This year, the working world has gone virtual. In the UK alone, according to the Office for National Statistics, April 2020 saw 46.6% of people in employment working at home. Of those who did some work from home, 86.0% did so as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Riada, like many businesses at the start of the year, had to adapt and quickly move all operations online, resulting in our teams working remotely for extended periods of time.
Despite not being able to come together for a traditional Christmas party, the festive period allows employers to show appreciation for their employee efforts throughout 2020, boost team morale and create excitement for better things to come in the new year and Riada have put together our top tips to help you and your team do just that.
Embrace the virtual Christmas Party
There’s no reason to cancel the annual Christmas party altogether. Staff love it – it’s a chance to have fun with their colleagues and feel rewarded. Having worked from home and navigated unprecedented challenges for most of the year, it’s even more important to bring everyone together for a bit of festive cheer! There are so many fun virtual options.
2. Think of an activity
Having a set activity or game to play keeps video calls flowing and gives them a purpose and routine. There’s lots of fun festive-themed activities you can do over virtual video applications like Zoom, for example, seasonal quizzes, charades, Christmas themed mysteries - the opportunities are endless and not necessarily limited just because you’re all going to be at home.
3. Music
It’s not Christmas without some festive songs. Why not nominate a couple of your team members to be ‘Christmas Champions’ of your office and ask them to create a Christmas playlist that can be used in the background of your virtual party? Or if you’re feeling brave and want something lively, you could even turn the Zoom call into Christmas Karaoke and find out which of your team is the next Mariah Carey?!
4. Draw the line between work and play
Move any social virtual events onto a different channel to help leave the ‘meeting room’ behind. It will help break up the day and stop work chat taking over in the evening too.
5. Set a dress code
Setting a dress code will get people excited and add an extra festive element- from Christmas jumpers to fancy dress, a dress code ensures the virtual Christmas party is different from the many other video calls we’ve all been on this year.
Circumstances this year may seem very different and far removed from the ‘traditional’ staff Christmas celebrations we have become accustomed to, however we believe it's vital to still find ways to make sure staff can reconnect, have a chance to relax and celebrate all the hard work they have contributed to in what has been an extremely difficult year for many. The Christmas party of 2020 represents the end of a challenging year and the hope for new beginnings in 2021...enjoy and stay safe!
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