As companies adapt to the evolving nature of work, so too must our celebrations evolve. The days of office gatherings and festive feasts may be temporarily on hold, but the spirit of celebration is alive and well, finding new avenues to express itself in the digital realm.
At my company, once per year we bring in what is now 40 employees for an in-person gathering. Watching their excitement at seeing each other, brings mixed emotions as we miss that in-person connection that a Zoom call will never completely satisfy. The holiday party has transcended the confines of office walls, taking on a more inclusive, yet challenging, form. The virtual space becomes the canvas for a festive celebration, as companies grapple with the task of creating a memorable experience for their teams.
This requires a shift from the traditional party blueprint to a more interactive and engaging format.
Enter the era of hybrid celebrations, where the best of both worlds collide. A blend of in-person and virtual elements ensures that no one is left out in the cold. Companies are getting creative with their approaches, organizing local gatherings for those who can make it while seamlessly integrating remote participants into the festivities. The digital realm offers a plethora of possibilities to spice up the holiday party. Virtual games, interactive quizzes and even online Secret Santa exchanges are becoming the norm. These activities not only break the monotony of endless Zoom meetings but also inject a healthy dose of fun and camaraderie into the virtual space.
One major advantage of the remote and hybrid model is that in the past, employees working in satellite offices or distant locations often felt left out of the main office’s festivities. Now, everyone can join in on the holiday cheer and It’s a step towards fostering a more inclusive and connected company culture.
However, it’s not all snowflakes and sleigh rides. The shift to remote and hybrid holiday parties comes with its own set of challenges. Technological hiccups, varying time zones, and the struggle to recreate the warmth of in-person interactions are hurdles that companies must overcome. To combat these challenges, companies are investing in virtual event platforms. Training sessions on virtual etiquette and guidelines for navigating the digital party landscape are becoming commonplace, helping employees feel more at ease in this new celebratory frontier.
Beyond the logistical hurdles, there’s also the challenge of capturing the magic of the holiday season. The office environment naturally lends itself to decoration and festive cheer, but how does one bring the holiday spirit into a virtual setting? Some companies are sending holiday care packages to employees’ homes, complete with decorations, snacks and even themed attire to wear during the virtual party. It’s a thoughtful touch that brings a tangible connection to the intangible world of the internet.
The holidays are a time for gratitude, reflection and connection. Whether gathered around a physical table or a virtual one, the heartwarming moments of shared laughter, the exchange of well-wishes, and the joy of coming together as a team are what truly define the holiday season.
The redesigned holiday party stands as a testament to our adaptability and resilience. It’s a celebration not just of the season but of our ability to find joy and connection in the face of change. As we raise our virtual glasses in a toast to the holidays, let’s embrace this new era of celebration, where distance is no match for the warmth of shared moments and the spirit of togetherness prevails. Cheers to the future of festive gatherings, wherever they may take us!
Tina Hamilton is founder & CEO of myHR Partner Inc., a Lehigh Valley human resources outsourcing firm that manages HR for clients in 41 states across the U.S. She can be reached at tina@myhrpartner.com.
Originally published in the Allentown Morning Call on November 18, 2023