UNLV Workplace Decorating Contest Brings Holiday Spirit and Employee Engagement
Why Workplace Decorating Matters
Holiday decorations are more than seasonal flair; they signal a culture that values community, creativity, and morale. When employees see a thoughtfully decorated workspace, they feel recognized and connected, which can boost productivity and reduce turnover. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) demonstrated this effect during its second annual workplace decorating contest, where teams transformed office walls into festive showcases that sparked conversation and camaraderie.
Key Benefits of a Well‑Executed Decor Initiative
- Improved employee engagement and satisfaction
- Enhanced brand identity for the organization
- Opportunities for cross‑department collaboration
- Positive media coverage that highlights workplace culture
Want to learn more about how décor can elevate your workplace? Explore our related articles for further reading.
Key Elements of a Successful Holiday Decor Contest
UNLV’s contest showcased several best practices that any organization can adopt:
- Clear Criteria and Judging Rubric: Originality, festive spirit, and overall aesthetic were the main scoring points. A transparent rubric ensures fairness and motivates participants to push creative boundaries.
- Theme Flexibility: Teams were free to choose a theme—risk‑management safety, nostalgic Santa, or a zen winter garden—allowing each department to reflect its identity.
- Resource Allocation: Budget limits and material sourcing were managed by the Business Affairs unit, ensuring that decorations were safe, sustainable, and within financial constraints.
- Inclusive Participation: Employees from all levels, including custodial staff and faculty, contributed, reinforcing a sense of ownership.
Looking to set up your own contest? Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Lessons from UNLV’s 2025 Decorating Contest
The contest’s top three entries illustrate how creativity can align with organizational values:
1. Risk Management & Safety’s Gingerbread Lane
By reimagining a classic holiday poem with a safety twist, this team turned cubicle walls into a gingerbread house, complete with foam popcorn and edible treats. The result was a playful reminder of risk awareness while celebrating the season.
2. Hector Mariche’s World of Santa
Leveraging a personal collection of holiday décor, Mariche created a cozy Santa waiting room that included a real Christmas tree, fireplace, and personalized thank‑you cards from students. The personal touch deepened the connection between staff and the student body.
3. Business Affairs Communication’s Winter Garden
To counter holiday hustle, this team built a tranquil winter garden with live and faux greenery, a tabletop fountain, and whimsical woodland creatures. The space offered a quiet retreat for staff to recharge.
These examples show that aligning décor with department missions can amplify engagement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
Practical Steps to Organize Your Own Contest
- Define Objectives: Decide whether the goal is team building, brand promotion, or simply boosting morale.
- Set a Budget: Allocate funds for materials, safety compliance, and prizes.
- Create a Theme List: Offer a few theme options or allow open‑ended creativity.
- Form a Judging Panel: Include representatives from HR, marketing, and senior leadership.
- Communicate Rules: Publish guidelines on safety, duration, and submission deadlines.
- Encourage Collaboration: Invite cross‑department teams to mix skills and perspectives.
- Celebrate Winners: Award prizes, public recognition, and bragging rights.
- Document and Share: Take photos, write a recap, and circulate the story across internal channels.
Ready to bring holiday spirit into your office? Submit your application today.
Maximizing Employee Engagement Through Creative Spaces
Decor is just one element of a broader engagement strategy. Combine it with:
- Regular feedback loops to gauge employee sentiment
- Recognition programs that highlight contributions
- Wellness initiatives that support mental and physical health
- Continuous learning opportunities that foster growth
By integrating décor with these practices, organizations can create a vibrant, supportive environment that attracts and retains top talent. For more insights on employee engagement, visit our engagement hub.
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