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Friday, December 4, 2020
With 2020 proving to be one of the most testing and stressful years most can recall, employers are looking to the works end of year party as an overdue opportunity to thank staff and allow them time to let off some steam.
Each organization adopts its own approach to hosting Christmas parties: some go for a meal, some have a few drinks in the office or the local bar, others go all out and have a party with the full works and some may have decided to abstain entirely concerned at costs and or the knock on effects of staff behavior based on historic events.
This year though, above all others, it would seem an ideal opportunity to reach out to those staff who’ve kept businesses going through adversity, anxiety and often a significant uplift in workload. But how can you do that AND remain socially distanced and in full compliance with Government guidelines?
Creative, Covid Compliant, Christmas Parties
2020 has been a hugely challenging year. Due to Covid-19, things within the workplace are very different. Employees are working from home or are still furloughed and due to ever changing restrictions and rules planning a Christmas party this year will be difficult.
Some businesses have been planning their Christmas parties since the summer, and now with the UK tiered system, and hospitality venues forced to close, this has left most with cancelled parties and nowhere to go.
Since March, Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the most popular way to communicate with friends, family and work colleagues, and this will be the new norm for a while to come. So why not use this to your advantage, host something online and have your best virtual team meeting yet. Here follows a number of suggestions as to how you might turn adversity and restrictions into a celebration of effort and determination whilst having some fun along the way.
- Virtual Drinks.
Why not have a virtual drink with your colleagues. This will give employees a chance to catch up if everyone has been working from home and haven’t seen each other for a long time. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite tipple, or even better, why not use the budget set aside for the party to send vouchers to your employees so they can enjoy their drinks and snacks on you! - Fancy Dress Virtual Christmas Party.
Get your thinking caps on and dress to impress in your fancy dress. This can open a ton of avenues; there can be a theme, Christmas Jumpers or even a black-tie event but however you dress up, make sure everyone is included and supported for their efforts and it doesn’t become too much of a cliquey event. - Long Distance Secret Santa.
Secret Santa will be a lot different this year. Instead of employees picking names out of a hat to find out who they are buying for, let a nominated coordinator organise the “Santa Sweepstake”. Then when notified of your chosen receiver simply purchase the present and post it to your colleague! This way the Christmas spirit is still among employees, but in a socially distanced way. - Virtual Karaoke.
Everyone loves a sing song, so why not organise a company karaoke. Employees can take it in turns to sing their favourite song, while others have a dance to your tunes. Although karaoke may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea,’ you can guarantee that by the end of the night, everyone will be singing and dancing the night away. - Online Quiz.
Since lockdown started back in March, regular online quizzes have proven very popular and a great way to keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues, so why not prepare a Christmas themed quiz and include this as part of your Christmas party. Volunteer employees can take a round, and have a chance to be quizmaster. Whether your round be general knowledge, sport or even a ‘catchphrase-type’ round, we can guarantee you are in for a good night but be sure to make good use of that “mute” button and screen sharing options to avoid any technical failings and losing your audience. - Online Disco.
Whether you decide to use your party budget to hire an online D, go for a virtual “silent disco”, or employees decide on their own playlists, you can dance the night away with an online disco.
2020 will be remembered as a year when ‘the World stood still,’ but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on celebrating a year of resilience, graft, determination and survival with your colleagues.
If you’re struggling to decide which of the above to do? Why not try and fit everything into one night to make it the best Virtual Christmas Party you have ever had. Remember, this is a time to reflect on the year, express thanks to employees and colleagues, and look forward to a more socially connected year in 2021.
Written by Robert Gibson, Senior Consultant - Employment Law
Robert is a Senior Consultant at Samuel Phillips and specialises in employment and business matters. He advises in relation to employment and shareholder disputes, including pensions and related issues.
