Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an influx in remote workers. Companies have more hybrid and remote workers now than ever before. As the holiday season approaches, organizations need to change up the way they think about and plan their holiday parties in order to successfully involve their remote workforce. 

How can companies involve their remote workers in holiday festivities?

There are a few things organizations should consider when planning their holiday celebrations. By taking these few things into account, it will help to make these parties a success, especially when it comes to involving remote workers. 

What holidays do your employees celebrate? 

The winter holiday season is full of many different celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza to name a few. When your company is planning its holiday party, be sure to be inclusive to every employee, especially your remote workers. This can easily be done with a generic winter holiday celebration if your employees celebrate many different holidays. This small step of inclusion makes a big difference for your employees, particularly the remote workers who are often “out of sight, out of mind.” 

Is it possible for remote workers to attend in person?

Sometimes, organizations have remote workers that live close to company headquarters. If possible, have your remote employees attend holiday parties in person. This will help them not only feel included, but give them an opportunity to socialize with their coworkers, something that often falls by the wayside when people work from home. 

What if work from home employees cannot attend in person? 

If work from home employees cannot attend your holiday party in person, there are still several strategies you can use to include them in a meaningful way. Your company can hold a virtual video conference holiday party and schedule some time for them to socialize with others during the work hours. You can also help your employees celebrate at home by having activities like an ugly sweater contest, a holiday recipe swap, or even a virtual secret Santa gift exchange.

Other Important Considerations

Always account for the company culture when planning events to be sure your festivities align. If your organization is more formal, it may be difficult for employees to feel comfortable in a more relaxed setting for a holiday gathering. Budget is also an important consideration. While it’s important to show employees appreciation and include them in parties, be sure to consult with your finance department about any budgetary constraints. There’s nothing worse than planning an extravagant holiday party only to find out it’s not in the budget and you’re back to square one. 

If you’re struggling with how to include your remote workers or even your onsite employees, try conducting a company wide survey to get employees’ input on how they’d like to celebrate and participate in the company festivities. And most importantly, have fun with your employees during the celebration! 

For more celebration ideas, or help crafting an employee engagement strategy, contact CJC HR Services! We are experts in employee relations.