There’s something about a summer BBQ that helps bring teams together. Away from desks, meetings and inboxes, colleagues have the chance to relax, connect and build stronger working relationships in a more informal setting.
Team building doesn’t always have to involve organised activities or away days; sometimes, it’s enough just to provide the time and space for people to connect socially – and this can go a long way towards building stronger working relationships. A well-planned BBQ offers a relaxed setting where everyone can unwind, celebrate successes and get to know colleagues they might not usually work with.
The best part? With a little planning, you can create an event that’s fun, inclusive and budget-friendly.
Start with your team, not just the menu
A successful team BBQ is about making sure everyone feels welcome, so when you’re making your shopping list, think beyond the traditional burgers and sausages. Offering a variety of options helps everyone enjoy the day, whether they’re vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, or have food allergies. To make planning even easier, Asda offers a wide range of food and drink options to help cater to a variety of different tastes.
Some easy crowd-pleasers include:
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Fresh salads and pasta salads
- Corn on the cob
- Plant-based burgers and sausages
- Jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings
- Fruit platters and ice lollies for dessert.
It’s also worth asking your colleagues about any dietary requirements they may have before you shop. A quick survey can help cut down on waste while making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Make it a shared effort
One of the easiest ways to build a sense of community is to involve colleagues in the planning of the BBQ. Perhaps someone has a great recipe for potato salad, another enjoys organising games, while someone else is happy to create a shared playlist.
Giving people small roles helps create a sense of ownership and can make the event feel less like a company function and more like a genuine social occasion. If your workplace has a social committee, they’re perfectly placed to coordinate everything from decorations to food shopping.
Stretch your budget further
Entertaining a whole team doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Careful planning, buying in larger quantities and shopping smart can all help keep costs under control.
That’s where the Asda Groceries Gift Card can make life easier for office social committees and workplace organisers. Instead of dealing with expense claims or multiple reimbursements, teams can use a dedicated grocery budget to buy everything they need for the event, from BBQ essentials and soft drinks to disposable tableware and desserts.
The card can be loaded with values from £1 to £1,000, making it easy to manage spending while keeping purchases in one place. Thanks to our great everyday value, your social budget can often go further, helping you provide lots of choice without overspending.
Don’t forget the finishing touches
It’s often the little details that people remember, and a few inexpensive additions can make your BBQ feel like a proper celebration:
- Colourful bunting and picnic blankets
- Music to create a relaxed atmosphere
- Plenty of shaded seating
- Cool boxes filled with cold drinks
- A simple thank-you speech recognising the team’s hard work
If your team includes remote or hybrid colleagues, consider sending them a small BBQ food hamper or inviting them to join part of the celebration virtually with a lunch delivered to their home.