But does this mean the end of holiday celebrations for you and your hardworking team? We think not!
We can still Zoom our way through the holiday season with virtual festivities aplenty.
Not sure how to plan your merriments this year? Keep reading for some joyous ideas.
Yes, usually the well-known “Secret Santa” is done in person, but you can add an extra layer of mystery by having your team virtually draw names, pop a gift in the mail, and then do the big reveal over video chat. (Helping the post office, the economy, and spreading cheer? Win-win-win!)
We’ve been doing Zoom trivia every other week since the beginning of the pandemic.
We meet in cyberspace, get our pens and paper ready (yes, they have pens and paper in cyberspace—don’t question science), and compete for mental superiority! Err, um, we mean participate in a friendly competition.
Consider tailoring your trivia to holiday movies, traditions, music, etc., and offer prizes if the budget permits. (And remember, folks, the holidays go beyond Christmas alone—be inclusive!)
Were you planning on giving your team members a little thank-you-you’re-amazing gift? Don’t not do it!
Yes, you may need to fork up a little extra for shipping costs, but those smiles during your Zoom party will make it all worth it. Can’t stretch the budget this year (understandably)? Send an eGift card! And if those cards aren’t in the cards? (We totally get it.)
Write personal letters to your employees reminding them how much you appreciate them, their skills, their talent, and their loyalty. Put some thought (and maybe some biodegradable glitter?) into it. After all, it’s the thought (and glitter) that counts—especially in 2020.
Holiday backdrops? Tinsel and ornaments adorning one’s desk? Paper snowflakes dangling from the ceiling? Yes, yes, and yes. Give your team the opportunity to show off their creative side by decorating their desk or workspace.
We tested this at Halloween, and we can assure you from experience—this one is a real winner. Invite your team to participate by dressing up in their favorite (appropriate) holiday jammies. Cozy slippers? Check. Wondrous onesies? Absolutely. Seasonal socks? Please do. Ugly holiday sweaters? BRING IT.
(Not the $18 avocado kind.)
Write a little speech to show your gratitude for your irreplaceable team.
Ask everyone to hold up their water bottles and toast each other for pulling together and making magic happen during this challenging year. This can be especially meaningful when directed from managers to their teams and their accomplishments. A little public recognition can go a very long way towards helping team members know they are all part of the company’s success.
Feeling bold? Host a virtual karaoke party during which your (talented?) team members can show off their pipes.
8. Dance Party
Too many employees not up for singing? Fair enough. How about cranking up some holiday music and offering a little out-of-the-chair time with some dancing?
9. Donation Celebration
Is your company in a position this year to help others? Consider asking team members to share some of their favorite charities, write ‘em down, put ‘em in a hat, pull one out at random, and make a donation on behalf of the whole team. Having fun while doing good. Score.
*Friendly Reminder*
Don’t force anyone to participate in all games or activities if they’re not comfortable or would simply prefer not to. If some of your shy or introverted employees want to sit back and take it all in—that’s totally cool, too. However you and your team decide to celebrate this untraditional holiday season, we hope you have a rockin’-around-the-whichever-holiday-you-celebrate good time.
Happy holidays from the team at National Positions!
