The bank holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III is upon us. Across the UK people are preparing to mark the occasion with street parties, family gatherings and more.
Given we’ve not seen a coronation since 1953, how can your businesses join in with the festivities in a positive way – can this historic event help strengthen your relationship with your employees?
We’ve compiled a list of five ways to bring the coronation to life in your workplace – from themed events to spontaneous gifts – to help you make the most of this rare event.
1: Host a coronation-themed team lunch
Employees want to know they are valued, both for their contribution to the business and as individuals. Holding a coronation-themed lunch is a great opportunity to get together and catch up with our colleagues on a personal level.
You can even enjoy decorating your workplace with bunting and flags together to really get into the spirit of the occasion.
2: Help them celebrate with a surprise gift
The extra bank holiday, as well as the expected national celebrations, may leave some employees worrying about whether they can afford to take part. Others may simply be grateful for a mid-month boost.
Consider offering staff a one-off gift to celebrate the occasion. Under HMRC’s Trivial Benefits rules, we can give each employee up to £50 in gift vouchers tax-free, helping them make the most of the coronation weekend.
Order Love2shop Contactless Gift Cards through www.highstreetvouchers.com to be delivered straight to their inbox the same day, so there is no waiting for the post!
3: Organise an environmental team away day
Before ascending to the throne, King Charles III was a great supporter of environmental causes and charities – and he remains so.
If taking time out is not possible – for example hospitality and retail will be extremely busy over the bank holiday – arrange a team away day later in the month instead. Supporting a local environmental project is the perfect way to celebrate the coronation – plus it’s inclusive as anyone who really isn’t interested in the Royal Family can simply enjoy helping out.
The Wildlife Trusts is a collection of grassroots voluntary groups dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. Supported by the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund, search for local opportunities to volunteer with them here: www.wildlifetrusts.org/closer-to-nature/volunteer
4: Give them an early finish
There is an extra bank holiday this month, but an unexpected early finish to start the celebrations early on Friday is a great way to help employees start the weekend.
Whether they are preparing for a street party or hosting family or friends, the extra time will ease any stress they feel about being ready for the party.
5: Host a charity fundraiser
The King and Queen Consort are supporters and patrons of numerous charities, so why not have a little fun raising money for one of them?
From a bake sale to a step-count challenge, even a sponsored walk later in the year. Whatever works for our colleagues, fundraisers can be a great way to have fun as a team and increase the feelgood factor at work!
We can support young people to find work or start their own business by donating to the Prince’s Trust – a charity founded by King Charles III.
Alternatively charities that have shared connections to the King and Queen Consort in the past have included Barnado’s and the National Literacy Trust.
However we choose to mark the coronation – or help staff enjoy the extra bank holiday – spontaneous shows of appreciation and gifting at work can have a significant impact on productivity and employees sense of value.
Recent Love2shop research revealed that 52% of employees feel their productivity improves when they feel valued by their employer. With an extra day off this month, that’s surely a good thing!
