The 4th of July is next week, but if I’m honest, I’m already thinking of my holiday plans! This year, I’ll be camping and boating in beautiful Northern Michigan with some friends. I can’t wait!

Most likely, your team is thinking ahead to the holiday weekend, too. Keep them engaged all week by hosting your own holiday celebrations in the office.

The 4th of July is often celebrated by picnics and lawn games, so host a lawn game tournament this week. Ask employees to bring in their own games, and play outside or in the hallways (when appropriate). Keep track of the winners of bocce ball, badminton, and bean bag toss, and award patriotic certificates to the winners at the end of the week.

On Friday, host a red, white, and blue potluck. People will love not having to pack a lunch on the day before a holiday weekend, and you’ll challenge their creativity. Taste of Home has an entire collection of flag recipes to provide some inspiration!

Coordinate your recognition efforts this week by using red, white, and blue thank you cards and giving patriotic lapel pins to your team.

Or give employees a new flag lanyard to use in July:

Throughout all your 4th of July festivities in the office, remind your employees that it has always been a TEAM of people who have made our independence possible!

Have a great 4th of July!

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Cori is Baudville's in-house Recognitionista (she's officially a Certified Recognition Professional, too)  and a member of the Millennial generation. Get her employee recognition tips and special discounts by liking Baudville on Facebook.