Surprise Office Party Ideas

A surprise party at work can be a fun way to boost office morale.

Throwing a party at the office can be a way to promote socialization and morale among coworkers. A surprise party adds an element of fun and excitement to office parties. To truly surprise the guest of honor, those throwing the party should focus on creative party ideas that can be executed in the workplace.

Desk or Cubicle Parties

The easiest way to throw a surprise party at work is to lure the guest of honor away from his desk, cubicle or office and decorate the space while they're gone. To do this, have a supervisor or other coworker ask for a meeting in another room. Make sure that the meeting is far enough away from the guest of honor's workspace so that the party preparation won't be discovered. Decorating his workspace with balloons, streamers, signs and other party items is sure to surprise the guest of honor.

Surprise Guests

Another idea for an office surprise party is to have a surprise guest for the guest of honor. It might be a personal guest, such as an out of town relative or friend. A celebrity or personal hero would be an example of a surprise guest. Another option is a work-related guest, such as role model, mentor or leader in the industry. To do this, the party hosts can pretend to throw a regular party and have the guest show up to surprise the guest of honor.

Surprise Awards and Recognition

Most people enjoy receiving awards and recognition. One idea for an office surprise party is to surprise an individual or team with an award. To do this, the office can hold a regular meeting and then surprise the recipients of the award during the meeting. Helpers can set up a party room while the meeting is going on, and after the surprise award is given everyone can adjourn to the party room.

Virtual Surprise Party

Thanks to the Internet, partygoers don't even have to be in the same physical space, and you can throw a virtual party online with coworkers. This would be especially meaningful for freelancers and telecommuters. To do this, set up a video conference call, but instead of having a meeting, have the guests decked out in party hats. The hosts could deliver flowers or a pizza to the guest of honor that is timed to arrive during the party.

References

• Sowrey.org: How to throw a surprise party (and not get caught)
• HR People: 25 HR Approved Office Party Ideas