For any small business, team work can make all the difference between success and failure. That’s because collaborative teams excel at dividing responsibilities and working towards the same goal. Realizing this, most businesses are focusing on team building exercises that can bring teams closer.

A simple yet effective team building activity is a potluck. It can be organized by anyone without costing a penny to the company.

But what exactly is it and how does it help in building teams?

What Is an Office Potluck?

In simple terms, a potluck is an occasion when attendees bring food to be shared with everyone. Whether it has a theme or not, is completely up to the team members.

The main idea is to add some fun to the workplace and encourage employees to connect with one another over food.

How to Organize an Office Potluck

Organizing an office potluck can be a delightful way to foster team spirit, bring together diverse culinary delights, and celebrate special occasions or simply to enjoy a shared meal. Potlucks serve as an opportunity for employees to showcase their cooking talents or introduce their favorite dishes. While the idea of an office potluck is simple, ensuring it runs smoothly requires some planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a successful potluck event in your office:

1. Choosing a Date and Time

When considering a date for the potluck, aim for one that doesn’t overlap with any major office events or meetings. It’s essential to check with key team members to make sure most people are available on the chosen date. Typically, lunch hours are an ideal time, but if that doesn’t work, late afternoons can also be considered.

2. Determining a Theme (Optional)

A themed potluck, such as international cuisine, comfort food, or holiday specials, can add a touch of excitement and inspire creativity among participants. While it’s not a necessity, it certainly can make the event more memorable.

Theme CategoryTheme Ideas

International- Mexican Fiesta

– Italian Pasta Party

– Asian Delights

– Middle Eastern Feast

Seasonal- Spring Fresh

– Summer BBQ

– Fall Harvest

– Winter Warmers

Historical Eras- Medieval Feast

– 1920s Speakeasy

– 1950s Diner

Cuisine Type- Vegan Night

– Dessert-Only

– Seafood Fest

Movie/Book Themes- ‘Harry Potter’ Feast

– ‘Star Wars’ Galactic Meals

– ‘The Great Gatsby’ Party

3. Sending Out Invitations

Utilize office communication tools like emails or group chats for invitations. Ensure the invite clearly details the date, time, venue, and any theme, if applicable.

4. Coordinating Dishes

While employees can be given the freedom to decide their dishes, it might be helpful to provide some guidance to ensure a diverse and balanced meal spread. A shared document or spreadsheet where participants can sign up for specific dishes can help avoid an imbalance, such as an overload of desserts and a shortage of appetizers.

5. Allotting Responsibilities

Besides food, there are other logistics to take care of. Delegating tasks like setting up the dining area, arranging for utensils, and managing music can ensure smooth sailing. It’s also prudent to have a cleanup crew in place for after the event.

6. Considering Dietary Restrictions

Always be conscious of any dietary restrictions or allergies in the team. It’s good practice for participants to label their dishes, highlighting key ingredients, especially potential allergens.

7. Promoting the Event

As the potluck day approaches, sending out reminders can help build excitement. Use team meetings or chat groups to keep the buzz alive and ensure maximum participation.

8. On the Day of the Event

Being proactive on the potluck day pays off. Arriving early to set up the venue, ensuring adequate tables and seating, and designating areas for different food categories will make the event flow seamlessly. Most importantly, enjoy the gathering and the array of delicious dishes on offer!

Office Potluck for Team Building

Do you sense a growing lack of communication between two team members? A potluck lunch can be of great help.

Get those two employees to plan the potluck. Ask them to coordinate the menu and come up with two dishes that everyone can enjoy.

The objective here is to get them to communicate with each other and find a simple solution. You may or may not oversee how they do this, but the end result can help them connect with each other.

At a later point, you may even speak to the two employees separately to get an idea how they felt about the whole exercise.

A potluck is also a great occasion to bring a close-knit team closer. As many small businesses have fewer employees working for them, a potluck lunch can give them a reason to discuss things beyond work. Often such discussions may reveal hidden talents and opportunities for business growth.

Whatever you do, remember to have fun and enjoy some good food.

Key Takeaways

Improved Communication: By assigning joint responsibilities, such as planning a potluck, team members can bridge communication gaps and work collaboratively.
Feedback Loop: Following up after the potluck by speaking to participants can provide insights into the effectiveness of the exercise and interpersonal dynamics.
Discover Hidden Talents: Casual discussions during potlucks often bring out personal interests and skills which might be beneficial for the company.
Strengthen Team Bond: Shared meals, like potlucks, provide a casual setting for team members to connect on a personal level, thereby solidifying team cohesion.
Expand Horizons: Beyond just addressing communication issues, potlucks can pave the way for discussions that lead to new business ideas or areas of growth.
Infuse Fun: Above all, ensure the environment is light-hearted and enjoyable. This not only makes for a memorable event but also reinforces a positive team culture.

Potluck Photo via Shutterstock

This article, “What is an Office Potluck?” was first published on Small Business Trends