How to Organise a Virtual Office Christmas Party

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If you’re in charge of planning this year’s Christmas event, it could feel like you’ve drawn the short straw.

Not only has Covid-19 wreaked havoc over our plans to meet in person, but after months of staring at screens for work, rest and play, who really wants another round of Zoom drinks?

But that doesn’t mean you can’t organise some virtual – and much needed – festive fun for your hard-working team. Here are some ideas to help you organise an online office Christmas party to remember.

1. Consider everybody’s needs

Thoughtful gestures are likely to be especially appreciated this year, when people are trying to do everything from home.

One example could be holding your virtual event during work hours, rather than asking people to attend during their precious downtime.

2. Plan your entertainment

Don’t just get everyone online for casual drinks and a chat. This year, it’s more important than ever to put on an event that’s engaging and entertaining.

Some ideas include ordering ingredients for everybody to make a gourmet meal, or mix cocktails together, organising an interactive creative workshop, or hiring a magician or comedian to perform an exclusive online show.

3. Send physical invitations

Just because you can’t attend the party in person, doesn’t mean you can’t make an occasion of it. Sending beautifully crafted invitations will help to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for your event.

Finally, if budget restrictions mean you can’t plan an event at all this year, a recent article in The Economist suggests that managers could make a personal phone call to each person in their team instead, with some specific praise and “a check on how (they) are feeling at a difficult time.”

However your organisation decides to celebrate the festive season, we at Viridian HR wish you all the best. Our expert team is always happy to answer your people-related questions, and provide personally tailored advice, in 2020 and beyond.

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