In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, remote work has become the new norm, and celebrating holidays with your employees requires a little extra creativity. Many employees are experiencing “Zoom fatigue” due to the countless online meetings, so it’s crucial to find innovative ways to engage and uplift their spirits, especially during the holiday season. If you’re unsure how to celebrate the holidays with your remote workforce, consider trying these eight unique approaches.
The Gift of a Memorable Meal
While traditional office parties might be out of the question, you can still create a memorable holiday experience for your remote employees. Consider giving each team member an American Express Gift Card to enjoy a special dinner with their significant other. This not only allows employees to relish a delicious meal but also strengthens their personal connections, a crucial aspect of remote work. Depending on the size of your team and how much time you have, you can take it up a notch by giving gift cards to each employee’s favorite restaurant or somewhere new and fun they wouldn’t normally treat themselves.
Virtual Piano Bar Extravaganza
Who doesn’t love an entertaining afternoon at the piano bar? While you can’t treat your employees to an afternoon out on the town, you can break up the monotony of virtual meetings by organizing a Zoom session with a guest piano player. Instead of talking shop, your team can offer up song requests and enjoy some music and some relaxing fun. This musical journey will not only provide entertainment but also bring your team closer together as they bond over their favorite tunes.
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition
Bring some festive fun to your remote workforce by sending gingerbread house kits to each employee’s home address. Host a virtual gingerbread house decorating competition where team members can showcase their creative skills. Encourage them to share their final masterpieces during a virtual gathering. Or better yet, have your team build their houses live over Zoom to see what they can create with some fun, competitive pressure. You can even offer prizes for the most imaginative creations!
Secret Santa Gift Exchange by Mail
Secret Santa is a classic holiday tradition that lives on, even in today’s remote work landscape. Use a Secret Santa generator website (such as this one) to assign each employee a gift recipient and set some gift-giving parameters. Then, have everyone mail their chosen gifts directly to their assigned colleague. The anticipation and excitement of receiving a surprise package will add a touch of magic to the holiday season.
Collaborative Memory Book
Create a sense of togetherness and preserve memories from the year by crafting a collaborative memory book. A platform like Newlywords helps you compile stories, photos, and achievements from each employee. It even allows you to invite your team to contribute their own photos, encouraging thoughts, or fun memories. You could do a company yearbook or even a team holiday recipe book. This digital (or printed) book not only serves as a keepsake but also acknowledges and celebrates your team’s accomplishments.
Virtual Cooking Class
Bring a culinary twist to your remote holiday celebration by organizing a virtual cooking class. Collaborate with a professional chef or even a local restaurant to guide your team through preparing a festive dish or dessert. Most programs offer a prep packet so your team has the right ingredients and tools in place to make the most of the experience. Better yet, you can send out gift cards to cover the cost of the materials needed for the cooking class. This interactive experience is a great way to spread some holiday cheer while allowing employees to learn new cooking skills and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Online Escape Room Adventure
Escape rooms have gained popularity over the past few years as great team-building activities. Now, thanks to technology and demand, you can book a virtual escape room experience for your remote team. Solving puzzles and riddles together, even in a virtual environment, might improve morale and foster stronger teamwork. Not only that, but it can be an exciting and challenging way to celebrate the holidays together.
Customized Virtual Trivia Night
Trivia night doesn’t just happen at your local pub. Test your employees’ knowledge and create a competitive yet enjoyable atmosphere with a virtual trivia night. To make it more personal (and provoke some solid laughs) customize the trivia questions to include company facts, inside jokes, and holiday-themed queries. If you’re new to the trivia scene, platforms like Trivia Plaza to make trivia night planning a breeze.
Bonus Ideas for Your Virtual Holiday Celebration
Online Art and Craft Workshop
Get your team’s creative juices flowing with a holiday-themed virtual art and craft workshop. Ship art supplies to your employees’ homes and arrange for an art instructor to lead the session on your company’s preferred digital platform. This hands-on activity allows team members to explore their artistic talents and create holiday-themed masterpieces (or at least have a good laugh while trying something new!).
Virtual Talent Show
Unleash your team’s hidden talents by hosting a virtual talent show. Encourage employees to showcase their unique abilities, whether it’s singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, or even magic tricks. Add a little holiday flare by challenging your staff to make their talent holiday-focused. This lighthearted event will not only entertain but also foster a sense of community among your remote workforce. Not familiar with talent show etiquette? Check out these great talent show tips and ideas.
Celebrating holidays with remote employees requires thinking outside the box, especially when traditional office gatherings aren’t possible. These creative ideas not only break the monotony of endless Zoom meetings but also promote team bonding, recognition, and the festive spirit. By embracing these innovative approaches, you can ensure that your remote workforce feels appreciated and connected during the holiday season, no matter where they are located.