Is your organization planning on hosting a virtual holiday party again this year? Are you searching for ways to create an engaging and fun event for your employees that doesn’t just feel like another Zoom meeting? If you answered yes to either of those, this guide is for you!
Of course we’d all love to be able to get together to celebrate the holiday season, but unfortunately we are not all at that point yet with the pandemic still posing many challenges to do so safely. However, there are many ways that you can still host a holiday staff party to celebrate your employees virtually! Read our guide below on how we believe you can host the best virtual party for your team this holiday season.
MST’s Guide to Hosting the Best Virtual Holiday Party:
1. Treat Everyone to Lunch
Although you may not be able to gather together at a nice restaurant, you can still have lunch “together.” Order lunch to be delivered to your team members! Perhaps a pizza party? Or if you have a larger team, you could also send out food delivery gift cards (i.e. Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc) to everyone and they can select where they want their lunch from. Either way, they’ll be grateful! You know what they say, “good food = good mood!”
2. Start Off With a Toast
Once all of the lunches have been delivered and everyone is logged onto Zoom, let the party begin! Kick things off with some “holiday cheers.” For this toast, invite your employees to toast to one another and share some gratitude! This is a great, meaningful staff bonding activity that will be sure to make everyone feel cheerful, warm, and appreciated!
3. Hold an Ugly Sweater Contest
This event is fun & easy! Have anyone who wishes to participate wear their best ugly Christmas sweater. For higher stakes & participation, add a prize for 1st place like a $15 gift card to either Starbucks or Dunks!
4. Set Up a Secret Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchange
Who doesn’t love a holiday party game? Organize either a Secret Santa or a White Elephant gift exchange ahead of time for your staff. The great part is that both of these exchanges are relatively easy to do virtually. There are many helpful articles and programs online that will help you set these up in no time!
5. End the Party with an Impromptu “Snow Day”
Before signing off, surprise your team with an impromptu “snow day” by giving them the rest of the afternoon off! This is a great way to allow everyone to take a much needed break during this busy time of year.
Do you have any ideas for hosting a virtual holiday party? Head to our LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter to connect with us and share your ideas!