Christmas is right around the corner, yet COVID-19 continues to profoundly impact lives globally. Many organizations are struggling to come up with different ways of doing things during the pandemic. With the Christmas party knocking on doors, employers are entirely baffled on how to handle it. Managers are brainstorming on safe office Christmas party plans during the pandemic.
Since corporate parties are known to bring your employees together, it might not be best to cancel the celebrations. Your employees’ morale highly depends on such occasions. As much as it may not be business as usual, there are ways to get around keeping your guests healthy and happy. Companies have to consider the CDC recommendations and social distancing guidelines to make their COVID Christmas as safe as possible. The Christmas celebrations may look far from ordinary, but it does not mean there are no alternatives. An office Christmas party is the cheer that your employees need. So how can you safely accomplish this during the pandemic?
As much as you must play by the book during your business COVID-19 Christmas party, ensure to put your best foot forward. The following pointers can steer you towards planning a safe and special 2020 Christmas party.
Keep up with CDC real-time updates
When planning for your office Christmas party, you should have CDC real-time updates in mind. The COVID-19 number keeps falling and increasing. Its direction is unpredictable; therefore, it is critical to keep checking the CDC’s website to be up-to-date. Check out for local guidelines to get more accurate information on current case levels in your area. This can guide you in making the right call, whether it is outright canceling or limiting the number of employees.
Maintain a COVID Christmas to-do list
Hosting the COVID office Christmas party goes beyond decorations. Other essential supplies will be required to create a safe environment for your employees. Make a to-do list and ensure you shop early to avoid the holiday rush on things like hand sanitizers, paper towels, and face masks.
Facilitate social distancing
Social distancing is one of the key areas to emphasize to your employees. It is a requirement that should be taken seriously during the pandemic. You will have to confirm that your staff maintain social distancing throughout the party. Ensure they adapt to the new norm by skipping hugs and using elbow bumps for greetings. Do not forget to limit surface exposure by disinfecting surfaces throughout the event.
Brainstorm on COVID party locations
The location is critical for any event. Finding your desired location can be challenging with the COVID-19 restrictions. Make sure you select venues that are well-ventilated with access to several doors and windows.
Come up with creative Christmas activities
Office Christmas is usually crowned with the Secret Santa activities. Secret Santa has been the rite of passage since time immemorial. Despite the struggles with the COVID-19, companies can still participate in Secret Santa. If the office space does not cut it for you, the long-distance version should work well for your employees. You can also have a virtual Secret Santa. Any other activities can be done virtually or through long-distance for the safety of your employees.
Limit indoor COVID Christmas gatherings
Finding sufficient space for your office Christmas party is one of the main challenges many managers are facing. They need to find large areas where employees can apply social distancing. If your company decides to settle for an indoor, COVID Christmas party, they must keep it small but unique. The gathering should be small but significant. The number of employees should be within allowable limits. Find out the restrictions about groups that apply to your locale.
Take advantage of technology
Technology has turned out to be the solution to most business operations. Other options for having a good and safe office Christmas party are through holding a hybrid event. It means you may have to separate your flock in two. Some employees can be on-site while others join through Zoom and other platforms. This gives you the chance to include vulnerable individuals who cannot attend the party physically.
Make it a drive-in event
In the event you are a small or medium-sized business, you may decide to be more creative in your Christmas plans. If you have a reasonable number of employees, you may opt for a drive-in event. It gives you the social distancing space required, and it is an excellent way for your employees to enjoy their office Christmas without so much fuss.
Companies have realized that the coronavirus may take longer than anticipated. They have come to understand that all they need to do is develop creative ways of surviving the pandemic. The tips mentioned above can help you to plan for a safe 2020 office Christmas for your employees.
By Abby Drexler, BOSS contributor
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