The holiday season is swiftly approaching. Much like the rest of this unprecedented year, this year’s typical seasonal holiday parties will have to be different. Canceling Holiday celebrations would be very disappointing, particularly when you picture how isolating this year has already been for many people. But, keeping work parties safe should be a priority. Let’s take a look at some strategies we might want to implement this season when it comes to holiday celebrations so we can be both safe and still have fun.

In Person Holiday Party:

1. Take it outdoors. For businesses who have already gotten back to an in-person work environment, translate the safety measures you take at work to the party.  Having a party outside allows for plenty of room for social distancing.
2. To keep the party smaller, you can have different time slots for small groups to arrive in intervals.
3. Play social distanced games, with a pandemic theme. Or have an ugly sweater contest, and the winner gets a bag of toilet paper.

Virtual Holiday Party:

1. Keep it entertaining. People will want a fun reason to hop on Zoom for a party after they have worked on Zoom all day. Consider hiring a local band or carolers to perform for your Zoom party. Or play a virtual game with the office crowd.
2. Keep it short. It’s a good thing to loosen up and have fun with co-workers even if it is over Zoom but taking time to go to a virtual party while remaining at home should be brief.
3. Do a virtual giveaway. It’s a fun way to incentivize employees and show them you care. With a lot of businesses struggling this year, create giveaways that don’t actually cost much, but are rewarding for your employees; such as time off, or extra vacation days. 

In closing, every person and every business needs to make the holiday party decision that they feel is right for them.  Whether it is in-person or virtual, there are still ways to make it safe and fun.  After this trying year, it is important to have interactions outside of the office atmosphere to keep each other encouraged. Building and maintaining good working relationships are vital for any business to succeed, even during a pandemic. In closing, every person and every business needs to make the holiday party decision that they feel is right for them.  Whether it is in-person or virtual, there are still ways to make it safe and fun.  After this trying year, it is important to have interactions outside of the office atmosphere to keep each other encouraged. Building and maintaining good working relationships are vital for any business to succeed, even during a pandemic.

Even though this year’s typical seasonal holiday parties will have to be different, Happy Holidays from JL Nixon Consulting, Inc.