This year staying connected with our colleagues during the holidays might seem like a difficult task, but it’s not impossible! Luckily, in today’s age we have tons of technology at our disposal that allows us to keep socially connected from anywhere around the world.
Here are some app and activity ideas to keep your office in touch during the holiday lockdown:
1. Schedule a virtual holiday party
We’re taking this year’s holiday party virtual and you can too! Most of us have become accustomed to video calls during the pandemic and it can still be the go-to solution during the holidays. Spice things up with friendly contests or virtual games (see below). You can use any video app you have access to such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Skype, or Google Hangouts.
2. Have a virtual holiday contest
A great way to get your team engaged over a video call is to add activities you would normally have at an in-person event. For the holidays, you could ask everyone to adorn their ugliest holiday sweater or flaunt their cookie decorating skills. You could even go the extra mile and send your team cookie decorating kits. Near the end, have everyone vote for their favorites and award electronic prizes such as gift cards.
3. Play virtual games
Our favourite at the office is Jackbox Games. Jackbox is a paid service with tons of games that feature everything from trivia to drawing and comedy. All you need to do is have one player setup the game and share the screen with others on an app such as Zoom. Then anyone can login via jackbox.tv and participate!
Another game that’s been taking up the internet by a storm is Among Us (available on Google Chrome, Apple and Android). This is a virtual action mystery game you can play with your coworkers or others on the internet. It’s a simple game suitable for all ages.
4. Send delicious food and drinks
This is a great way to treat your employees or share a delicious meal during your virtual holiday party. Some crowd favourite food delivery apps include Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes, or DoorDash. All you need to make this happen is your employees’ addresses!
Alternatively, you could send your team electronic gift cards so they can order their choice of food or drinks.
5. Host a virtual movie or play night
Try Netflix’s Teleparty app or Watch Party. These apps synchronize video playback and there’s a group chat so your team can share reactions as they enjoy a movie. Some of the supported streaming platforms are Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and HBO.
Similarly, for those that have a holiday tradition of going out to a play, the Vancouver Arts Club has shows you can watch from the comfort of your home.
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About Red Rhino
Red Rhino provides Managed IT Services, Support and Consulting to businesses in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley including Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Delta, and White Rock.