How do you motivate employees to attend the company party?

You want your staff party to be well-attended and for employees to be enthusiastic. The best way to motivate employees is to organize a party that truly suits them: choose a time that works for everyone, ask for input during the planning process, ensure practical accessibility, and communicate in a way that’s inviting rather than mandatory. If you make employees feel that the event is for them and not just a company obligation, you’ll naturally see attendance rise.

Why don’t employees attend staff parties?

Employees often stay away because the event doesn’t meet their needs or fit their situation. The timing doesn’t work with their personal schedules, the format feels like an obligation, or they feel that the event isn’t meant for them. Practical barriers such as transportation, location, or uncertainty about what to expect also play a role.

Timing is often a major issue. A staff party on Friday night sounds logical, but for parents with young children or people with long commutes, this can actually be difficult. The same goes for weekend events that interfere with personal time. If you don’t ask what works for your employees, you’re just guessing.

The format also makes a big difference. For many people, traditional get-togethers with speeches and the pressure to network feel like an extension of the workday. Introverted coworkers actively avoid these kinds of situations. If the company party feels like a mandatory event rather than a fun occasion, people will stay away.

Personal circumstances play a role. Employees with caregiving responsibilities, a long commute, or financial concerns (such as parking costs or the need for new clothes) feel left out. A sense of not belonging also plays a role: new colleagues or people who work part-time wonder if they’re welcome.

Communication about the event is often too businesslike or too vague. A standard email invitation that lacks enthusiasm doesn’t spark curiosity. If employees don’t know what to expect or who will be attending, it feels like a gamble.

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How do you choose the right time for your staff party?

The best time to hold a staff party is when most employees are able and willing to attend. Avoid busy times such as the end-of-year rush, holidays, and school breaks. Ask your team what works for them and choose a date that suits the majority. A weekday afternoon or early evening often works better than late Friday night or the weekend.

Start by avoiding common pitfalls. December sounds festive, but everyone is swamped with obligations. September and June are often better months: the weather is pleasant, and schedules are less hectic. Also, consider company-specific peak periods and plan around them.

Choosing between weekdays and weekends isn’t easy. On weekdays, the event feels more like part of work, which lowers the barrier to attendance. An afternoon that extends into the early evening gives people the choice to stay or go home. Weekends are great for those who want to stay longer, but they do require a greater commitment from your team.

Survey your employees in a smart way. Don’t send out a survey with ten date options—that’s overwhelming. Offer two or three suggestions and ask which one works best. You can do this informally through team leaders or by posting a quick poll in your communication channel. This way, people feel heard without it turning into a bureaucratic process.

Also consider the duration of the event. A short party lasting two to three hours works better than a full-evening program. People appreciate the option to leave early without drawing attention to themselves. Clearly communicate the start and end times so everyone can plan accordingly.

What kind of staff party appeals most to employees?

Employees get excited about company parties that are active and informal. Think of activities where you do something together instead of just talking and drinking. Formats like festivals, sports challenges, cooking workshops, or creative activities work better than traditional happy hours. The secret lies in variety and the freedom to choose how you participate.

Traditional happy hours have their merits, but they don’t appeal to everyone. For many employees, standing around with a drink all evening feels awkward. Add elements that encourage movement and interaction: food trucks, games, or live entertainment. This creates a festival-like atmosphere that makes people feel more relaxed and playful.

Activity-based events are popular because they provide a natural way to connect. Doing an escape room, a quiz, a sports tournament, or a creative workshop together gives people something to talk about. The focus is on the activity, not on forced small talk. This works especially well for teams with diverse personalities.

Take diversity into account when planning your team event. Not everyone likes loud and bustling environments, not everyone drinks alcohol, and not everyone feels comfortable with competitive activities. Offer different areas or options within a single event: a quiet corner, an active zone, and a cozy place to eat. That way, everyone will feel welcome.

Themes can work if they aren’t too contrived. A summer outdoor party, a winter get-together with hot chocolate, or a music festival featuring local bands feels more approachable than a stuffy corporate gala. The key is for the event to align with your company culture and not feel like something imposed from above.

How do you communicate about the staff party so that people feel welcome?

Communicate about the staff party in a personal and enthusiastic way. Use a friendly tone that invites rather than instructs. Share visual materials that showcase the atmosphere and clearly state that everyone is welcome, regardless of position or employment status. Repeat the invitation through various channels and involve team leaders in extending personal invitations.

Start with the right tone. A formal invitation that says “You are expected” won’t work. Write as if you’re inviting a friend: “We’re throwing a great party, and you’re invited!” Use visual elements that pique curiosity, such as photos from past events or a teaser of what’s to come. This makes it concrete and appealing.

The timing of your communication is important. Announce the event early enough so people can mark it on their calendars, but not so early that they forget about it. Four to six weeks in advance is ideal. Then send reminders in a natural way: a week before the party and again two days before.

Make it clear that everyone is welcome. New colleagues, part-timers, and people who aren’t often in the office sometimes wonder if the invitation applies to them as well. Address this directly: “Whether you’ve just started or have been with us for years, we’d love to see you!” This small gesture makes a big difference.

Use a variety of communication channels. An email is fine, but not everyone reads every message. Have team leaders bring it up personally during team meetings. Put up posters around the office. Share updates in your internal chat. The more often people see it mentioned in a positive light, the more it will take root.

Provide practical information without making it boring. Explain where it is, how to get there, what the dress code is (or isn’t), and what food and drinks will be served. If people are allowed to bring a plus-one, make that clear. Uncertainty creates doubt, and doubt leads to people canceling.

What practical steps can you take to increase attendance at your company party?

Practical accessibility greatly increases attendance. Choose a location that’s easy to reach by public transportation and car, arrange transportation if the location is remote, provide a variety of food options that accommodate all dietary needs, and clearly communicate the “plus-one” policy. The fewer barriers you create, the more people will attend.

Choosing the right location is crucial. A spot in the center of Amsterdam is ideal for some, but a nightmare for others when it comes to parking. Choose a location that’s easily accessible for your entire team. If you opt for a unique spot outside the city, arrange for shared transportation. This makes it more accessible and sets a pleasant tone right from the start.

Transportation and parking may seem like minor details, but they make all the difference. Clearly communicate parking options or reimburse the costs. Offer to carpool from the office. For an evening event, it’s nice for people to know they can get home safely—consider providing taxi vouchers or a ride-sharing app.

Catering should accommodate all dietary preferences. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free—make sure everyone has something delicious to eat. Check with guests in advance or offer such a wide variety that everyone feels welcome. No one wants to feel like they’ve been left out.

The “plus-one” question is a sensitive one. For some employees, being able to bring their partner makes all the difference. For others, it’s actually nice to take a break from their personal lives for a while. Be clear about this: is it allowed or not? And if it is, communicate that early on so people can plan accordingly.

Childcare can be a game-changer for parents. If you’re planning an evening event, consider arranging childcare or making the party kid-friendly instead. This shows that you’re mindful of your employees’ realities and increases the likelihood that they’ll attend.

Clearly explain what people can expect. Is it a formal or casual event? Will there be speeches, or will it just be a relaxed get-together? What time does it start and end? This information helps people prepare and reduces the uncertainty that often leads them to stay home.

How do you involve employees in planning the staff party?

Involve employees by forming a planning committee with representatives from different teams. Ask for input through short polls on themes, activities, and timing, but keep the options limited so it doesn’t become overwhelming. Let people vote on specific proposals rather than asking open-ended questions. This way, you foster a sense of ownership without stalling the planning process.

A planning committee works best when you keep it small and diverse. Select four to six people from different departments and with different backgrounds. Give them a clear mandate: what are they authorized to decide, and what is their budget? This way, employees feel heard, and you keep the decision-making process efficient.

Polls and voting rounds are effective if you use them wisely. Don’t ask an open-ended question like “What kind of party do you want?” but provide options: “Would you prefer a summer outdoor festival or an indoor dance party?” This makes it easy to respond and gives you useful input. Limit it to two or three rounds of voting; otherwise, you’ll lose engagement.

Asking for feedback throughout the process keeps people engaged. Share updates on the planning: “You chose a festival—now we’re looking for a great venue!” This shows that their opinions matter. Also, ask for feedback afterward for next year. That way, you’ll create staff parties that truly suit your team.

Strike a balance between input and decisiveness. Too much discussion leads nowhere; too little feels like a top-down approach. Be transparent about what is and isn’t possible within the budget and timeline. If someone has a great idea that doesn’t fit, explain why and perhaps save it for next time.

Publicly acknowledge the efforts of your planning committee. Mention their names in the invitation or during the event. This not only motivates them, but also shows other employees that their colleagues made this possible. It creates a sense of achieving something wonderful together.

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Conclusion

A well-attended staff party starts with understanding why people come—or stay away. If you choose the right time, come up with a format that truly appeals to people, communicate clearly, and remove practical barriers, you’ll see attendance rise. By involving employees in the planning, you make the event their own rather than just for them.

How Dutch Standard Events Can Help with Your Company Party

Would you like to organize a staff party that will really get your team excited? Dutch Standard Events will handle all the planning for you, so you can focus on your employees. We offer:

• Customized concept development: formats that perfectly match your team composition and company culture
• Hands-off service: from venue selection and catering to transportation arrangements and accessibility
• Diverse event formats: from active festivals to intimate workshops, always inclusive for all personalities
• Communication support: invitation materials and communication strategies that truly reach your team

Contact Dutch Standard Events, and together we’ll throw a party that everyone will be talking about!