How To Plan Events that Engage Employees, Boost Morale

Whether you’re seeking to raise employee morale or simply generate new ideas, learn to plan events that employees look forward to, participate in and enjoy attending. Take a look at these ideas from facility staff members.

Utilize an Employee Engagement Committee 1. If possible, recruit committee members who represent all departments and shifts at the facility.
2. It’s important for management-level employees to spend a lot of time with committee members since they are engaged in more consistent and direct communication with other non-management employees.
3. Encourage members to view committee affairs as an opportunity to switch gears by stepping away from their day-to-day routines.
4. Structure your committee so that members roll off after a certain period of time – doing so allows for the exchange of fresh ideas from a variety of perspectives, and can foster more creativity.
5. Emphasize successful events of the past during committee meetings – those events can provide a springboard for new ideas.

Think of Your Employees First 6. Conduct surveys and polls to find out what employees want in events – to include the input of all employees, it may be best to hold verbal surveys during meetings. This approach can ensure that everyone participates, since not all employees have computer access. Tailor you method of obtaining feedback to the culture of your facility.
7. As much as possible, include all three shifts in special events, even if it’s simply bringing a meal to employees on shift.
8. Rotate event locations, but keep events as accessible as possible to all employees.
9. Create a birthday list and recognize employees’ birthdays in a personal way (e.g. sending cards that are signed by the facility’s executive staff members). It’s best to allow only limited access to the birthday list – such personal information should be withheld from inmates for security reasons.
10. When planning fundraisers, gear them around employees’ paydays – people are more likely to participate in giving when they have more funds to donate.
11. When fundraising, don’t focus on external charities only. Also concentrate your efforts on employees who are experiencing hardship beyond their control (e.g. a sickness or death in the family, natural disaster, etc.).
12. Incorporate door prizes into your event for an added element of fun and surprise.

Pull from a Variety of Resources
13. Take advantage of your Facility Events Fund, a special fund allocated for events geared toward non-management employees. Click for more information about the fund.
14. When possible, draw from staff members or inmates who have training, talents or abilities that can help with the event (e.g. catering experience, arts and crafts).
15. Get creative with food service vendors – look for or negotiate special deals to feed your attendees.

Do you have other tips for planning employee events, or success stories about employee events at your facility? Share your feedback by posting a comment to this article.