The holiday season is a time for celebration, including showing appreciation to remote or virtual employees who work tirelessly to make your business successful. While distance may separate you physically, you can still bring your team together for a memorable holiday party. Let’s explore the steps to hosting a festive and inclusive holiday party that will create lasting memories.
Setting the Date and Time
Choose a Date that Works for All Time Zones: With remote employees spread across different locations, it’s essential to select a date and time that accommodates everyone. Consider time zone differences and find a sweet spot that allows most of your team to participate without convenient early mornings or late nights.
Determine the Party Format
Virtual or Hybrid Celebration: Decide whether you want to host an entirely virtual event or a hybrid one, where some employees gather in a physical location while others join remotely. The choice will depend on your team’s preferences and the feasibility of gathering in person.
Plan Fun Activities and Games
- Virtual Secret Santa or Gift Exchange: Organize a virtual Secret Santa or gift exchange. Use online platforms to draw names and set spending limits to ensure inclusivity.
- Ugly Sweater Contest: Encourage everyone to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters and vote for the ugliest one.
- Holiday Trivia: Host a holiday-themed trivia game with questions about various cultural celebrations, movies, songs, or movies. Offer prizes for the winners.
- Virtual Karaoke or Talent Show: Employees can showcase their hidden talents by hosting a virtual karaoke night or talent show. It’s a fun way to let your team’s creativity shine.
Food and Drink Ideas
- Virtual Potluck: Encourage employees to prepare a dish or drink related to their cultural or regional holiday traditions. Share recipes in advance to foster a sense of togetherness.
- Gift Food Delivery: Consider sending meal or snack delivery vouchers to remote employees so they can enjoy a special treat during the party.
- Cocktail Mixing Season: Hire a mixologist to guide employees through creating holiday cocktails during the party.
Decorate Virtually
- Digital Backgrounds: Encourage employees to use festive virtual backgrounds to create a holiday atmosphere during the video call.
- Themed Dress Code: Suggest a specific dress code that complements the holiday theme. It could be festive pajamas, formal attire, or ugly sweaters.
- Interactive Virtual Platforms
- Zoom, Teams, or Other Platforms: Choose a video conferencing platform that allows breakout rooms, polls, and interactive features to keep your remote employees engaged.
- Virtual Photo Booth: Set up a virtual photo booth where employees can take holiday-themed pictures during the event.
- Collaborative Playlist: Create a collaborative playlist and allow employees to add their favorite holiday tunes. Play the playlist in the background during the event.
Employee Recognition
Awards and Shoutouts: Take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements of your remote employees during the past year. Give out awards or shoutouts for exceptional performance.
Prizes and Swag
Virtual Door Prizes: Hold a virtual raffle with exciting prizes. Include tech gadgets, gift cards, or even paid time off incentives.
Custom Swag: Send custom holiday-themed swag, like company-branded mugs, hats, or t-shirts, to your remote employees as a gesture of appreciation.
Make it Optional
Respect Employee Choices: Not all employees may celebrate the same holidays or may have personal reasons for not participating. Make the party optional, and ensure that those who choose not to attend feel valued and included.
Send a Thank You Gift
Personalized Thank You Notes: After the event, send personalized thank you notes or cards to each employee, expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
Gift Baskets: Consider sending a holiday gift basket to each employee as a token of appreciation. Include items like gourmet chocolates, scented candles, or a heartfelt message.
Hosting a holiday party for your remote employees is an excellent way to boost team morale and show your appreciation for their contributions. With careful planning and a focus on inclusivity, you can create a memorable virtual event that strengthens your team’s connection and leaves a lasting impact, even from a distance.
For more on virtual office space, contact Concierge Executive Offices today.
