4 rules employers should consider when planning a virtual holiday party

By Alyssa Place, This is my expertise
Published 2 Min Read

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As the year comes to an end, employers are rethinking the traditional holiday office party to respond to the limitations of COVID-19 and the reality of their remote workplace. But there are still ways to express appreciation without an end-of-year bash.

“In the past, the workplace has been a social outlet for people and a sense of community that they had incorporated into their life,” says Erika Zauner, CEO of HealthKick, a digital health company. “In large part, that’s changed with everyone going virtual and interacting over Zoom. The more you can facilitate community and connect people, that’s important to maintaining morale and supporting employees’ mental well-being.”

Instead of a virtual party, think of other virtual activities, like a cooking and wine class. Employers are sending a meal kit out to employees and having someone lead them in preparing a meal together. It’s not a holiday outing, but it’s still a fun way for people to bond. Companies are doing a white elephant gift exchange, which you could still do virtually. Or just gather with your kids or pets to make it a more inclusive virtual gathering.

It’s always good to give people the option to participate if they want to. There’s a lot of serious stuff going on and the more levity you can bring to holiday gatherings is probably optimal. Companies have employee well-being at top of mind, so the more ways they can support employees get into the holiday spirit in a way that works for them, the better.

Alyssa Place
Editor-in-chief

Alyssa Place is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News and has been with the team since 2019. Her work covers mental health, DEI, women at work, financial wellness, retirement and workplace … Read full bio


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