Following recommendations from the CDC, we've put together some helpful guide to navigating Christmas during Covid this year. Learn more about virtual costume contests. Consider downloading a fitness app with curated workout playlists. Their office is infused with fun, including random Razor scooters available to any staff who think better while in motion. It is a good idea to vary the class types and levels so that more team members can participate. During this time, one team member has 60 minutes to talk about their favorite subject while others listen and ask questions. Chances are, your company has one too. One employee's commute could be inexpensive, while for another, it could be prohibitive. Whether you're looking for help communicating COVID safety guidelines to your guests, searching for face masks for couples and guests (so you can look stylish while complying with guidelines from the WHO and CDC) or are in need of a cute social distancing sign, we've got you covered (literally! Many a time, showing some employee appreciation may seem hard. We have 30+ experiences to choose from, and thousands of five star reviews. Celebrating employee birthdays never gets old. Get the resources. If the show is a competition, then at the end of the performance have the audience vote for a winner via poll, or send a panel of judges into a breakout room to deliberate. Distance does not have to put a damper on the fun. Home tours are a fun way for remote teammates to invite each other into personal spaces. A dynamic host facilitates this 90 minute virtual team building event with a trusty virtual sidekick. For many of us, sheltering at home and staying healthy to help " flatten the curve " of the coronavirus spread may be the most important way we can help others right now. Petit fours, miniature cupcakes, and macarons are the best tea party desserts, and finger sandwiches are another staple. First, either mail employees tea and fancy snacks, or ask attendees to bring their own refreshments and reimburse them for the expense. This is a stressful time to say the least. I thought this was a great way for the company to show its appreciation for staff, and it provided us with plenty of new recipes to try out just in time for the weekend. - Adam Lumb, EN Site Manager at Cashcow, One of our perks is that we give employees up to an hour each day to do something positive for their physical or mental health, such as going on a walk, reading a book, taking an exercise class, or doing a meditation (no admin or work allowed!). Contains 5 ml. Along with trivia nights and snack boxes, some enterprising folks have floated the idea of virtual cocktail parties, costume contests or craft workshops to spice up virtual holiday celebrations.. It is working together that will get us through this time. -Bob Nelson, In the United States, 20,000 workers were surveyed by the Boston Consulting Group. You get the best effort from others, not by lighting a fire beneath them but by building a fire within. Elaine is a true partner in every sense of the word and would be a huge asset to any company. One of the simplest and most popular solutions has been virtual happy hours. All rights reserved. With these 33 employee appreciation ideas, you will see reduced turnover and retain your top talents. The cups were all the same so no one could tell what you were drinking unless you commented on it. Themed dress-up days are popular favorites, but they're really just the start. Or, if you hold virtual escape rooms or similar games, then include puzzles. So, whether you're paired up or have something in the works, here are 20 ideas to safely celebrate Valentine's Day during coronavirus. The employee experience is better, and the company's outcome stronger. Also, it doesnt have to be expensive. Hand Sanitizers. In turn, healthier employees produce better results for their companies. Attempt a self portrait with pencil and paper. Simmonds was blown away by . Be sure to grab plenty of screen shots throughout the afternoon or evening. You could even include dessert decorating packs, tasting assortments, or craft kits. While employee appreciation may seem a bit heavy on the pockets, the bottom line is that it will lead to several long-term benefits. Happily, Ive heard lots of versions of this choice as well: My company is taking the money that would be used for the holiday party (usually a sit-down dinner with open bar) and is donating it instead to a local charity. When you actually take the time out to get involved with them personally, employees feel that you genuinely care about them. You could even hold contests to name and reward the best virtual backgrounds for each meeting. Thus in this scenario, investing in an effective recognition program becomes a critical part of employee engagement. Some good virtual spirit week ideas include virtual talent shows, Zoom spirit week backgrounds, online award shows, and theme days. Anxiety. Team costumes Whether you're a team of two or twenty, you can dress up in team costumes for Halloween. Also, they grow more motivated to maintain or improve their good work. We regularly share the progress our sunflowers are making. From theme days to care packages to costume contests, here is a list of fun ways to celebrate spirit weeks in remote offices. Some leaders consistently interact with those they most easily connect with but may not as readily think of others. The knowledge that there is a whole day dedicated to employee appreciation should let you know its significance. How to manage COVID-19 risks when organizing meetings and events 3. Coming together this way will help bring your employees closer to you and boost the employee-employer relationship. From open enrollment to building a benefits package, we've got you covered. Make it more special by hosting a "Make Your Own Taco" competition where the winner gets some form of employee reward. 2. It means that they can catch up on the countless movies that they have missed. About how his/her contributions have aided to a projects successful completion. You can also use GeoGessr to play a destination-guessing game, or take virtual tours of museums, zoos, and parks together. But there is one occasion that should be praised with the same level of spirit and vigor as the restthe work anniversary. Even a small gesture like a "thank you" goes a long way to boost productivity, increase performance and improve morale among the workforce. Your employees are amazing people with undisclosed talents. Ventilation and air circulation are your friends. In uncertain times, one thing is certain with fundraisingthe more you plan, the better off you will be. There is also the threat of a recession. Remote teams often work on staggered schedules, meaning that the whole crew may not be available at game time. The cost of commuting is heavily influenced by the location of the workplace relative to where the employee lives. Or take a field trip to the local entertainment venue. Having direct access to a mentor gives junior professionals valuable one-on-one training. Throwing a virtual holiday party is one of the best Christmas spirit week ideas for work. You can arrange for office taxis or subsidized bus fares so that commute becomes a tad bit easier on their pockets. Hands-on Experiences: 1. Make it a fun and memorable experience. Remote team games like holiday Bingo, trivia, and scavenger hunts get guests moving and invoke the holiday spirit. If you developed team norms to stay on top of (as above), then ensure you check-in on them. The amount of pay is capped at $511 per day, and $5,110 in total, for employees who are sick or quarantined or who have symptoms. E-Learning is the preferred modern way to upskill and learn while having the convenience of choosing the when and where. Teams complete comic-book-themed riddles and puzzles and virtual minute-to-win-it challenges to climb the leaderboard and save the world. Coffee or tea tastings work as well: We had a virtual coffee tasting where they sent those who RSVP'd a free AeroPress and. We also had a really strict limit for spending, like $20. Support families to. Interesting work matter only if you have good food while youre doing it. Let the kids pick out a book and read it to them while . Should I bring a date? The key is making exercise a daily priority, and the holidays are no different. Convey these "thank you" either in a heartful card, on social media, with the help of appreciation letters or (better yet) through a friendly handshake. First, create a Slack channel for the games. As we reflect on two months (or more) of mandated virtual work, HR and people teams around the world are looking back on their most successful morale-boosting activitiesand searching for new ideas to keep their teams happy, healthy, and engaged. For example, new employees should receive a buddy to learn the ropes. Many of us now look forward to Mondays because of these hilarious crosswords! Meetings and frequent check-ins both with the whole team and individual team members need to sit at the top of your to-do list. To keep our employees motivated, we are encouraging and hosting virtual social time. Dessert buffets are fun and positively addicting. Heres a way to see people in-person from the safety of your cars: Our company has had a couple of drive-through events set up in the parking lot of the main company campus. Coronavirus has put a particular national spotlight on unmet needs of the growing older population in our country, and the tens of millions of overstretched family and professional caregivers they . Metal Pen and Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer. We started this challenge at Booster. Then, encourage teammates to square off. The benefit of virtual dress up days is that employees can don elaborate costumes without worrying about travel, comfort, or attracting strange stares in Starbucks. They are great team members. Keep Little Hands Busy. Employees respond to appreciation expressed by recognizing their good work because it confirms that their work is valued by others. You could either ask team members to pre-record videos, give the tour live during a Zoom meeting, or upload photos to a shared album. Thoughtful ways to build community and pride. The team that plays together bonds better. Ask your remote team members to describe their day so far with an emoji or a string of emojis. Give your entire team a chance to express their creativity with baby pumpkins, acrylic paints, and free pumpkin stencils. Aside from regular appreciation, you can ensure that your employees feel valued on important occasions, such as by sending Thanksgiving messages to employees. Sending care packages to your remote teams builds buzz for the event and lets your employees know you care about them. Participate in the Boost Educators Challenge Encourage each student's family to challenge the rest of your school's families to give their teacher (s) a shout out or thank you over the school's social channels. Its expensive to recruit a new worker. Decatur, IL (62521) Today. I also personally feel that it's boosting my wellbeing and brightening my day. You can also offer a myriad of health benefits. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses. The charm of subscription boxes is that theres something for everyone! Get the latest news from Namely about HR, payroll, and benefits. The Kaiser Family Foundation found . Talk about what you appreciate about that particular employee. Make Sure You're COVID Safe. After your holiday meal, go on a virtual group walk through your respective neighborhoods to work off the food. Encourage team members to do the same. Some ideas include: Characters from a favorite movie Have regular check ins with individual team members. The tours could happen on a single day, or throughout the week. And of course folks could also just log off if they wanted to, with no pressure to spend the rest of the day working. Gift cards allow people to purchase whatever they want from their favorite brands. Shared items such a candy jars, cereal boxes, and containers of nuts should be removed for the safety of all workers. Commemorating a work anniversary is a robust employee engagement, development, and retention tool and a way to recognize and show your appreciation to a valued employee. Everything is impacted by COVID-19 in some way, including our work. Whats Working/Whats Not? This is a great way to begin your team meetings. Virtual Breakout Rooms are ideal for teams that need to brush up on their collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. Outdoor days are one of the best summer spirit week ideas for work. To set the mood, encourage participants to put up virtual backgrounds of Victorian parlors or lush gardens. Guests can dress up too. Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus, This is a BETA experience. Simply gear each days activities around a particular topic. They are tasty, convenient, and great for hunger pangs that strike while working. Hosting online costume contests is one of the best spirit week dress up ideas for work. 6. Promoting health is no longer seen as an initiative that yields 'soft' results. When Kirkman first had the idea, she posted about it in her social club Facebook group and on her Instagram story, in case a few close friends wanted to join. Simply ask, how are we doing living up to our agreements?. Or it just might be a beautiful day to sleep in. Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace 2. Trivia can be a good way to help teams relax, inspire conversation and build relationships. Plan out your meals and snacks ahead of time, such as at the beginning of the week or workday. These small everyday gestures can come off as a pleasant surprise and make employees feel valued. Be thoughtful with your messages of appreciation. Find out how to attract and retain your employees through their entire lifecycle. We had a Zoom meeting were a bartender showed how to mix each drink using the provided measuring cup, and answered questions about how to make a good martini, what to substitute for white eggs in pisco sour, etc. Offering a corporate wellness program within a vibrant culture of thriving well-being can significantly enhance that connection. I recently asked Ask a Manager readers to share how their teams are observing the holidays in lieu of in-person parties this year, and it turns out companies have gotten really creative. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com. Here is an example of a graphic you could use for your games. From theme days to care packages to costume contests, here is a list of fun ways to celebrate spirit weeks in remote offices. From digital marketing to online delivery services, there are several needs that the pandemic has sparked among consumers. Instead of the usual tables and activities, they had booths set up where treats were handed through the window. Not to fear: There are plenty of Halloween-inspired crafts to go around. For three hours per week, staff can sign off anytime during the workday for rest and wellbeing, no questions asked. PopCap, the company behind legendary Facebook games like Bejeweled, offers some fantastic break rooms for its 400 odd employees. Remote teammates can enjoy a show while learning more about coworkers special skills and abilities. Its hard to replicate daily interactions with co-workers, casual encounters by the water cooler, or after-work drinks, but we are encouraging our employees to find time for virtual coffees, lunches, or even happy hours with their colleagues. - William Taylor, Career Development Manager at Velvetjobs, Something that has really helped us keep spirits up is our Slack 'meme' channel where we encourage everyone to post the best memes they find throughout the day. This prevents you from working to the point of hunger and then scrambling to decide what to eat. Photo illustration by Slate. Teammates can vote using the poll feature in your video meeting platform, and you can send the winner a prize. However, Slack games offer more flexibility, as teammates can play on their own schedules. Take off your coat. Employees should be free to decide where they want to work and when they want to work whenever possible. To host these virtual workouts, have participants join a Zoom call. You could either give employees the option of attending short 10-15 minute workouts throughout the day, or hold one or two longer sessions. Virtual workout or meditation classes. He expressed that business leaders need to develop a structured and approach to mentoring. Make it meaningful for the employee so that they cherish it and put in their extra effort. Celebrate "Employee Appreciation Day" With Pomp And Show Employee Appreciation Day is a semi-formal holiday in the United States. A great employee appreciation idea that gives day-to-day benefits is providing assigned parking spaces. Or, you can use an app like Donut to match up opponents, and pairs can play games instead of scheduling a video chat. Virtual talent shows work best when there is a predetermined act order and an emcee to manage the flow. We do a Champagne toast at our holiday party every year, and theres some rumors about mini bottles being shipped out for a Zoom toast, but Im not sure! The box also had a few ingredients, fresh produce, and a list of recipes you could make with everything. Themed gift boxes are another popular idea: Were sending winter-y stay-at-home gift boxes. All in all, make the day about them, i.e., your employees. All online escape rooms inspire teamwork and critical thinking in a fun and exciting way. Murder mysteries are games that require participants to play a character while solving a mystery. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Legal. Here are some suggestions: A team reset meeting will ensure team members take time to identify how to best work together in this new reality so that the team can maintain a sense of community, transition through this change effectively, and maintain (and even improve) team performance during this time while supporting the well-being of team members. 1. Online fundraising allows you to make a big impact even if your team is limited in members or budget. Online escape rooms are online versions of thematic puzzle-solving games. Discuss and ask specific questions about work related items such as what they are working on, what they have accomplished in x amount of time, whether they have any challenges and if so how you can help. Many a time, they'll bring that positivity and enthusiasm back to the workplace. Employee appreciation is the cornerstone of developing a robust and meaningful workplace culture. Coffee and Chocolate Tastings It doesn't have to be cocktail focused. Now 48% Off. More than a manager, an employee's peers are more likely to know about their good qualities. Keeping a workplace safe during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging. The games last 90 minutes, giving remote colleagues plenty of time to bond and have fun together. Need more tips for how to keep your employees happy during COVID-19? Although workplace benefits help keep employees happy, they rarely tend to spark inspiration. After the bartender presentation (which was short) everybody got to chat and enjoy their drinks for some time before saying goodbye. I write about how to improve team and leadership performance. The thing that giants like Google and Airbnb have understood is that the physical environment of the office matters. But some employers have devised celebrations that will keep people safe and actually sound fun (even to this curmudgeon). Try a subscription box. It's run by a different division each week to encourage everyone to get involved and has been a fun way to spend a few hoursand a welcome distraction. - Anna Barker, Founder at LogicalDollar, I arranged a remote talent show for our team. Employee Appreciation Day is a semi-formal holiday in the United States. Find out how to shape a culture that attracts, engages, Participants can either perform alone, or collaborate with colleagues on a group act. 2. Company retreats are great for celebrating employees after successful project completion or after an outstanding financial year. Check out BoostEducatorsChallenge.com for details. Unorthodox corporate perks such as trips to hike near a volcano or dive with dolphins are an increasingly powerful way to attract, retain and motivate top talent. Many teams are waking up to a new reality of working remotely. For more ways to excite remote teams, check out our list of free virtual team building activities for work, this list of virtual offsite ideas, and this one with Zoom meeting ideas. After face masks, custom hand sanitizers are the next health and safety giveaway idea on our list. Weve found that this is key to recreating that Friday feeling during lockdown. - Nushy Rose, Managing Editor at Parlia. Some teachers may have to adapt courses from daily 45-minute periods to 90-minute blocks every other day; others will need to figure out how to plan small-group work so that it lines up with. Donut is an app in our Slack channel that randomly pairs up coworkers together, encouraging them to set up a coffee meeting (of course, in this case, a virtual coffee meeting) in order to get to know each other better. It becomes less of a break and more of a disappointment. You can take the first step in promoting the importance of health. When you think about having a great company culture, you think about building trust, honesty, and a great team of workers. At checkout the price was zero and you couldnt even enter a tip. A UK study finds workers job attitudes can be bolstered by allowing them to personalize their office. But to make them feel valued is what employees think is the most important. Were all pretty pumped about it. Some are great artists, while some spend their time doing charity work. As a leader, having the right mindset, structure and strategies to enhance communication and build team cohesion will help you ensure the latter is true for you and your team. For instance, take their opinion during decisions like on-boarding new technology or a specific project. School spirit week is a fun time for everyone to come together and show off their pride. If you can get outside to walk, studies have shown that a brisk walk can make you feel . Harvard Business Review reports that "the most impactful driver of employee engagement is recognition.". Beyond bestowing traditional awards like extraordinary performance, team player, or rookie of the year, you can also create fun award categories. Everyone had a week to practice and record their talents before we all watched them together during a special All Hands meeting. It is especially meaningful when the appreciation comes from their bosses. Spirit Week ideas for busy offices should include low-maintenance events that require minimal planning from event organizers and the participants. 5k+ Downloads Add some seriously "tricked out" kitchens on each floor of their facilities. Theres nothing quite like desserts and ice cream to alleviate stress. Here are some ideas that seem newly relevant given the constraints of 2020 and beyond. Ive found its a great way to know more about what a persons workday and life outside of work are like, as well as to better understand coworkers even those who work across the country. - Angela Ceresnie, CEO at Climb Credit. You can even snap a photo and create your own hashtag for when employees achieve something especially commendable. Breakout rooms enable guests to have more intimate conversations, so that no attendee feels like an observer. Things to consider when you and your employees travel 4. Not to mention that birthday parties are an opportunity to appreciate peers. Take a bubble bath (bonus: Add a glass of. Declaring theme days is one of the easiest spirit week ideas for work from home. There are numerous free crossword creating apps, and all you need to do is share the linkso easy and so fun! - Mira Rakicevic, Co-founder at Comfy Living. The lobby at Googles Sydney office makes visitors feel like theyre about to embark on a safari expedition rather than drown in a concrete jungle. 2. You may experience anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic if you have to go into work. Halloween is the time of year when employees can showcase their creativity and interact with coworkers they may not normally work closely with. Not my cup of tea but a lot of people seemed to like it! We've had a few teams compete in virtual relays, races, or step challenges using free apps to log steps, distance ran/cycled, etc. Content Expert at teambuilding.com. Book an Airbnb virtual experience. But providing a good employee experience is the future. Show Your Appreciation. You may opt-out by. Want to submit a guest post? Wed have the holiday party on Zoom, where folks would open what they had received from their gift giver. Employees thrive at work when they know their contributions have meaning. Here is our take on enhancing employee motivation with the below 33 exceptional employee appreciation ideas. This article is written by Barasha Medhi who is a part of the marketing team at Vantage Circle. With more than 30 million people filing for unemployment in the past six weeks, the U.S. is predicted to experience a coronavirus-induced recession through 2021. Or you might feel concerned about the health of others, such as those who you care for or live with. These activities also make great spring spirit week ideas for work. You found our list of unique virtual spirit week ideas. This time has been invaluable to the team as they had been feeling scattered, stressed, and disconnected. Because honestly, everyone expects the managers and leaders to be bossy and unreachable. See: How Indoor Ventilation Systems Can Help Prevent or Permit the Spread of COVID-19 . Virtual talent shows double as entertainment and team bonding. Yet now is a time when communication actually needs to be ramped up. It definitely is the easiest and quickest Zoom icebreaker out there. However, you could include a holiday theme in your virtual spirit week during any time of the year. The purpose of online spirit weeks is to boost employee engagement and morale. Since healthier employees are more productive, happy, and energetic, the company will benefit from this form of appreciation. To make your company memorable in a sea of forgettable mugs. The best online spirit week ideas unite dispersed teammates, encourage interaction, and inspire fun. Between the confetti, balloons, and cake, office birthday parties are always fun to organize. It's marketed as "COVID-19 style" since all schools across the state are currently shut down. The events should also not take too long to do. The Internet might be intermittent in these spots, so you can also give teammates the option of joining via phone audio instead of mobile video app. For any employee who loves to be fit or is inclined towards adopting a healthier lifestyle, gym passes make for the ultimate way to help them get started. Online workouts serve the dual purpose of adding exercise and peer-to-peer interaction into remote workers sedentary, solitary workdays.