Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in March 2019 and has since been updated to include new research and company picnic giveaway ideas.
Food. Fun. Friends. Fresh air. These things are associated with one of everyone’s favourite pastimes: The picnic. There’s even an “International Picnic Day,” celebrated yearly on June 18, by alfresco diners worldwide. We offer company picnic giveaway ideas to make your next outdoor event a smashing success.
Regardless of when you host your company picnic, getting outside, partaking in a delicious spread and spending quality time with fellow team members is beneficial to employees in several ways.
We’ve put together a list of benefits, along with a few company picnic gift ideas, to make the day memorable.
Picnic gifts that build friendships
Employees with friends at work are 27% more likely to feel their job is important.
And yet, trying to find the time to make that kind of connection while on the clock can be difficult.
By offering your employees a few hours—or even an entire day—to get to know one another, you can help them become more invested in each other and your company.
A Jumbo Picnic Blanket is not only a great company picnic gift idea, but it also creates casual seating that encourages team members and their families to mix and mingle.
Picnic giveaways that encourage people to take a break
In the same way that office friendships can increase happiness, taking a lunch break can help team members be more productive and improve their mental well-being.
Get everyone together—away from their desks—with a company picnic lunch. Whether BYO, pot-luck style or company-provided, employees will appreciate the opportunity to step away and dine together.
Offer those who participate a company picnic giveaway, like a Mood Stadium Cup, to help them remember that taking time to eat and relax can improve their mood and productivity. These Collapsible Neoprene KOOZIE® Can Koolers are another nice way to help keep them cool on a warm summer day.
Promote self-care with items for the outdoors
Self-care is an important part of job satisfaction. That includes getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet and ensuring they protect themselves from the elements.
Remind employees that taking care of themselves can help bring out their best. Choose simple self-care items that are perfect for a picnic. Company branded picnic giveaways, like Risky Business Sunglasses – Mirror Lens, a Booney Hat and a Mini Breeze Rechargeable Fan will help keep them keep cool in the sun.
Take time for play with outdoor games
While your employees are picnicking, encourage them to try out a few games. The classic Bean Bag Toss Game will get people of all abilities in on the action. Play and participation in a favourite hobby can bring happiness and even stimulate healthy behaviours, like laughter, which has been shown to counteract stress and increase blood flow.
Want to add an element of competition? Set up a bracket and offer the winner bragging rights or a fun company picnic giveaway, like the Ultimate Picnic Set.
A little nature, a little nurture with these company picnic gift ideas
Getting your employees outside for a meal and downtime can help remind them of genuine connections and self-care’s critical role in their work life. A fun reason to get outdoors coupled with a few company picnic giveaways will have them remembering to take those breaks and make connections all year round. For more ways to enjoy the outdoors, check out our article on outdoor events.