Should You Include Family at Company Events?
One of the more frequent questions asked to WCF picnic planners is, “Should we include family of our employees when planning a company event?”. The good news is there is no wrong answer. It all depends on your key objectives and what makes the most sense for your group and budget.
To help you navigate the options, here are some suggestions on when to keep it employees-only and when to elect for a family-friendly event.
When to Invite Family at the Company Event
Never Met the Family
If you have never met the significant others and/or children of your co-workers, then extending an invite to them helps you better understand the people you work with through the eyes of their family. It strengthens relationships between employees by revealing a more personal side of you that they don’t always experience behind a computer. Plus it is a great way to say thank you to the families that have supported your employees throughout the year.
Employee Happiness
By including the family of your employees at a company event, you demonstrate to employees that this isn’t just about business; it’s about including the loved ones into the circle, too. This instills a sense of belonging and if increasing overall happiness among employees is one of your goals, this is one way to accomplish it.
Picnics and Parties
Summertime company picnics and holiday parties are two of the best opportunities for inviting family into the fold. Not only does it capitalize on the season (think warm summer days and festive winter nights); it can also making your corporate events more interesting. Kids relays and activities become the center of attention at a summer picnic, while still allowing for parents to mingle with their peers. The best is when the adults get in on the action too! And adding families to the holiday party guest list adds to the holiday spirit with Santa’s and holiday cookie decorating.
When NOT to Include Family at the Company Event
Work Talk & Team Building
If your event is focused on recapping sales figures or talking about the next marketing campaign, then inviting the family is not a good idea. It will deter your employees from their most productive contributions, and it is just plain boring for non-employees. Unless you have activities for family members to engage in during work-related portions, keep the invite list to employees only.
Team Focused Event
When the purpose of your corporate event is primarily focused on very specific team building goals between co-workers such as building camaraderie, improving creative thinking or enhancing group problem solving, then having family present will generally be counterproductive to your event goals. Save the family invite for the summer picnic or holiday event.
Cost
If cost is your main driver, than skipping the family invite will help save a little money. Adding families will likely double if not triple your guest count which usually comes at a fee. Summer picnics may have a slightly lower cost per person, so it is possible but when in doubt stick to employees only if your budget is top priority. You can always plan ahead for a family-friendly event next year!
Of course, all of these are only suggestions. Every business’ situation is unique, so when planning an event remember to consider the focus of the event, employee engagement, time of year, budget and overall company culture. If the question, “should you include Family at the company event?” is your biggest problem, you are in great shape!
Feel free to reach out to Murrel Karsh 773.486.7403 for additional brainstorming and ideas when it comes to family or employee only events. With 28+ years of experience, WCF Events is always here to help guide you!
