Summary
Virtual holiday parties should strive to be meaningful and respectful of all that we have gone through together.
Virtual holiday parties gained popularity during the pandemic, and for companies with remote or hybrid workforces, they remain a practical and fun way to celebrate the season together. These events offer an opportunity to connect with employees across various locations and ensure everyone feels included.
Hybrid Workforce
Workplace dynamics have changed significantly recently, with many companies adopting hybrid or fully remote schedules. This shift has also transformed how we celebrate the holidays together. Many teams are preparing for virtual holiday parties to stay connected, no matter where they are.
Bringing the Team Together
While every year brings challenges, the annual company holiday party is the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate achievements. It’s a time to reflect on the wins, reconnect with coworkers, and strengthen team bonds. Whether in-person, remote, or hybrid, the spirit of celebration and shared success remains at the heart of the event.
Recognizing Extraordinary Efforts
Leadership’s sentiments this year should focus on recognizing the many contributions employees have made. Whether adjusting to new work-life balances, managing home life while meeting work responsibilities, or staying engaged and motivated in a remote setting, every employee deserves recognition. This year’s contributions are significant, and celebrating these efforts builds morale and connection within the team.
10 Tips to Get Started
This year’s virtual holiday parties should be meaningful and mindful of the diverse experiences within the team, so it’s a good time to start planning. Here are ten things to consider:
- Advance Notice – Even for smaller companies, schedules can fill up fast running up to the end of the year. Be sure to give ample notice, maybe 1-2 months in advance, with gentle reminders to ensure everyone marks their calendars.
- Plan an Agenda – Virtual holiday parties have more limits when it comes to how long people will stick around. Usually a one-hour time slot works best for everyone—budget time to include important things like a message from leadership and any special recognition.
- Include Everyone – Attending virtual holiday parties is much easier, so be sure you’re not forgetting anyone. The internet has no shortage of resources for managing large virtual parties to the maximum effect.
- Make it About Employees – Think about your employees and what’s going to engage them. Give them a lot of what they want and none of what they don’t. It’s not about dazzling or winning them over; it’s about providing relief and care after a year that most of us will want to forget.
- Public Recognition – Everybody deserves recognition for getting through this tumultuous year, so say it loud. Recognize individual employees’ major accomplishments and milestones in front of their peers and make it meaningful.
- Utilize Breakout Rooms – A virtual gathering with say 500+ participants can get a bit hairy to manage and run the risk of excluding some participants. Use breakout rooms to your advantage, getting people in smaller groups so everyone can share the experience.
- Repurpose Budgets – The cost of hosting end-of-year gatherings are going to be considerably less than they were before, but it’s still worth the investment. Repurpose budgets to give employees something extra or unexpected this year.
- Make it Interactive – Don’t put people in the virtual corner. Keep the energy up and encourage involvement with interactive tools. Straw polls can be fun and engaging, and people may enjoy many games and activities.
- Gift Giving—Sending attendees gifts or holiday kits is not only fun as the year wraps up but can really bring the celebration together. Send something meaningful that will show how you feel about them. It’s also an excellent chance to promote brand connection.
- Look to the Future – While it’s a great time to recognize all we’ve gone through, be sure to take the opportunity to do an emotional reset to keep everyone moving forward together. Paint a vision of the future, reassure your people, and encourage a fresh start for the new year.
Make it Memorable
While virtual holiday parties may not replicate the in-person experience entirely, there are still plenty of ways to make them memorable and fun. These gatherings are a great opportunity to reflect on the past year in a personal and compassionate way.
