Although it appears that we are through the worst of the pandemic, the fight isn’t over; and your employees have had another tough year. In challenging times, celebrations are more important than ever. So how do you plan holiday celebrations that are fun, safe, and engage onsite and remote workers alike?
Consider some ways to ensure your teams have a memorable and moral-boosting holiday:
- Hold a virtual trivia contest with prizes. Have department heads compete for time off (a day or even half-day) for their workers.
- Book a virtual appearance of a celebrity. The platform Cameo has all kinds of celebrities – actors, musicians, and athletes – available for as little as $100.
- Have a (virtual or hybrid) vintage ‘Mad Men’ style cocktail party with music, food, and drinks from the ‘60s. Encourage people to wear period clothes like skinny neckties, capri pants, and hats.
- Promote 12 days of holiday fun. Each day offer a special treat – such as discounts at local stores/restaurants, a free onsite gourmet coffee bar, a spa day (with free head/neck/hand massages and manicures available), free boxed lunches, pet photos with Santa day, and more. Be creative! Ask some thought leaders at all levels in your organization what their colleagues and teams would enjoy.
- Respect ongoing safety issues and concerns about COVID. Make any rules (such as vaccination and masking) clear to everyone in advance. Give staff time off to get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so. Have masks with a holiday theme available. Be sure to have a virtual or hybrid event for those employees who can’t attend parties in person or just aren’t comfortable gathering in groups just yet.
Beyond celebrations, use the holidays to recognize employees and thank them for their hard work and sacrifices. Gift cards, time off, free meals, thank you notes and cards, and increased scheduling flexibility will all be appreciated.
