In many companies, the holiday office party is something to look forward to. But as with most things this year, holiday office parties are changing. And if you want to continue the tradition, you may have to pivot and go virtual!
Try these remote holiday party tips:
At first glance, a virtual holiday party sounds pretty suspect. The truth is that a virtual holiday party can actually be a lot of fun when everyone has the right mindset. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Plan ahead
We all know how busy the holiday season can get. And even in the midst of a pandemic, it’s amazing how many events and gatherings there are. You’ll also find a lot of families making new traditions. All of that to say: You need to plan ahead.
The sooner you get your holiday office party on the calendar, the more likely it is that people will show up. And the good thing about doing a virtual event is that you can be flexible with your dates. Want to host it on a random Wednesday night? Go for it!
2. Create a detailed agenda
Why do you need an agenda for a Zoom holiday party, you might be wondering? Because things can get pretty awkward if you don’t.
While it’s possible that your team is close enough to spend an hour or two politely chatting while sipping on eggnog, an unstructured free-for-all event can get messy. People will talk over each other, there will be awkward silences, and you’ll start losing people as the event stretches on.
A detailed agenda sets the expectations for the event and creates a sense of “flow.” It helps people know what to expect and gives you clear next steps when things feel like they’re boring or stale.
When creating your agenda, leave room for things like “happy hour” and other casual buffers of time. Too much formal structure will make this feel like a meeting and not a party. But not enough structure leaves people confused. Do your best with this balancing act.
3. Get everyone involved
The best way to get people excited about the holiday party (and to increase attendance) is to involve as many people as possible.
Consider giving different people responsibilities for the event. One person might be in charge of music, another in charge of games, and another in charge of making sure the technology works. When people have a stake in the event, they’re less likely to tune out.
4. Plan games and activities
There are a lot of unique ways to get groups of people involved in a Zoom party. Games and activities are especially fun. Here are a couple of ideas:
- If you’ve ever played the game “Werewolf,” you know how much fun it can be. It’s a social game that involves everyone and creates a sense of mystery, suspense, and fun. And with a little planning, you can play Werewolf over Zoom! (If your team is open to online gaming, the game Among Us plays very similarly for free on mobile or $5 on Steam!)
- Sign up for a virtual cookie decorating class and have your team decorate cookies via Zoom. (You might even consider sending each individual a care package with all of the ingredients they need ahead of time.)
You know your team best, so choose something that will fit their interests and personalities!
5. Build anticipation and excitement
You never want your holiday office party to be something your team sees as an event they “have to” attend. You want it to be one of the highlights of the year.
One of the keys is to begin building anticipation and excitement early on. Talk about the party frequently and often. Make it a priority rather than something that you’re doing just to go through the motions.
Celebrate the Holidays in (Unique) Style
What better way to cap off what has been a strange and unique year than by having a virtual holiday celebration where you can all relax in the comfort and safety of your own homes? The key to making this work is to plan ahead, have fun, and laugh at the weirdness of it all. This isn’t going to be a black-tie event. Relax and roll with the glitches. If you do it right, this will be something you look back on in the years to come with great fondness.
