What about gifts? Yes? No? For us, it was no question...we exchanged gifts because, well, we wanted to. We decided that it was a time that we could give to each other something that we felt said "Thank You" for a great year together. If that is not comfortable for your particular group, another approach might be the exchange of an inexpensive (based on an agreed upon price limit) grab-bag gift. Secretly picking names out of a hat and buying just for that one person allows everyone to participate in the joy of gift giving. The added benefit to this is that it encourages co-workers to make an effort (which otherwise they might not) to learn a little something about their recipient that perhaps they never knew before. Maybe it's learning about their hobby or the type of music or book they enjoy. Something podiatry-related is always fun too, like foot shaped jewelry for example. One year our doctor received a foot shaped paper towel holders for the treatment rooms one year. He loved it and it became a conversation piece with the patients!
Now, about location. Do you hold the party in or out of the office? And is it just for office staff and doctor or are spouses included? We tried everything and quite honestly, they all worked. In fact, most times, we had both because they both served a purpose for us. Frankly, it never much mattered to us WHERE we met...just THAT we met! The doctor sponsored dinner in a favorite restaurant, spouses invited, and it was a nice time for all to interact and get to know each other. On a separate day, we still held our little "in-office" party where we ordered (or brought) food in, exchanged our gifts and were able to re-live many of our own meaningful "office" moments, without boring our spouses to tears.
Whatever you decide, the emphasis should not be on whether you choose to hold your event in the office or in a restaurant or on which holiday your office chooses to celebrate. What's important, in my opinion, is that you make the time, this one time, to socialize outside of regular office hours...to celebrate your achievements, even your failures (that allow for better achievements) and the relationship you share as a team.
You may be familiar with the term "work (or organizational) culture." This refers to the environment that each one of you (doctors, management and staff) creates. Think of it as the "personality" of your practice for which you all contribute. It is not necessarily something you can visualize; it is more the things you do together, your individual interests, experiences and values that mold together to create your surroundings. You may not realize it, but it is part of the reason your patients enjoy coming to see you. It may present in the form of a 2009 photo calendar card of the entire staff you give to your patients, the way you design your website, coordination of a covered dish during lunch one day or a themed group costume for Halloween. More simply, it may be things on your desk or in your workspace that describes who you are.
Last thing..."rules" for an office party. I can only recommend that alcohol consumption be sensible and behaviors appropriate and if you feel the need to put that in writing, then do so. After that, you're encouraged to do whatever feels right and comfortable for your group. It's a good idea to involve everyone in the planning. Ask for their input and allow them to put their ideas into action. Then, have fun. Relax. Share. And celebrate each other and the culture you created together, on this one special day...and the 364 special others that follow.
CHEERS!
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