Planning Company Picnics in a Down Economy

Thinking of cutting the company picnic budget? Think again.

Today's leading companies are actually adding funds to the company picnic budget.

What is it that they know that you do not?

In a tough economy many organizations are unable to offer raises, are making pay cuts, and cutting benefits. But on the flipside, many other companies are still hosting company picnic events, increasing team building budgets, and creating more and more employee appreciation events.

So why, how, and what could make this be the case?

This is because of several reasons:

Why are people planning company picnics and employee appreciation events?

1) Boost Morale - It is important to rebuild the staff who are left after cutbacks or changes in business structure. A company picnic reaffirms the relationship the company has with the existing staff members and signifies stability to employees.

2) Budget Savings - When it is hard to give raises as they ultimately end up costing an organization a huge amount in taxes, employment insurance, and liability- the company picnic is a straight expense that can easily be managed. A company with 100 full time employees that gives a raise of $1 (one dollar per hour) ends up spending well over $3000.00 per year per employee after all expenses are considered. That ends up costing the organization $300k per year. A typical company picnic for 100 employees and their families can easily cost less than $50k all said and done- (and can sometimes cost well under this) and that is a very nice event from a reputable provider. That leaves budget for several more employee appreciation programs in a year, before even approaching half of what giving raises can cost an organization.

3) ROI - Return on Investment - Let's face it- every business owner, and every person in America is trying to get the best return for every dollar spent. The ROI on Employee appreciation events is huge. There is no point in spending money on advertising, new product development, or getting leads when a workforce is unhappy or unmotivated. Showing strength in your organization through a good event, showing appreciation for your workforce, and saying a simple thank you goes a long way. A happy and appreciated workplace is a more productive workplace.

Those reasons are enough to convince many business owners and executives to keep special events in the budget, to increase company picnic, team building, and holiday event budgets.

This year our event planning companies are receiving an overwhelming amount of requests from event planners looking to say thank you to staff, employees, colleagues, and customers. It seems that one common thing has been learned in the past tumultuous years- and that is that one thing is important in this world- Being grateful for what you do have and letting the people around you know that what they do is appreciated. People respond well to positive affirmations, and giving thanks opens the world up to an organization.

Some people sum this phenomenon up with the old adage "Pay It Forward" - and others simply see the financial savings and benefits behind rewarding employees with intangible things like special events. In today's world there is more to life than money... People are glad to work for a company that cares about them, that cares about their family, and that encourages employee interaction outside the workplace.

A company that recognizes the benefits to appreciating its staff through events will see an increase in profits, employee retention, and a more productive workplace. All these things do nothing but benefit a companies bottom line- which results in growth and a stronger organization.