As company holiday parties appear to return in full swing this year, leaders may be tempted to proceed as if the last few years never happened.
According to a survey from career transition company Challenger, Gray, & Christmas, nearly 57% of companies plan to have in-person holiday parties this year — a stark increase from the 26.6% seen last year.
However, there’s a problem. Not everyone has the ability to join in person, or wants to.
More and more workforces are distributed, meaning that coming into the office for a party may not be tangible.
So how can companies ensure that remote employees still feel appreciated and seen during this time of warmth and giving?
Incorporating a remote element to the party is a good place to start. Those participating remotely can still wear their favorite ugly Christmas sweater, drink hot chocolate, chat with their colleagues and join in on any games.
If employees are receiving gifts during the party, including meals and other types of treats, sending remote workers some sort of swag can help them feel included. It can be as simple as a t-shirt, gift card or snack box — anything to commemorate their contributions to the company.
Inclusivity is always key for all holiday parties. Because many people do not directly celebrate Christmas, it’s important to understand that they may not feel comfortable participating.
However, if they do wish to be part of the festivities, opt to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” unless it is known that the employee celebrates a specific holiday.
