Dreading Company Day?

Yesterday I was walking back to my car from a downtown meeting when I was accidentally bombarded by hoards of school kids on their annual field trip to the CN Tower.

It definitely brought back memories of how great it was to get out of the classroom – a reward for a long season of studying.

Grown-up field trips are really meant to do the same thing - recognition for a season of hard work.  But how can we get past the dreaded SAMENESS of company days and corporate social events?

Here are some unique twists to traditional ideas:

-       Bowling

o    Try this new bowling alley in Toronto http://www.allstarinteractive.ca/

o    The 2 young owners have done a great job renovating the place and have turned it into a fantastic event venue.

-       Theatre

o    Add an exclusive back stage tour

o    In New York City the Metropolitan Opera Guild Backstage Tour includes “a behind-the-scenes” look at the costume rooms and carpentry shops

-       Company Picnic

o    Add an a huge outdoor Drive-in Movie screen and show the latest Hollywood release

o    Check out http://www.acf-film.com/

Remember that doing good makes you feel good.  Here are some “do-gooder” ideas that might be just the thing your team needs to revive their energy.

-          Clean up the Don River

o    The Don River is home to various species of fish, different wildlife including foxes and coyotes and plenty of hiker and cyclists

o    Check out this site for ways to organize a clean up day www.toronto.ca/don/

-          Rebuild a Park

o    Last fall ING Direct employees rebuilt a park in my neighbourhood.  Hauling dirt, planting flowers and building a playground were all part of their company outing.  ING DIRECT has expanded their volunteer efforts to include similar projects in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal. 

o    Find a cause close to the hearts or your employees and find out how you can help build, fix or clean up something that matters

Is your budget too small for a costly outing? Why not bring the fun to your office to show appreciation to your team.

Here is something I call “CELEBRATING THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR”

-          Arrange for a smoothie machine and mix up great and healthy smoothies  (a magic bullet machine will do if you have a small office)

-          Add gourmet muffins bursting with fruit and fruit skewers with tasty yogurt dips

-          Decorate with brightly coloured linens and vases filled with lemons, limes and oranges

-          Enjoy the morning with these bright additions!

Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!

To learn more, please visit http://www.andlogistix.com/