Retirement party planning used to be part and parcel of working life as a testimony to one’s work career and their contribution to a particular company.
Nowadays, in a world of restructuring, they may not be as popular but the truth is, as a mark of respect and appreciation, retirement parties, no matter how big or small, are still a great way to say thank you and all the best in your retirement.
In this article, we have come up with several ideas when planning a retirement party.
Retirement Party Planning Ideas
- The first rule in planning a party for someone retiring is to make sure the person involved will be open to it. If you know them well and know they like a little attention and don’t mind the fuss then there’s no need to consult with the person concerned. If not, just check with them out of courtesy and let them know there will be a little send-off for them.
- You need to take into account the reason why the person in question is retiring. Are they retiring of their own accord or were they forced to retire either through company decision, restructuring or health.
- Venue selection should again be considered carefully. Most retirement parties will take place at the place of business and usually happens when the person has clocked off. People usually gather in a designated area and the “official ceremony” takes place followed by eats and drinks.
- Outside venues are also popular and a restaurant or bar nearby or the person’s favorite hang out spot near work are good selections. Sometimes, employees who have had a distinguished career at a place of employment will be lucky enough to get two send offs. One with close work associates and company bosses they worked closely with followed by the standard company send-off at the workplace.
- Make sure the time of the party suits most but especially the boss or manager. You could check with people and get an idea of numbers but it always pays to make sure.
- There should be at least two gifts, one from work mates and the other from the company. If you are organizing the workmates gift, do a collection and purchase the gift from the proceeds. The company will organize there gift but sometimes it wouldn’t hurt to keep them posted on when retirement day is especially in big companies so they don’t do the unthinkable and forget.
- Always start the party with speeches. One from the company manager and at least one other from a close work colleague. These should combine both a little humor or roasting and then any accolades and heart-felt comments.
- One idea many may not consider is creating a scrapbook of the person retiring. Look for any photos or items which feature the guest of honor and create a scrapbook, presenting it to them on retirement day. It will make a great memento and give the person the feeling of having been appreciated.
- Finally, everyone has a hobby or interest so consider a themed retirement party, They may be a keen fisherman so why not turn up wearing something fishy. You get the picture.