Once upon a time, March came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. But now it’s all simply madness. March Madness, that is. The annual NCAA basketball tournament is one of the biggest and most exciting events in sports, with an estimated 70 million brackets filled out each year and over 10 million viewers tuning in to watch 68 teams battle for supremacy.
This year, why not embrace the madness (and fun!). Whether or not you participate in March Madness, you can still come up with office events and activities throughout the month that boost employee morale, encourage bonding among colleagues and, of course, give everyone a chance to enjoy great food.
Need some ideas to get you started? Why not throw an official kickoff party? Selection Sunday this year is on March 13, which makes the following Monday a perfect time to hold a celebratory luncheon. With assorted sandwich platters, cookie trays, and individual boxed options, Subway catering (powered by ezCater) has everything you need to make it a success.
Be sure to encourage everyone to wear their favorite team’s jersey and, for added entertainment, have everyone fill out brackets. Not sure if you want to do an office pool? No problem. A fun alternative can be to create a no buy-in version, with winners receiving gift cards, a day off, or perhaps new office equipment. Another idea is to hold an office decorating contest.
You can also make these luncheons a weekly event, a time where your team can get together to eat and discuss the highlights from that week’s games. Tournament Taco Tuesdays, anyone? Or maybe NCAA Nacho Noshes? Check out Mexican catering options near you for more delicious ideas.
It’s estimated employees covertly spend six hours of work time on March Madness activities throughout the month. Instead of fighting it, lean into it and set up a viewing room where employees can watch the games during their lunch and break times. Surprise them with a sweet treat, such as a scrumptious cookie platter and watch productivity and morale soar.
When it comes time for the Final Four, celebrate with an office tailgate party. Weather permitting, you can go old school and set up in the parking lot, ordering up some tasty barbecue from a local restaurant. But even if you need to have it inside the office, nothing says “good time” like melt-in-your-mouth brisket and ribs with all the fixin’s. Check out local barbecue restaurants in your area.
As for the big finale? How about a Wrap Up Pizza Party? Hand out the prizes for the bracket winners, for best decorated office, for most team spirit, etc. Get creative with it. Because let’s be honest. The only thing better than a pizza party is a pizza party with prizes. Find pizza catering near you.
Not sure where to start? Check out all the catering options near you at ezcater.com. Need more ideas on how to throw an amazing office party? Check out our Office Party Planning Guide for more tips.