When you think back on the most memorable events in your professional life, what stands out to you? Were they fancy engagements with passed hors d'oeuvres? What about the simple gatherings which were filled with good company and had a fun icebreaker that made you laugh until your sides hurt?
Certainly, special invitations to expensive events can make us feel valued; however, do large expenditures genuinely make us loyal, invested and engaged? Both types of events have their place, yet I would challenge any HR professional or team leader to consider how to engage employees while engaging all but their purse strings.
A daunting task? Think again!
Successful engagement initiatives rest on a combination of participant involvement, relationship building and a personal, thoughtful touch. By nature, none of these have to involve money. In reality, engagement is less about events and more about day-to-day interactions which in summation create an expected culture.
Once a favorable culture is established, infusing and overlaying fun events adds shine and sparkle. If a favorable culture is still outstanding, the answer is not money. Shocker! Quite simply, employees who are already under- or disengaged can easily sniff out over-expenditures meant to buy their loyalty and favor. Such extravagance can serve to frustrate and distance them further. Instead, person-to-person, day-to-day efforts should take priority so that a firm foundation can be forged.
Watching Your Wallet
The following engagement ideas can be held for little to no cost. Consider adding these to your team calendar!
Soup/chili contest
Teaming course, such as FISH! Philosophy
Professional development course on topics such as trust, courageous conversations, self-awareness, active listening, stressbusting, etc.
Many of these topics can be facilitated by an internal Learning and Development team or through free online resources
Talent show
Pick-up games (e.g. softball, basketball) or yard games
Any friendly competition for bragging rights
Movie night
Volunteer event
Fitness event
Office trick-or-treating
Costume party/parade
Potluck
Donation drive
Game night
Bingo
Candy-grams
Sing-a-long/Christmas caroling
Ping-pong or wall ball tournament
5K run/walk
Cookie-exchange
Trivia night, perhaps over Kahoot!
Gratitude wall
“TED Talk” style event
Karaoke
What is your favorite low-cost engagement event? Share your ideas in the comments below.
To the Point
Engagement does not have to be expensive. It truly is the thought that counts.
Image source: https://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/financial-planning/financial-services-employers-tightening-purse-strings
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