How Can We Make Monthly Office Birthday Celebrations More Fun and Engaging?

Hi all,

I'm a new member on this site and I'm really thankful to the community and the publisher of this site for making a forum exclusively for HR people. I'm working in a software house comprising 60-70 people. We have a monthly birthday party in the company where the employees cut the cake, and that's it. I, as an HR person, want to make this activity a little more exciting.

I was thinking of having two volunteers every month who could share with us a joke, a song, or anything, and in the end, we all sing the birthday song for all the employees celebrating their birthdays. If you all could give me your feedback, as in am I on the right track or how I can make it more interesting and exciting.

Regards,
Hirra P

Hi Friend,

In fact, I have been trying for the same for quite some time.

Before the gathering, choose a few people and give them some time to speak on important topics. They can share jokes, sing songs, etc. This will be a lot of fun instead of the monotonous cake cutting.

Initially, people may be reluctant to come forward. I suggest you make a start - sing a song, share a joke, or maybe arrange a small quiz. Divide them into two groups impromptu. Employees can participate while in groups rather than asking them to do so alone. Not everyone is extroverted.

Last time, I started a story and asked everyone to continue it. It was so much fun. It started with a morning jogging and ended as a thriller suspense.

In one gathering, I suggested that we just acknowledge and appreciate ourselves. Each department is asked to stand wherever they are. You should make a point of appreciating what they have been doing, and let everyone cheer for them. It will be a great motivation for them.

One month, I asked employees to sit beside their best friends and speak about three good qualities of their friend.

So come up with something like this. Employees wait for the gathering and enjoy it.

Take care.

Regards,

Sari

Hi Sari,

Thank you for your reply. I was actually thinking that employees might be reluctant to come forward, so it's better for me to initiate something. Your ideas are very interesting, and I'll definitely try them out :)

Regards,
Hirra P