Young CEO’s Post

Cheers to a successful year and a memorable Christmas party! #AGreenPartyAffair #Amplia #WhatChristmasMeansToMe #YearInReview #caviepost At Christmas time corporate bosses, employees, associates, and sometimes clients alike would set aside their different titles and gather each December to share a meals, for drinks, dancing, and conversation. There would be gourmet dinners, finger foods, dessert stations, DJs, and even live bands. For some, it was a night of merriment and splendor; for others, of awkward small talk, followed by deep regret (depending on their conduct). Then Christmas parties became endangered. When the #MeToo movement began in 2017, more professionals even in Trinidad and Tobago began discussijg and rethinking the wisdom of a alcohol infused night with their colleagues. Then came the COVID 19 pandemic and remote work policies which almost delivered a near death blow after that. But as we all returned to office and others embraced the hybrid workspace, companies have reinstated Christmas parties. Some even including spouses and partners at these events. To be honest, it is refreshing to see corporate holiday cheer return in full swing. The end of a calendar year, which includes the celebration of Christmas is an excellent time to show appreciation to your employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Providing entertainment at a corporate Christmas party can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and foster a sense of belonging and recognition among your staff. I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas party and the others I attended this season mainly because of what I observed amongst the staff. I observed employees engaged with their colleagues in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Additionally, I saw deep consideration and reflection on the company's achievements and milestones. This can improve workplace relationships and teamwork in the new year ahead. For perhaps the Scrooges or pessimist amongst us, I do hope you can see that a festive and entertaining Christmas event can contribute to a positive work environment and promote a sense of well-being among employees. Happy employees are generally more productive and engaged. Cheers 🥂

It’s Christmas Party season... Let’s make it a night to remember for the right reasons! 🎄 The office Christmas party is a time to celebrate, thank your team, and build connections. But for HR professionals and business leaders, it can also bring its fair share of challenges. Here’s the truth: a successful Christmas party doesn’t have to be lavish, but it does need to strike the right balance between fun and professionalism. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 🎄Celebrate inclusively: Not everyone celebrates Christmas, drinks alcohol, or enjoys loud parties. Think about alternative ways to include everyone in the festivities. Whether it’s a winter-themed event, a fun daytime activity, or simply offering options for those who prefer a quieter celebration. 🎄 Set expectations (without killing the vibe): It’s great to let people unwind, but a gentle reminder about workplace etiquette can help avoid any post-party regrets. A light-hearted, positive message about having fun responsibly usually does the trick. 🎄 Think ahead and plan for safety: Ensure everyone gets home safely. Arranging transport options, encouraging designated drivers, or offering ride-share vouchers can show you care about your team’s wellbeing. 🎄 Consider team input: Who knows better what your team wants than your team? Involve them in planning to make the celebration truly feel like it’s for them. Remember, it’s not about throwing the 'perfect' party; it’s about celebrating the people who’ve worked hard all year. Thoughtfulness and planning can ensure your event is a positive experience for everyone involved. What are your favourite Christmas party ideas, or lessons learnt from past events?🎅🏻 #ChristmasParty #HR

As we head into the festive season, we’re all looking forward to some well-deserved celebrations at our work events. Whether you're planning something in the office or heading off-site, here’s a gentle reminder to keep things festive and fun! 🍹 Don’t overdo it: While we’re all for fun, remember to keep things professional. Avoid making inappropriate comments, or any behaviour that might make others uncomfortable – remember, even if your work event takes place outside of normal working hours and off-site, you are still representing the company. Whatever you decide to do, make sure there is adequate non alcoholic drink choices available, for people to make the choice appropriate for them. 🎅 Respect all celebrations: 'Not everyone celebrates Christmas, our end of year celebrations are about bringing people together to recognise everyone's hard work. But no pressure, if you'd rather sit the event out that’s no problem! 🛡️ Safety First: Look out for one another, and make sure everyone gets home safely. 👩💼 For Managers: Lead by example and keep an eye out for your team. Your support can help make sure everyone has a brilliant time. Celebrate together, look out for each other and show what makes your workplace such a great place to be. Have fun and let the festivities begin!

Drunken colleagues and the pressure to make small talk were just a few of the reasons given in a survey which found 63% of employees don’t want a Christmas party this year. Life is busy, and we’ve all got obligations so late night drinks can easily feel like another thing to find time and money for, rather than a chance to celebrate. Baby sitters, asking someone to pick the kids and an overnight stay all come with a cost, so employees are only likely to join in with the festivities if they’re sure it’s going to be fun, and importantly, safe and inclusive. While ‘tis the season to be jolly’, office parties and team get-togethers are obviously still professional environments. So, a quick email reminder about conduct and respect (particularly as the prosecco starts flowing) can make a big difference. Having robust policies in place also provides a safety net if anything goes awry, helping to ensure the festivities are enjoyable for everyone while reinforcing your company’s values. Personally, I still enjoy a good Christmas party, but it’s no substitute for employees feeling valued and recognised throughout the year. At Manor Resources, we opted for an afternoon tea (with optional bubbles) which was booked within work hours to ensure it was accessible for everyone 🎅🎄 What do you think? Are Christmas parties losing their sparkle? #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #HR #ChristmasParty

Planning a Team Outing or Year-End Party? Here’s Why Confirmations Matter! The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s time to plan those much-awaited year-end celebrations—be it a team outing, Christmas party, or both! Organizing a team event can be exciting and stressful at the same time. It takes careful planning—and every confirmation or cancellation matters! When someone confirms, they’re included in the headcount, which affects everything: transportation, meals, venue reservations, and even the budget. But what happens when someone backs out last minute? It can throw off the entire plan. When you confirm your attendance, it’s important to be responsible and accountable. Backing out last minute can disrupt logistics, increase costs for others, and dampen the festive spirit. To make everything smoother: ✔️ Confirm only when you’re certain you can attend. ✔️ Stick to RSVP deadlines. ✔️ Pay deposits to secure your spot. ✔️ Communicate early if something changes. ✔️ Remember how your decisions affect the group. Let’s make this holiday season stress-free and fun for everyone! A little accountability goes a long way in ensuring we end the year with a celebration to remember. 🌟🎄 #HolidayPlanning #YearEndCelebration #TeamOutingVibes #AccountabilityMatters #CelebrateResponsibly #FestiveSeasonFun #PlanSmartPartyHard #StressFreeCelebrations #EndTheYearRight #TeamworkAndFun

🎄🎉 Christmas Parties: How to Conduct Yourself the Right Way 🎉🎄 The holiday season is upon us, and for many workplaces, that means Christmas parties are just around the corner! It's a chance to unwind, celebrate with colleagues, and enjoy the festive spirit. But it's also important to remember that your actions at work events reflect your professionalism. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your Christmas party while keeping it classy: 1.Be Respectful: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their role or position in the company. 2.Watch Your Drink: It's easy to get carried away, but drinking responsibly ensures you stay in control and avoid any awkward situations. 3.Keep it Professional: While it's a time for fun, remember you're still representing your professional self. Stay away from controversial topics and keep conversations light-hearted. 4.Mind Your Boundaries: Respect personal space and be mindful of how you interact with others—what's acceptable to one person might not be to another. 5.Say Thank You: A little gratitude goes a long way. Thank the organisers and those who made the event happen! Enjoy the celebrations, and let's make this year's Christmas party one to remember for all the right reasons! 🎅🎁 #ChristmasPartyEtiquette #HolidaySeason #WorkplaceCulture #Professionalism #FestiveFun

🎄 Workplaces & Christmas: A Festive Reflection 🎄 As Christmas lights begin to twinkle and the holiday cheer fills the air, I can’t help but notice how much the festive season has in common with the way we work and grow together in our workplaces. Here’s a fun thought: isn’t the workplace a little like Christmas preparation? 🎁 The Joy of Giving: Whether it’s Secret Santa Gifts or Sharing your Expertise with a Colleague, both remind us that giving isn’t just about presents—it’s about presence. ✨ Decorating the Tree: Think of each ornament as a contribution from your team—diverse ideas, unique talents, and hard work all coming together to create something beautiful. 🤝 Team Spirit: Just as families gather to celebrate, workplaces thrive on collaboration. Every role and every task matters—whether you’re hanging the star on top or wrapping the last gift. 📅 Year-End Reflection: Much like Christmas inspires gratitude, the workplace encourages us to reflect on our successes, challenges, and the journey we’ve shared. And let’s not forget—December is also about looking ahead. What’s next? How can we light up the new year with the same enthusiasm and warmth? This Christmas, let’s bring the festive spirit to work: ✔ Celebrate the big wins and the small ones. ✔ Appreciate those who’ve been by your side all year. ✔ And, most importantly, keep the spark of joy alive for 2025. What’s your favourite workplace tradition during the holiday season? I’d love to hear your stories! 🎅✨ Antai Fintech Global Seeding Brains Veda Ankuram Ankit Awasthi Alankrita Singh Anubhav Mishra Amritesh Pratap Singh Chinmay Chitransh Fathima Salim Dr. Jatin Tekriwal Soumya Dixit Shraddha Singh Ankita Shukla Shweta Verma #ChristmasAtWork #FestiveVibes #Teamwork #Gratitude #EndOfYearReflections

CHRISTMAS CHEERS - A Christmas party that is organised, promoted or funded by the employer (either partially or wholly) may be considered to be an extension of the workplace.  What does this mean for employers? That they have a responsibility to keep their people safe- physically and emotionally. What does this look like with a "Christmas Party" lens? - Good organisation: (a) timing of event (day or night suits different demographics) (b) location of event (is transport, accessibility or acoustics a barrier for attendance?) (c) be clear as to what is covered, and not (not everyone has the same budget). - Good communication about: (a) expected conduct including about alcohol consumption and appropriate conduct between colleagues, (b) who will be sober point person at the event and that non-alcoholic drinks will be available, (c) what food/ activities will be offered so that participants can plan ahead. I recommend minds be turned to what the company's culture/ values are and think how these can be upheld with any planning. For example, if a value is "inclusiveness" and the party is only catering to a sample of the company's employees, this is not reflective of the values.

🎄 Why Cutting Corners on Christmas Do’s Can Cost You 🎄 As the festive season approaches, some companies may be tempted to dial back on their holiday celebrations. But here’s the truth: a Christmas do is more than just a line on the budget – it’s an investment in your team’s morale, loyalty, and sense of belonging. Here’s why it pays to celebrate properly: Morale Can’t Be Built on Pennies 💪 After a year of hard graft, your team deserves a real show of appreciation. A thoughtfully planned party (with a proper budget) signals that they’re valued as people, not just as outputs. Work-Life Balance Deserves More Than Lip Service 🎉 Festive gatherings remind employees that there’s time for fun and that their hard work is noticed. Skimping on these events says “work comes first” – a message that doesn’t resonate with people who want a workplace they’re proud to be part of. Recognition Fosters Loyalty 🌟 A good Christmas do isn’t just about having a laugh – it’s about recognising the effort your team has put in. When you invest in these moments, you’re investing in loyalty and a team that will go the distance. Cutting corners? It’s likely to leave people feeling less engaged. People Remember Experiences 🎈 Years from now, your team won’t remember a cash bonus or the Friday emails – they’ll remember shared memories and good times together. These moments build a sense of belonging that strengthens your workplace culture. The bottom line? Skipping the Christmas party might save a bit today, but the long-term cost could be a disconnected team and a weakened culture. A proper celebration isn’t a “nice-to-have” – it’s an opportunity to show your team that they’re genuinely valued. So, let’s give our teams a reason to celebrate and invest in the people who make our businesses tick. 💼✨ Wishing all those planning festive gatherings a truly memorable holiday season!

Why are Christmas work parties… boring, awkward and completely forgettable? After working behind the scenes at countless events, one thing is clear: Businesses are completely missing the point. • They’re not inclusive. Not everyone wants to down drinks. Not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way. • They’re lifeless. A set menu, some tinsel and a DJ won’t make people feel appreciated. • They’re a chore. For many, these parties feel more like an obligation than a celebration. This is what I’d do instead: Book an experience: • Escape room • Cooking class • Team Olympics • Secret Santa with a twist… Secret Santa is a classic— it brings the team together and is always a fun, light-hearted activity. But instead of exchanging tacky, last-minute gifts… Why not have employees gift each other their time and skills? For example: • Offering free lessons (like cooking or a language lesson) • Providing a service (like helping with a project) • Sharing an experience (like going for a coffee or attending a concert together) This way, the party becomes about connection, creativity and meaningful interactions. _________________ ✍️What would your ideal Christmas work party look like? #ChristmasParty #TeamBuilding #WorkCulture #SecretSanta #CorporateEvents