Keeping staff motivated is easier if they can let loose at work once in a while. St. Patrick's Day is an Irish-themed but malleable holiday, easily tailored to almost any group of employees, of all range of sensibilities. The bottom line is good food, entertainment and many variations on the color green.
Irish Potluck
Taking an afternoon to enjoy camaraderie, casual conversation and a good dose of Irish food is one way to show employees your appreciation. Solicit volunteers to cook traditional Irish dishes, such as Irish stew and corned beef and cabbage. Everyone else can bring a dish of their choosing, as long it is decorated with a touch such as a four-leaf clover or green icing.
Irish Entertainment
Take time out from meetings to watch some Irish-themed entertainment: old episodes of the television series "Father Ted" is an option, as is a viewing of some Irish films. The Irish animated feature "The Secret of Kells" is visually appealing and was an Academy Award nominee in 2010. If you have a group of theatrically inclined employees, you can tap a few to read passages from books of Irish myths and legends.
Irish Music
Find a radio station that celebrates the holiday with a steady stream of traditional Irish music, and play it in the office throughout the day. You can also put together your own mix of music from mainstream Irish bands such as U2 and the Pogues. If there are any musicians among your employees, they may be willing to lend their talents by giving a performance of Irish tunes.
Dress Green
A simple way to show employee appreciation is to lessen the dress code for the occasion of St. Patrick's Day. Letting employees ditch the suit in favor of jeans -- as long as the tie is green -- is a straightforward way to mark the occasion. If you want to add to the holiday spirit, you can bring green hats and noisemakers to each employee's desk and encourage them to participate.
Article by by Catherine Lovering
Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/saint-patricks-day-employee-appreciation-ideas-10642.html
