As companies continue to navigate the impact of the virtual workforce, the desire to feel fully connected and present with our colleagues and leaders becomes more essential to how we engage in this new world of work. The desire for connection and positive relationships grows stronger during the holiday season as company parties quickly approach. Holiday parties have long been a time of fun, connection, and making memories with colleagues through food, ugly Christmas sweaters, and plenty of “what not to do” stories that keep us laughing for years to come.
However, just because employees are remote doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the office fun during the holidays. Here are a few tips to help remote workers feel fully present during the holidays, even if they aren’t.
Understand What Helps Them Feel Present
The simplest way to help employees feel connected during the holidays is to understand what connection means for them. We all connect differently and through various means, such as acts of kindness and encouraging words. By being intentional about learning your remote team’s preferred means of connection, you can better customize your holiday activities to create meaningful memories.
Connect Through a Cause
We don’t have to be in the same office to share a connection through a cause or a charity. For instance, FlexJobs, a career site for remote workers, connects employees during the holidays by picking up to five charities, having employees vote on their favorites, and sending donation amounts that represent each employee’s pick. Another way for remote workers to connect through good causes during the holidays is to allot hours during the workday for employees to volunteer in their community. They can share their experiences through a virtual team meeting, wearing something merry and bright, of course.
Connect Through Shared Recipes
It doesn’t matter how spread across the world we might be, nothing brings people together more than the experience of good food, especially during the holidays. So why not have everyone email their favorite holiday recipes to a designated employee who can organize the recipes into an attractive document? The document can then be distributed electronically as your company’s very own custom cookbook!
So as the holiday season approaches, let’s be more intentional and generous about building meaningful connections with the people we work with, whether they’re in the office or remote from another state or country. If you have questions or want more information, please email the Employers Council Member Experience Team.
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