The degree of difficulty in leadership in 2020 has been extraordinary. The overlap of people challenges and business complexity, like everything else, is unprecedented.
Good news? You made it! 2020 is over. It’s time to close the book on this year and begin anew.
What does the office celebration then look like?
The Holidays are just a calendar turn away, and whether you looked forward to the annual office party or dreaded it, it is unlikely to look the same this year. We have several tips for pulling your team together to build trust, create space for engagement even in the midst of challenge, and give reassurance to your team as you prepare for what lies ahead in 2021.
Choose an opportunity to gather the team in a way that will remain authentic to your leadership style, embrace your company’s mission, show gratitude to your employees, and with a splash of fun. Remember to be clear in your invitation. And convey that purpose in the invitation: formal or informal, training or for fun?
Can’t get together in a breakroom, ballroom, or bar? Consider:
- Volunteering at a Food Bank, park clean up, or other outdoor opportunity to boost the local community and the sense of employee engagement
- Hosting a virtual party
- Feed your team with the help and ease of a service like Door Dash for Work or find a local caterer to deliver a meal prior to the party.
- Ugly sweater / Ugly Year competition: Challenge your team to find a sweater or an outfit that best encapsulates their thoughts on 2020.
- Online games: There are many sites available that will allow users to interact and provide some fun! Some services will even host a Trivia Night or karaoke experience.
- Make a simple recipe: Think drink or snack. You can send a (simple!) ingredient list with the invitation or mail the ingredients ahead of time. Hop on a virtual meeting and the host can lead everyone through the steps – competitively or not – and toast to everyone’s attempts at the end!
- Sending a party in a box: This can be combined with the idea above or done on it’s own. Work with a party planner or caterer to include a variety of party-worthy food (think: hors’d’oeuvres, dessert, and a drink)
- Writing a personal letter: Again, this can be delivered on it’s own or combined with the Party in a Box idea or with a high-end gift (eg, wireless headphones) or giftcard.
Why this should be a priority, not an after-thought.
When remote workers feel lonely, isolated and unsupported a team building activity (virtual or not) can
- remind them of the amazing people they have behind them.
- rekindle their passion and re-engage excitement by exposing them to excited co-workers.
- build autonomy and help gain trust from their managers and peers.