We owe the tradition of afterwork to Anglo-Saxon countries. The principle is simple: employees meet in a place to relax after work. Initially perfectly informal, the concept has become more and more democratic, but above all organised. It must be said that it is an excellent way of developing and strengthening cohesion among employees. It also allows them to network and discover their colleagues in a different, even more friendly, light.
It is a sort of extension of the workplace, without actually being one. The idea is above all to relax with colleagues. Corporate afterwork events are increasingly part of a team building approach, which is probably why they are increasingly organised by event agencies.
Organising a company afterwork can sometimes be tricky as it is an in-between event. Indeed, it is situated between the classic company party and the informal evening with colleagues. Because of the target group, it is important to choose the right corporate entertainment during these moments, as well as the venue. The key word should be conviviality. Employees should be able to talk to each other in a relaxed manner, and not discuss work-related issues. The activities should therefore be designed with this in mind.
As for theorganisation of larger events, event agencies now offer formulas for original and atypical afterwork events.
Before you start planning your afterwork, it's important to clearly define the purpose of the event. Do you want to strengthen team spirit, promote networking, celebrate a success or simply offer your colleagues a moment of relaxation? This clarification will help guide your decisions throughout the planning process.
You'll need to decide how expenses will be covered, whether by the company, the participants or a combination of both. Consider the costs of food, drinks, space rental and additional activities.
To make your afterwork more attractive, consider organizing fun or interactive activities. Board games, quizzes, sports competitions or even team-building workshops can be excellent options. You can also opt for a specific theme, such as a fancy dress party, karaoke or wine tasting. The aim is to create a relaxed, convivial atmosphere conducive to exchanges.
Once the broad outlines of your afterwork have been defined, it's time to get down to the logistical details. Make sure you take into account the number of participants expected, space reservation, any technical requirements (sound, lighting, etc.), catering and drinks, and communication of the event to your colleagues.
