Spicing Up the Staff BBQ

by HEATHER MCCULLIGH | Jul 2nd, 2009 | Leadership & Management |

Our friend Steve Boese, in addition to teaching HR master’s students at the Rochester Institute of Technology about leveraging HR tech, writes a fantastic blog about the subject, and considers himself a BBQ aficionado. This interesting combination of expertise, and the summer months inspired a post about BBQ on our Talent Management Blog.

It’s a time honored office tradition – the staff barbeque. At some point this summer, you’ll all gather outside of your building and chow down on something that comes in a bun. I don’t know about you, but between my professional and private life, by July 4th I’m approaching barbeque overload. There are only so many burgers, dogs and veggie patties I can eat without having a distinct sense of barbeque déjà vu.

Too often maybe, the staff barbeque planning falls to HR, so why not take the time this year to spice it up? Here are a few ideas to escape the monotony of burgers and dogs:

  • Create a Challenge: Too often, the barbeque can be a perfunctory 30 minute lunch time activity. Why not change it up and incorporate a challenge of some sort into the barbeque? This could be as simple as adding in a contest for the best homemade condiment, or a salsa tasting competition. You’ll probably be surprised at who shows up with something to contribute. You can then have staff do a blind test and vote on the items. Another challenge you could incorporate is the Iron Chef-style team builder. Or maybe even turn it into a chicken and rib cook off.
  • Bring in the Professionals: Consider having your barbeque catered by professionals who can spice up the menu with different types of cuisine and up the ante on burgers and dogs. Popular options are southwestern or Asian style barbeques that include a range of tastes and flavors sure to please your team.
  • Add a Community Flavor: So maybe you are going to go with burgers and dogs, but why not turn it into a fundraiser and invite the community to attend? It’s positive exposure for your company and all the funds go to a local not for profit organization. Employees are engaged in cooking and serving, while giving back to the community they work in.

How do you spice up the staff barbeque? Email us to share your ideas.

  • http://steveboese.squarespace.com Steve Boese

    Heather, thanks so much for the nice words about the HR Technology (and Barbecue) blog. I really appreciate all the support from the great folks at Halogen for my HR Technology class over the last year. Some of us HR Bloggers are kicking around the idea of an HR Blog Unconference this Fall, and I have committed to hauling my barbecue smoker along to help with the catering. Great post, and once again thanks very much.

  • http://www.iLoveMyBBQ.com Andy BBQ Recipe Guy

    Great article Heather… I found it when trying to find some examples of companies who indulge in staff BBQ’s.

    Company BBQ’s are not as mainstream in the UK and I especially like the idea of adding some community element, such as a fund-raiser.

    Andy