The Latest Trend in Corporate Event Planning: Welcoming Back Employees Post-Pandemic
Welcome Back Events Are A Thing
Around two-thirds of Americans found themselves working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. But after a year and several months of remote work, employees are beginning to make the switch from dining room table to office cubicle once again. As a boss, business owner, or department head, you may be wondering; should you hold a welcome back event for employees?
If ever there was a time to show appreciation for your employees’ hard work and dedication, it’s now. Consider the latest trend in post-pandemic corporate event planning.
A Trendy and Tasty Welcome Back Event for Employees
Themed office celebrations are nothing new (we know you still have that sequined holiday sweater in your closet). But they can get old quickly. Luckily, there’s a new trend in the corporate event planning space. Companies are renting food trucks for their welcome back employee events. Consider the following benefits of renting food trucks for a corporate event:
Continuously Evolving Options
Maybe you put on a nice holiday party for your team or cater in boxed lunches from time to time. Over time though, employees might tire of the same soup and sandwich combo from the restaurant down the street. Offering a one-off lunch with food trucks to say “welcome back” can include menu options sure to impress both employees and taste buds alike.
When you rent a food truck, the list of menus is nearly endless and continuously growing. Some popular choices include food trucks that serve:
Authentic street tacos
Burgers and hot dogs
Barbecue favorites
Fresh-baked pizza
Eclectic desserts
If you can crave it, there’s likely a food truck that serves it. Keep in mind that food truck meals don’t have to be a one-time event. Creating a series of lunches or a mix of lunch, happy hour, and dessert days can keep the excitement going for months, while putting together a large welcome back event, complete with a DJ, bar, games, and in-person conversations (imagine that!) can really impress and inspire employees as they transition back to the office.
Impress without Overspending
Finding the budget and time for an office event can be difficult. But with food truck events, you’re in control. Choose from one truck or multiple. Select trucks that serve affordable items or splurge on an upscale menu. Throw one large welcome back event on a Saturday night for your employees and their families or set up a weekly rotation of food trucks for staff members to enjoy during their lunch break.
No matter your industry, size of your staff, or work schedule, a food truck event is customizable and can always be adjusted to meet your vision for welcoming back employees.
It’s About More than Food
Employees can experience a range of emotions as they head back to work. A food truck event may be able to help. If the past year has left them burnt out, a fun event with their coworkers could be just what they need. If they’re excited, what better way to embrace and encourage their enthusiasm than a welcome back event? And if they’re nervous, an outdoor gathering with individually prepared and packaged food can help them ease back into their work environment.
Research is showing that employees have different expectations from their employers post-pandemic. Better work-life balance, flexibility when it comes to their schedule, and an improved focus on mental health round out the top three.
As an employer, you may not be able to offer remote work on a regular basis. But you can create an environment that celebrates employees. Studies show that 85% of employees believe that management should provide recognition for a job well done while 81% believe that recognition should be given throughout the year.
After a year of Zoom meetings, a coffee mug just won’t cut it. Could a monthly food truck event be the fun and creative answer?
Corporate Event Planning + Food Trucks = Stress Free Events
If you’re ready to set the wheels in motion for a food truck welcome back event, consider working with Chicago Food Truck Hub, a full service food truck event management service.
From tents to drinks to entertainment, Chicago Food Truck Hub plans, provides, and manages events that make corporate event planning as easy as (food truck) pie. Reach out today to learn more.