Office Lime

Christmas is around the corner which is the time of year most companies organize staff parties. However it is customary that departments throw their own breakfasts, luncheon or party to bond with co-workers. Now trinis don't need any reason to celebrate, but with the many public holidays the Christmas office lime might be the 99th lime for the year lol. I admire a team that not only works hard but can also play hard.

Planning an office lime can be quite fun, be it a colleague is expecting a baby, someone tying the knot, retiring, carnival lime or emancipation day cook-off. Here's how to turn your office party from blah to blow-out. The first step is organizing some of the more social colleagues into a committee, who can share ideas on food, venues, decor, games etc. Other colleagues can be invited to email or vote on ideas before finalization to avoid grumbling about plans made.

If you can't afford to hire a DJ for the office lime, don't be afraid to use in-house talent. There are usually one or two colleagues who are inner DJs with playlist upon playlist of music who will be happy to be the DJ for the event. You can also YouTube songs however you must have reliable internet service, there's nothing like buffering music when the party has already started swinging. Be sure to determine who will be the DJ before the event so that they can walk with their playlist, wireless speakers etc and that they have a wide genre of music.

Whats an office lime without plenty food. All colleagues can be asked to contribute money towards food which can be catered out or usually there are a few chefs among staff. Someone can collect monies from staff to buy the ingredients and a colleague cook a pot of pelau, oil down or curry. Alternatively everyone can be asked to prepare (or buy lol) a dish to share with colleagues however the menu should be confirmed with everyone before the lime to ensure people don't show up with the same dish.

DIY

Here are six tips when planning a office lime for your department or team.

• Ensure to put labels in front of all dishes, as persons may not eat certain meats or food for religious reasons, due to allergies or diet restrictions.
• Commence planning a month or two in advance to ensure the event comes off seamless with little or no hiccups.
• Come up with interactive games and activities to avoid staff staying within their little cliques.
• For office parties held around Christmas, staff can be asked to walk with non-perishables and unwrapped toys to donate to charity. Its the season for giving.
• Limit alcohol or provide delicious non-alcoholic wines, we do not want Mr. Z babbling about the time he got a 'piece of tabanca' and all the details nor do we want to be responsible for any accidents. Arrange transport or designated driver for car pooling.
• The lime can also be held out doors for a change of scenery.

Do you have tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comments section.