How can Christmas 2020 change the outlook towards the company for employees?
By: Varsha Karmakar
Tags: Employee Engagement, Employee Experience, Secret Santa, Christmas Gifts, Corporate Gifting

“Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh…”

Wait, did you sing to it while reading the above lines?

If yes, then you have definitely entered the Christmas season and started getting the happy vibes!

It’s December, and December means Christmas since we human beings are fascinated enough to take the opportunity of celebrating and merry-making for every single occasion that comes all throughout the year.

Let us rewind a bit into the yesteryears where 25th December meant gatherings and dinners, long-stretched holidays and trips with friends and family, office get-togethers, farmhouse or resort leisure and so many more!

But, does it make you sad and a little less-festival because of the pandemic and social distancing, thereby following the new normal rules where most of the places would be without Christmas tree decorations, no Secret Santa gifts and dedicated Christmas parties?

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all our lives and there are lots of ways that life has changed during the recent pandemic.

And one aspect that’s going to be hardest this year is the Christmas celebrations organized by respective companies.

Corporate parties are often a joyous time and many staff look forward to the party as a break from a typical workday. That’s a little harder to do when everyone is at home, but it’s still possible to switch up the scenery a bit. Making the virtual holiday party ideas more fun since outright cancelling of all celebrations might not be the best option for team morale, especially when most of the companies have switched to Work From Home and employees have moved to their own hometown, hence, making the office party look very different this year.

Admins and HRs’ would have to think outside the box.

Sounds too tedious a job to keep the employees happy, at the same time entertained and high spirited?

Not any more since you would find here certain solutions to overcome bore-dome at home for employees, add a short break to work, engage employees with games and most importantly feel celebrations in the air for Christmas!

So, how can you have a safe COVID Christmas party this year?

Rewards and Recognitions:

What can be more exciting than to receive rewards and recognitions during a festive season? It acts as an added bonus. How? Obviously, zoom meets and courier services are the answer! The prizes and accolades can be taken care of by companies like SmartQ! Oh, did I just tell you that SmartQ is in partnership with not one or two but more than 30+ gifting partners along with amazingly fast delivery and courier services like DTDC, Dunzo and so on! And how about adding a customized bamboo shoot or a jade plant to it as a good-luck symbol? SmartQ has been taking care of that too! I like the service because they add a personal touch to the gifts that were sent across, so that clients remain happy and satisfied because there is nothing better than A Happy Client!

Get to know your colleague:

How well do you know your colleague? Well, this is the most relaxed and casual environment and the best time to network with colleagues by starting a weekly group engagement by sharing the names of Top 5 web series and movies, or games from the list and probably plan a Boy’s Night or a Ladies’ Night (for people who stay in the location).

Employee Engagement Activities:

How many Ludo Groups still exist in your Whatsapp? We all have been there! There are a wide range of virtual games that can be played to keep the employees engaged and entertained like a Housie or quiz and later probably offer prize at the end of the game, which again can be something out of the blue… something that would not just add value but also that be utilized.

Talent Hunt:

Almost everybody during the pandemic have not only found their hidden talents but also followed their long forgotten passion and some definitely must have tried their hands in new skills. And of course, all have flaunted over social media. So, people already have a prior knowledge about the hidden talents, which make it easier to participate in a talent hunt program, thereby adding a feather to your own hat!

Secret Santa:

Oh, don’t let this pandemic ruin the Christmas fun! Surprise employees by giving away Secret Santa gifts delivered to them in hand with comfortable Work From Home accessories or assorted gift hampers of chocolates and cakes, electronic devices and much more through a smart booking with SmartQ!

Many are working from home for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Our daily living routines are disrupted causing added anxiety, stress and strain — physically, and mentally.

Also, now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being. As we protect ourselves against potential exposure to the coronavirus, let us not forget that social distancing does not mean social isolation.

As already mentioned, it is so important for admins to keep the spirits of employees high and relaxed, certain psychological questionnaire can be created with solutions, helping employees to reduce stress level and focused by staying closely connected, giving early morning tips to maintain a regular schedule and how to keep immunity strong via mails or messages. Not forgetting the practice of exercise and a healthy diet that can be induced among employees.

As Calvin Coolidge says,

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

we all are definitely hoping for a year end celebration safe and happy, thereby not forgetting the protocols that need to be followed in a Covid-19 situation.

So, charge up yourselves, get that Christmas tree out and decorated with all the glittery accessories, wreath and lights, bake cakes and shout out loud-

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!