Holidays offer a fun way to do a little celebrating unless you’re stuck at work, that is. This year, the 4th of July falls on a Saturday, which means many people will not get an extra weekday off work to celebrate. And some people who work on weekends may have to report anyway, despite the national holiday.
But even at work, whether it’s at the office, in a store, or somewhere else, everyone can still celebrate this important national holiday. Here are 4 ways you can help get employees in the holiday spirit.
If your place of business enjoys a more relaxed dress code, whether every day or at least on Fridays, encourage employees to wear something that portrays the American flag, like a hat or a T-shirt. As a matter of fact, why not indicate that any red, white, and blue outfit for the day will work? Send an email to all employees a few days before inviting them to participate, and maybe even set up a fun contest for the most “spirited” outfit. If your office normally has a stricter dress code, this is a perfect opportunity to offer some flexibility and let employees express themselves—and their national pride!
It may seem counterintuitive, but a reminder of the holiday first thing on arrival at work is a quick way to get employees in the holiday spirit. While the date may be top of mind to some, chances are a few have forgotten all about it. Try hanging a banner in a public space, like the kitchen or conference room. Send out an email first thing in the morning with a fun image of fireworks, wishing everyone a happy 4th of July.
Nothing says “4th of July” like a barbecue with burgers and hot dogs, so why not treat employees to a traditional lunch to help celebrate? Or you can do it potluck style and ask each employee to contribute something, like sodas, condiments, or buns. If you have a park or another area with an outdoor grill nearby, and the weather permits, you can take the lunch outdoors for a true 4th of July BBQ.
Finally, wouldn’t your employees appreciate an early release that day, so they can get home in plenty of time for fireworks with friends and family? Make sure to let everyone know of your decision at least a few hours before dismissal so that your employees can finish their work before heading out.
Celebrating holidays at work helps boost morale, and thus, productivity. And of course, employees appreciate when their companies take their lives outside of work into consideration. So bring on the red, white, and blue, and celebrate July fourth. Rain or shine, in the office as well as out, enjoy a star-spangled happy 4th of July!
3 Comments
Seeing the fireworks on Independence Day is my favorite memory from childhood. Maybe I am too romantic, but I always want to cry at the sight of crowds of people watching the flashes in the sky and recognizing that we all belong to one great nation.
We have a nice tradition in our office. Every 4th of July, we tell funny stories and anecdotes about our presidents and famous people. It started two years ago, when John, our copywriter, and Bill, an account manager, competed in telling patriotic jokes. People got caught up in this idea, and they now prepare their stories for weeks before the holiday.
I love everything patriotic, especially seeing our flags everywhere and singing the national anthem with a group of people. This year we are going to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday. We did the same thing last year, and it was fantastically exciting and touching!