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But let’s be honest: scheduling a video conference and calling it “Holiday Party” isn’t going to cut it, so some companies are getting creative.
Why limit an office party to just a few hours? Paypal is hosting a 29 hour global virtual party where employees can come whenever they want.
The schedule is divided into eight different “destinations” during which site managers from different offices around the world are responsible for hosting virtual entertainment during their designated time.
The online evening will kick off with circus artists, cultural and performance art workshops and a surprise headliner.
Other events throughout the day include: a magic show, song contest, cooking classes, illusionist performances and an off dance.
Planning for the event, titled “All Together Gathering: A PayPal December to Remember,” began in April. “Virtual on camera and audio is our life right now, we wanted to make sure [the party] is not just that. We want more connection and a deeper, more immersive environment, ”said Genessa Nannini, director of people engagement at PayPal.
Group activity
Last year accounts payable software provider Tipalti hosted a holiday party with a buffet dinner for employees and their spouses, followed by bowling.
“Everyone was celebrating”, recalls Todd McGuire, the company’s chief of staff.
It won’t work this year, but the company still wants to show its appreciation. “In the mess of a year, they performed extraordinarily well,” McGuire said.
Company executives considered paying for everyone to order dinner and eat together virtually, but decided that wouldn’t provide enough interaction between the teams.
Instead, they’re hosting a virtual mixology event for employees.
“Making it active makes it more festive, but it has specific breaking points – you can push people into Zoom rooms where they can cross-functionally chat,” McGuire said.
Secret Santa and anecdotes
The marketing team at digital media and promotions company Quotient is trying to add a more personal touch to their holiday celebrations.
Members of the 37-person team can choose to participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange which has a limit of $ 25 and gifts are sent directly to colleagues’ homes. To avoid generic candles and bath soaps and inspire more original gift ideas, teammates can list their hobbies and interests on a shared spreadsheet.
The department will also send a personalized DIY cocktail kit to prepare drinks during their virtual party on Kumospace, an online platform that allows multiple conversations in one place at the same time.
The virtual party will feature a contest that will include the personal stories of team members, such as any hidden talents, original stories, or fun facts they want to share.
“The goal is to have fun, and also to bring a personal side between teammates who don’t know that side of their team members,” said Pola Zen, senior director of corporate marketing.
Spread the joy
Daily dating at Natalist is about to get a lot more festive.
The startup of fertility and pregnancy products will do “12 Days of Chrismahanukwanzakah” during their daily virtual meeting which will involve a short game – such as a puzzle or riddle – and the winner will receive a little gadget.
On the last day, employees will be able to spend their lunches to eat together virtually while playing games and having a mocktail show-and-tell that involves colleagues making their favorite holiday drink and sharing the recipe.
“We prioritize these celebratory moments. These moments create a sense of belonging, and when employees really feel like they belong somewhere, they’re much more likely to make meaningful contributions, to enjoy their work. and are more likely to engage in a culture of high accountability, ”said Vernita Brown, COO.
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