A tailgate party has the advantage of providing an annual event that employees could look forward to. This is in the tradition of the company picnic or the company holiday party. This is also the most expensive single option of those considered. There are potential legal liabilities, as well, and it is likely that even if a tailgate party is put into place, no alcohol would be provided by the company since serving alcohol puts the company at considerable risk. In addition, the cost for this event would be high and, if held on a Saturday, may cause resentment if children are not invited·as they are invited to most company picnics. Depending on the severity of the morale problem, a once-per-year event will also do little to improve morale.
Gift certificates have the potential to boost morale and could be purchased in relatively small denominations (such as $10 or $25). These could be given out in each department and would have little budgetary impact. However, this option has the disadvantage of causing potential conflict among employees if the gift certificates are given on merit. Certainly employees who do not receive certificates may question the merit of those who do, especially in the program's early stages. Gift certificates could be awarded for length of service, however, in which case they should be generic·such as to a mall·rather than to an individual store to ensure that all recipients can choose something they want.
A monthly lunch is a way for the company to improve morale on a regular basis by offering a relaxed atmosphere and a free meal. This option ends up costing the company the direct cost of the lunch itself, and also the lost productivity associated with the luncheon event. In a company with poor morale, this may provide the greatest "bang for the buck." Not only do employees receive a free lunch, they also see that their company is interested in ensuring th
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