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Google says it won’t be throwing a Christmas party for staff this year, other firms are connecting or hoping to hold smaller-scale meetings once Tier 5 ends. After a tough 2020, there is pressure on employers to find one. An alternate way to bring teams together and mark or even celebrate the year, but the last thing some Zoom-confused employees want is to sit in front of another screen while the kids Bedtime begins in the next room. So how, in a pandemic, are companies marking the end of the year and showing appreciation for their hard-working employees? And what are the drawbacks of each strategy?
Many companies are going full blast with a virtual knee lift.
Toyota is planning a virtual night party on December 17, avoiding the problem of excluded children by making sure the whole family can attend, with a special VIP for fun and a basket delivered to its 100 employees.
The Matheson legal services firm is performing its traditional carols online. Usually they would have a big party for clients and employees at Dublin’s Four Seasons hotel, but this year they are considering an online event with a guest speaker.
Last year Fitbit brought their team (about 100 people) to a party in Westbury, but this year it’s a gift for employees and virtual games with food / coupons at a cost to go.
Smaller companies that keep entertainment in-house
Dublin-based attorney Ruth Barry says her workplace will pay for everyone to order takeout and a drink on a Friday night for a community gathering followed by smaller group rooms of 4-5 people to chat. intimately.
For those who were able to go to work, such as the doctors and midwives at the Rotunda hospital, their virtual Christmas party with wine tasting may offer a first, but for those who stayed working from home for most of 2020, a party Teams or Zoom may be the latter. they want.
An employee of a large financial institution admitted that she was not looking forward to her team’s cocktail making party on the Hopin online platform – everyone receives a special kit delivered, as the start time was stressful, but there was no way out.
“7pm is a prime-time mess in our house. With a pub you can put that behind you, but it’s no fun for my husband trying to put our two young boys to bed when he can hear me laughing in the bedroom. To be honest, I’d rather we skip it. “
Socialize in the real world
We’ll find out on November 26 if we get past level 5 and some companies are reserving restaurant tables for very small groups, or waiting to see if small teams can have a drink in a pub, as long as restrictions allow.
Zoe Hertelendi, from Dublin’s Platform 61 restaurant, said they are accepting bookings for smaller work groups, six or fewer, with strict social distancing.
“We just hope we can reopen inside. Rumors suggest level 3 for the first two weeks of December and level 2 for the two weeks leading up to Christmas. “
Trevor Browne of Ranelagh-based Tribecca said he takes a lot of bookings for groups of six or fewer at the office, but if they’re not allowed to open, they’ll just have to cancel everyone.
Other workplaces are waiting to see if they can meet outdoors: A small team of five at a Dublin clinic plans to retreat to a nearby park for a hot port, restrictions permitting.
No party
With in-person meetings in a meaningful way not on the cards, many workplaces have dropped plans altogether.
A Citibank employee said they feel a bit upset but would not push to organize anything for their team because everyone is fed up with sitting in front of computers. Without the usual setting, it wouldn’t feel like a party.
Google Ireland said: “We are not going to continue any Christmas parties, although some individual teams may be hosting some smaller digital gatherings, there will be nothing at the site level.”
The software company Tableau said it hopes to use the budget instead for an employee gift and their regular donation to the Peter McVerry Trust.
Talking privately with him Irish independent, an employee at a large financial services company said that while he gets along very well with his co-workers, he was quite happy that they all received a voucher instead of a “do” this year.
“Other companies are organizing virtual events, but my fear would be that they end up being a bit fake and make me feel even worse. To be honest I’d rather £ 50 to go and a bottle of wine in front of the TV and then wait until we can go out and chat properly. “
If a business is looking to host an online alternative, event managers have moved into the space.
Will Powderly of corporate events firm Orange Works says that while cocktail making and whiskey tasting are becoming popular, other options include an online murder mystery event or a family party with interactive panto and a rest room for one on one with Santa.
Sean McGuinness of teambuilding company Brand Rocket says demand is strong for all times for his Christmas game show with comedian Joe Rooney or a magic show with magician Joe Daly.
“Virtual events run from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM or 8:00 PM to midnight, and many shorter events take place at night for two to three hours.”
HOW TO AVOID A VIRTUAL FLOP
Chartered psychologist and executive coach Dr. Mary Collins says that while most employees won’t want to go, a virtual work party is worth having because the human need to bond and connect is even stronger this year. This is his advice:
1. Be realistic
The office party is when colleagues can show their laid back side and a virtual party will never be so colorful. The first step is to recognize that it is going to feel a bit forced and not like previous years.
2. Be very brief
Ideally, the festivities are reduced to an hour. Anyone can put on their game face for a set period of time and we tend to fear what we can’t imagine. So if there is a known limit in advance, employees are more likely to wait for it.
3. One person takes the reins
There has to be structure to prevent the environment from becoming flat and the ‘party’ from turning into a work call, with alcohol.
4. Be interactive
Have some kind of activity, a quiz, a game, to make sure everyone participates, so that the usual extroverts aren’t hogging the airtime.
5. Send something to eat / drink
It is always good to receive a delivery.
6. Offer options
Keep in mind that not everyone wants a bottle of Prosecco or pizza delivered to their doorstep. Some may be avoiding alcohol or have dietary restrictions, so let your employees choose your takeout and drinks.
7. Listen
Take a survey, ask what start time they would prefer. Should the family be included or not? Do people want a party this year?
8. Keep it together
Avoid small group rooms. Snuggled together in the cozy bar, workplace gossip can make employees feel warm and connected and can cement relationships, but online it can feel forced and, once the laptop is closed, make employees feel guilty. or uncomfortable.
9. It bears repeating: keep it brief
With a virtual work party, it is always better to leave people wanting more and not wanting to escape.
10. Show your appreciation
A heartfelt (short) speech from the CEO, a mini awards ceremony (where all departments are recognized). Consider the business perspective. The talent market has become more global and the pandemic has caused many to examine their lives. It’s best if retention ends the year on a warm note and employees feel like their work is worth it.
Alternatives
If all that fails to spark enthusiasm in the team for a virtual Christmas party, there are alternatives.
The event budget could be used to send seasonal baskets or other gifts Employers can make use of the Revenue Small Business Exemption Plan to pay a non-cash bonus of up to € 500 per employee tax-free, typically made through vouchers.
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