Celebrating holiday parties presents a unique chance to gather everyone within the team, be it in-person or remote. You have the capability of building empathy and creating better relationships with all employees by letting them meet at such events. Your team will not only feel valued but also connected by setting the right tone through your involvement in planning and executing the event.
Planning the Celebration
The first step is to select a date and time that is convenient to all individuals across time zones. The harmony can also be drawn between in-person and virtual activities, or a virtual escape room, and still, a Christmas music party can be combined. Make the agenda as clear as possible, so nobody is left out and does not feel disconnected by surprise announcements. Provide a few teasers invites, so everybody becomes excited and plans to attend. Adopt a welcoming festive theme and make it consistent throughout all regions. This arrangement is a good start for a successful, inclusive party.
Creating Shared Experiences
Create activities that engage both onsite and remote teams, such as photo challenges or small breakout sessions. Choose simple activities of light interaction, like trivia quizzes or a draw battle. Allow some storytelling and memory sharing so that people have a moment of reflection and emotional connection during these group activities. Introduce certain peer games and laughter-triggering activities to help the rest relax and open. Finish the event with a round of virtual or onsite karaoke battles or very funny awards. These shared experiences collapse walls for the sake of nothing but joy and unity, creating an ideal festive atmosphere.
Adding Creative Touches
Go that extra mile to harmonize the experience with creative stuff. Enliven both the virtual and physical spaces with cheerful decorations and have coordinated party kits or goodie bags delivered to both the online and offline teams. Make it possible for people to enjoy the holiday mood and stimulate creativity. Provide a suggested thematic playlist or book it to motivate smooth levels of energy. Put on a common festive dress code to enjoy the holiday spirit. You can plan virtual paint parties to foster connections while crafting these events will entertain your team members and help them to refresh their mind. Such considerate details will supply cheer, make people feel like part of it, and make the mood light.
Food and Drinks for All
Food and drinks are the most outstanding parts that you can partake in to form warm connections. Select a reliable catering company for onsite teams and distribute vouchers or gift cards elsewhere for remote staff. Plan a small session of recipe sharing to encourage creative sharing of snacks. Toasting each other or sipping coffee altogether is best, even if online-only. On the other hand, let a few volunteers share a holiday tradition or treat from a different culture, and that way, everyone learns and experiences different worlds. In this way, your teams will cherish their relationship and value their small differences, too, with all these pleasant, relaxed, and inclusive gestures.
Building Team Spirit
Dedicate a moment to recognize various team achievements of the year and have awards like ‘best team player’ for special recognition. Stir up the party with small contests and talent shows so that people can laugh and showcase their personality. Assign a period for the team to shout outs and thank-you, permitting all employees to feel appreciated and heard. Avoid work topics and focus on fun and a relaxed atmosphere only. Let every contribution count by the inclusion of introverts, remote, and onsite team members. This will enhance positive energy and motivation to keep the spirit of celebration prevailing long after the event is over.
Conclusion
The positive effects of combining teams for a holiday celebration do not end with the party. These events generate the spirit of the team, help to spend time out of ordinary employment, and strengthen relationships and loyalty. You create a culture of inclusion and each of the teams feels a part of something bigger than a team. The event and memories it will bring will stay for months to come. Holiday parties are about to leave a lasting impact on them. You provide an invaluable gift of belonging and happiness to your teams and company by making everything inclusive and enriching every year after.
