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Company events
Discuss workforce management, performance management, retention, communication, motivation, contributing to business results and other topics.
Last week, we had our first company picnic (we're a small start-up, so this was a big deal). It took place at a minor league baseball game and included 3 hours of tailgating and a catered picnic dinne
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » Company events
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Company events
posted at 8/24/2009 5:00 AM EDT
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Posts: 7
First: 7/28/2009 Last: 8/24/2009 |
Last week, we had our first company picnic (we're a small start-up, so this was a big deal). It took place at a minor league baseball game and included 3 hours of tailgating and a catered picnic dinner and then the game. Employees were allowed to leave work at 12:00 pm to coordinate with their families and the festivities started at 4:00 pm.
Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained...and it was cold, to boot! Our picnic site was pretty soggy, but we did have a tent. Most everyone showed up - but there were about 10 people who did not...and did not give me any indication that they had changed their minds. I sent a note around to every employee saying that the game was still on and that I would have some rain poncho's and would try to make it a fun event despite the rain. Reality is, I was paying for 50 meals and tickets no matter if we showed or not - we were locked in. What have any of you done in the past w/ event no-show's? I feel badly because we threw money away on these people - and they don't seem to care. As you all know, start up's run on a very, very lean budget - these events are really a wonderful perk. Clearly, I can't make everyone show up and/or have fun...but wouldn't it have been nice if they let me know they weren't coming? Then, maybe I could have sold the extra tickets? Anyway - just looking for your thoughts. |
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Company events
posted at 8/24/2009 5:58 AM EDT
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Posts: 1771
First: 10/24/2002 Last: 9/14/2011 |
I always ask for an RSVP before I order anything - and when I ask, I clearly state (and remind later) that if people don't respond at all, they won't be given a ticket to the event.
Even so, there will be no-shows, no matter what you do. You need to remember that and not get to worked up about it - no-shows are a fact of life. One thing that does concern me - did the no-shows leave work at noon just like everyone else? If so, they need to be spoken to, and told that the only reason they could have had for leaving work early would have been to go to the picnic, and since they didn't go to the picnic, they should have been at work. And this should be made clear in your next invitation to a company event that takes place during working hours. |
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Company events
posted at 8/24/2009 6:21 AM EDT
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Posts: 186
First: 4/23/2001 Last: 4/14/2010 |
Agree completely. Other than a charge back to the employees that don't show (with the accompanying negative feelings)I know of no other way to handle. We figure 10%-20% no shows at our events. Over time you will learn it is mostly the same people. |
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Company events
posted at 8/24/2009 7:29 AM EDT
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Posts: 118
First: 2/28/2008 Last: 7/29/2011 |
A company I used to work for made everyone pay $5 for each event, even the holiday party. When they showed up, they got their $5 back. Obviously $5 didn't cover the cost of the event, but people didn't want to lose that $5, so they showed. I always thought it was corny, but it worked.
At my current company, we only do events during work hours. The employees are paid time to be there. The company closes and if they chose not to come to the event, they have to use PTO time. Some people still do not come. I try not to let it bother me. |
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Company events
posted at 8/24/2009 9:12 AM EDT
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Posts: 7
First: 7/28/2009 Last: 8/24/2009 |
Great to hear everyone's ideas...thank you for taking the time to respond.
The employees who didn't show were remote employees, so they weren't in the office anyway. Personally, I think that there should at least be a basic etiquette of letting someone know that they have changed their original RSVP. In this case, I HAD to secure tickets to the event in advance, so I couldn't wait til the last minute for people to decide if they were going to show or not show. I think it's reasonable to account for a certain percentage of no-show's - and clearly, I just didn't account for that. Live and Learn : -) |
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Company events
posted at 8/24/2009 10:45 AM EDT
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Posts: 50
First: 11/21/2005 Last: 11/2/2009 |
even with an RSVP, wouldn't you expect some folks to opt out because of the rain?
There will always be a certain percentage who choose not to attend or who cannot attend. These events are for rewarding and honoring your workforce, if you are going to begrudge them for not attending, don't plan such lavish events. People work hard enough without the added social pressure. |
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Company events
posted at 8/25/2009 3:39 AM EDT
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Posts: 1771
First: 10/24/2002 Last: 9/14/2011 |
When I ask for an RSVP, I don't wait until the last minute for people to decide whether or not they're going to show up! That would be silly!
Obviously, I give people a deadline, the date of which coincides exactly with the date I intend to order tickets/make a reservation. |
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Company events
posted at 8/26/2009 3:00 PM EDT
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Posts: 9
First: 8/18/2009 Last: 9/18/2009 |
An rsvp should have a deadline about 1 week beforehand. This gives most people enough time to adjust their plans and arrange for babysitters etc. Having a raffle prize for those that attend is another incentive worth considering. |
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