a blast for all involved. Meanwhile, employee engagement solutions firm TinyPulse recommended softball as a solid choice for a competitive but fun workforce outing, along with hiking and water sports.
Meals
Food ─ especially if paid for by the company ─ can be a crowd-pleaser, too. Whether you stage a company barbecue or take everyone out to dinner, TinyPulse noted that an outdoor dinner can be both relaxing and conducive to creating bonds among employees.
Charity work
HubSpot noted that volunteering is a great way to get employees engaged with something that carries substantive meaning and lasting impact. Depending on what's in your area, you can help out at a summer camp, spend time at a community garden, assist instructors at summer educational programs and much more!
Work outings can be fun for you and your employees. These activities also can benefit your company. They can help alleviate boredom that can afflict workers during spring and summer ─ when they see so many new beginnings take place and they might start thinking about changes in their work lives. Holding summer outings can combat this by showing you care about your employees' social well-being as much as their professional performance.
Outing planning basics
While your work outings are designed to put workplace concerns aside for a short while, you’ve got to consider practical planning issues. According to SurePayroll, Paychex's workplace tips blog, these include budgeting, venue capacity, invitations (including whether family and significant others are allowed) and planning time. The blog notes it’s best to plan well ahead of the event's ideal date ─ two to four months in advance should be fine.
Activity possibilities: Sports (as spectator or participant)
Professional baseball dominates the summer sports schedule. If your office is relatively close to any of the 30 major league pro baseball teams ─ or one of their minor league affiliate clubs - SurePayroll noted that an evening watching America's pastime can be a great work outing. Most pro ballparks offer corporate group discounts, and even if you're not all big sports fans, live baseball is as much about the relaxed, casual atmosphere as the game itself. Pro soccer is another choice, since teams play in numerous cities around the country.
If you've got active employees, they might not be satisfied with watching. According to marketing firm HubSpot, kayaking, laser tag, and activity parks with trampolines and other amusements can be a blast for all involved. Meanwhile, employee engagement solutions firm TinyPulse recommended softball as a solid choice for a competitive but fun workforce outing, along with hiking and water sports.
Meals
Food ─ especially if paid for by the company ─ can be a crowd-pleaser, too. Whether you stage a company barbecue or take everyone out to dinner, TinyPulse noted that an outdoor dinner can be both relaxing and conducive to creating bonds among employees.
Charity work
HubSpot noted that volunteering is a great way to get employees engaged with something that carries substantive meaning and lasting impact. Depending on what's in your area, you can help out at a summer camp, spend time at a community garden, assist instructors at summer educational programs and much more!
