Employee satisfaction surveys show that offices with high morale and a positive work culture retain the top employees, according to Forbes. You can help create that upbeat, welcoming environment in your company by hosting a corporate party at least once per year. From a wine and cheese party to a murder mystery party, a little creativity and the right office catering service can provide your staff with a memorable, enjoyable event. These parties are a great way to create a fun company culture!

Humorous Wine & Cheese Tasting Party

Most caterers can put together a menu of cheese and wine party food, but the extra level of effort you place on the decor, ambiance, and party favors makes the difference. For example, put together funny wine tasting score cards that use humorous descriptions of the potential points awarded.

Besides making the event humorous, create an inclusive wine and cheese tasting by having the caterer provide a table of non-alcoholic wines for those who do not drink. Providing tasting stations that suit those who make either choice – to drink or not to drink alcohol – you create a corporate event that all employees can enjoy. Now, let’s consider a few more party options for your business to host.

Throwing a party for your employees can have a number of positive effects for your business — that is, of course, assuming you know how to bring the corporate entertainment. As The Houston Chronicle details, throwing a great party allows you to recognize the hard work and achievement of each of your employees, cement the bond between your workers and strengthen your team, and improve workplace morale and motivation. If you’re not sure where to get started to plan an absolutely killer party for your employees, here are just a few of the best corporate party ideas from some of the biggest names in business.

Three Awesome Corporate Party Ideas That Will Have Your Employees Asking for More

1. 1. The Classic Murder Mystery Party

For Entrepreneur, there is nothing quite like a murder mystery party when it comes to trying to entertain your employees and make them forget their stresses. Working with a third party organization specializing in corporate entertaining, you can throw a masquerade murder event or, if you prefer, something a little more modern. Whatever option you choose, this is a relatively cost efficient way to host an evening your employees aren’t soon to forget.

1. 1. Take Advantage of the Holiday Season

The holidays represent great opportunities to get all of your employees and their families together, demonstrating that you want to know your workers as people. If you plan to throw a holiday party, do yourself a favor and keep it generic. Celebrating creed-specific holidays is a great way to offend some of your staff. Also, if you want to save your company money, writes Inc., throw it in January, when you can get better rates on party venues.

1. 1. Make Your Employees Forget the Responsibilities of Being an Adult

Remember, the whole point of throwing a party is to help your employees feel better about working for your company. There are few better ways to do that than by helping them to forget, if only temporarily, all of the stresses of being a working adult. Hiring a professional magician, for instance, might seem juvenile, but it’s one of the best corporate party ideas out there. A magician can provide the sort of clean, distracting entertainment that many people need to unwind after a long, stressful week at work.

What are some of the most successful ideas for corporate events you’ve used? Share your success stories with us in the comments below. Learn more about this topic here.