As if there weren’t already enough reasons to skip your office party. This year, there’s a global pandemic that threatens our lives and livelihoods. Although Ron from accounting does have excellent jokes, we’re betting they’re not worth cancelling our season over. Skip the party this year.
Take the pledge to Save Our Season at saveourseason.org
Ideas for office party alternatives:
1. Virtual Secret Santa – No holiday party would be complete without a gift exchange. You can pick names using a gift exchange generator, then send presents and wait to open gifts together over Zoom at the online party.
2. Virtual Holiday Happy Hour – We know many of you are working from home right now, so take some time to just catch up with your coworkers and hear how they are doing.
3. Cookie Recipe Exchange – ‘Tis the season for baking. Have everyone share their favorite cookie recipe (or holiday treat recipe) with the team. We all could use a little cooking inspiration now and again.
4. Holiday Movie Pictionary – Have some good, old fashioned fun – just on Zoom! Holiday Movie Pictionary challenges your team to draw scenes from favorite festive films. Ask each team member to bring a blank piece of paper and sharpie to the party and then divide the group into two (or more) teams. Allow the artist to choose a holiday movie and draw it on the paper; team members will guess the film. Whichever team wins the most correct guesses wins the game. (Note: Your team may need to remove virtual backgrounds in order to have the camera pick up the drawings.)
5. Create a Holiday Video – Get your team together on Zoom and record a holiday video (either funny or serious) to share with your customers. You can thank them for their support this year, share some exciting things you are working on for next year or just sing a holiday carol – then share to your social media or in your newsletter.
6. Gift cards for employees to local businesses –Purchase a set of gift cards for employees from local businesses – a significant dollar amount to a local restaurant (personalized based on where the employee lives, while spreading the love), so they can share takeout at home AND $50 to the local liquor store to treat themselves.