Celebrating Virtually with your Team this Holiday Season
Celebrating Virtually with your Team this Holiday Season
2020 has had its share of party pooper energy. With daylight shrinking away in the early afternoons, and ‘All I Want for Christmas’ beginning to overtake your once-a-week trip to the grocery store, things can feel…a little confining.
It’s important amongst all the virtual check-ins, team sprints, and general stress of the year, that we remember connection is something that powers us through it all. So, what now that we can’t be hosting our usual holiday parties? How can we celebrate the season in a way that still feels genuine and thoughtful?
While this may not replace toasting your team accomplishments in person, here are some great ways to celebrate, connect and create a memorable experience despite the odds.
Try platforms other than Zoom
“Not another zoom meeting…”. Despite Zoom’s many graces during this socially distanced time, the word in itself can bring on a sense of dread. You’d be surprised at the difference a change in name can make. HopIn and Airmeet are some alternatives, and though these platforms are still centred around convening through video, their breakout room functions are great, and it’s something different.
Provide Breakout Rooms
Variety is the spice of life. The option to have some variety in a virtual environment can go a long way. Creating breakout rooms, especially themed ones can allow your team to move around at their own pace and per their own interests as if there were at a party themselves.
Plan a Group Activity
Since we’ve brought up breakout rooms, what about some group activities? It’s proven that shared experiences create a sense of connection, and that’s exactly what we’re going for. Give your team the gift of something they can talk about way after the holiday party.
Book a Workshop
Pair with a local florist such as Alicia’s Florals to send out a beautiful wreath kit and video instructions that your team can tackle on their own, or together. Or, if your team is missing the annual cheese platter, you can book with a company like The Farmer’s Daughter who will ship out a collection of delicious and locally made cheesy delicacies.
Play Some Games
Activities and games are forever a tradition when it comes to celebrating the holidays. Platforms like Snack Nation and Jackbox offer online games where all of your team can participate. Whether it’s charades, a holiday themed virtual escape room, or a mail out gingerbread kit for some healthy competition, activities will get your teams connecting and collaborating with one another.
Book Entertainment
We may not be able to gather for shows at this time, but there’s still a sense of warmth that comes with someone serenading you in front of a yule log. Live music has been hard hit, so this is also a great opportunity to support local musicians during this giving season.
Send a Gift
Send a wintery care package with local small business goods such as this '12 days of tea gift box’, raising money for Threshold Housing Society, or a weekly subscription for delicious coffee beans from Fernwood Coffee. Take it the extra mile and make it personal with a handwritten note recognizing what each team member brings to the table.
The circumstances of this year may be keeping us physically apart, but that’s all the more reason to reach out and find ways to connect. Celebrating your staff and the festive season fuels your company culture and creates a sense of recognition and wellbeing moving into a (fingers crossed) prosperous 2021.
