Some teams have already returned to the office and are thriving. However, a significant portion of businesses are continuing to work remotely for the foreseeable future. For these individuals, 2021 will be their second Christmas spent working from home. They will miss the buzz of the office before the Christmas holiday and, of course, the team Christmas party.

The run-up to Christmas is just around the corner, and business owners need to start thinking in advance.  Here are a few ways to get your employees in the Christmas spirit, even if they are working remotely.

Send a festive hamper

Everyone loves a few treats around Christmas. You could send each team member a hamper with wine, cheese, and chocolate to celebrate their hard work this year. Or, you could send them an advent calendar before December starts to get them excited for the festive season.

Arrange a virtual get-together

If your team is working from home, you can still have a Christmas office party. Set up a Zoom event for a few weeks before the big day and make a party out of it. Spend the first half of the event reviewing your achievements this year and the second half drinking cocktails over Zoom. You could even send out a cocktail making kit to each team member for an extra special touch.

International secret Santa

Global companies could run an international secret Santa to get everyone in the business involved. Set a budget of around £20, including mailing costs, and give everyone another employee’s name. You could add a few hobbies and interests to the name cards, so people have a better idea of what to buy one another. International secret Santa is a fantastic way to get to know team members from across the globe.

Keep it relaxed

If you work in a smaller team, why not keep your Christmas celebrations casual this year? Host a Christmas quiz over Zoom and ask everyone to wear their whackiest Christmas pyjamas. Everyone has been working in their pyjamas for the last year anyways…

Family and friends

Sometimes work functions can take over the Christmas party season. Avoid throwing another staff party and give your team a gift voucher for their local restaurant instead. They can enjoy a night with their friends and families instead of attending yet another office event. Thank your employees for their commitment to work over the last year and encourage them to maintain a work-life balance.

After all, the Christmas season should be spent with the ones you love.