I am writing this article after our annual State of the Company celebration. We just spent the past few hours reviewing our accomplishments of the past year, presenting our goals, and celebrating our team. Truthfully, this event is usually planned in early March after all year end numbers are confirmed and the previous year has been reduced to statics. When March passed by this year, I figured we were all so busy that no one would mind if we don’t make the annual production. But guilt set in and after I spoke to some key advisors, I was determined to take the time to make this festivity happen. 

Now, I sit in the afterglow of a successful event and realize this is one tradition that I will not let pass again. This morning in a beautiful offsite venue, the Propel HR team relaxed, laughed, ate, and celebrated our victories. Each department reported to the company and everyone gained more respect for their co-workers’ hard work. We recognized employees for their tenure as well as their commitment to our core values. Everyone left proud and in high spirits.

Further reading: 6 Ways To Increase Employee Engagement

The benefits of celebrations go far beyond the enjoyment of the party. Here are a few of the gains from well executed celebrations:

• Team Building
• Breaking Down Silos between Departments
• Boosting Morale
• Rewarding Top Performers
• Integrating New and Out of Town Employees
• Sparking Innovation
• Motivating Performance
• Fostering a Positive Culture

As an HR outsourcing company, we understand the value that special events, as well as small celebrations, have on a company’s culture. Our HR team plans monthly themed celebrations with games, contests, and good food. We host family picnics, cookouts, and holiday parties. We gather together to recognize employee milestones such as birthdays, weddings, and new babies.

Yet, today felt different. Today, we celebrated each other.

Most days, tasks get in the way and as a society, we don’t slow down enough to acknowledge our accomplishments. We are so focused on the next task that we often don’t reflect on past performance. Today was a good reminder to make sure that our company gathers regularly to celebrate the good work we do and to lift each other up. I am already planning for next year!