Remote Workers and Inclusivity
The holidays are a great way to create healthier bonds among your staff members, but it can be hard to create engagement when you have remote workers; employees scattered all around the world. That’s why we’ve compiled a number of tips you can implement to make sure that everyone feels valued during the holidays.
Create a More Interactive Party Experience
The great thing about remote communications tools is that they allow users to engage in traditionally cooperative activities without being in the same place. There are a number of forms this can take.
Interactive games allow everyone to get in on the fun. These can take the form of online-connected experiences like trivia or party games, and these are available for free on social media and through dedicated apps. You can also punctuate your party with sweepstakes and contests hosted on your social media account or chat app.
Another way to get everyone involved is to stream holiday movies online. Integrating the stream with your company chat app can facilitate a feeling of camaraderie between your local and remote staff.
Share the Festivites Using Video and Photos
Remote employees may not be able to make it to your festivities in person, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be there in spirit. The increased possibilities for video and photo sharing allow you to bridge connections with your employees even if they’re halfway across the world.
A live conference tour of the office is a great way to make all your employees feel included. Just make sure to be cognizant of those who can’t be present for the live stream as well.
Cloud sharing services like OneDrive allow you to put together photo galleries or videos that let your staff share in on the fun even if they’re busy when the activities are taking place or in a completely different time zone. Company chat services like Slack and social media platforms are also a great way to broadcast the festivities.
And while your staff may not be able to check out the decorations in person or taste the delicious spread of treats, that doesn’t have to mean they’re neglected. With a little extra effort, you can share instructions for creating your in-office decorations and recipes so that they can replicate the experience wherever they happen to be.
Engage in Gift and Card Giving
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of effort to remind your employees that you care. Sending out personalized gift cards can help them feel engaged even if you can’t be there to thank them for their work in person.
Then there’s the opportunity for white elephant or secret Santa gift exchanges. Just make sure to plan these events with plenty of foresight so that everything is shipped in advance. You can host the gift opening process on a live stream or have each employee post unwrapping videos on your social media channels.
Consider Cultural Differences
If you’re operating a global company with different offices throughout the world, your employees may celebrate in dramatically different ways. Take the time to understand the cultural standards of your remote employees so you can deliver them a special experience that respects their values.
The holidays can even be a great way to help create a more cultured experience between offices. Encourage staff members to share the holiday experiences of their culture with social media posts or videos. Embrace the diversity of your global office by making sure to shine the spotlight on different holidays that your core group of employees might not be aware of.
Encourage Engagement Throughout the Season
Differing time zones and work demands can make it hard to get all your staff in one place, even if you’re using video conferencing to make the experience easier. Your social media platforms can be a valuable tool here.
Creating social media experiences that run throughout the season can be a stellar way to make everyone feel engaged. These can take the form of virtual advent calendars that replace traditional chocolates or cheeses with contests, praise directed at various departments, and invitations for employees to share their experiences.
All of your employees matter, and that includes the ones you might not see in the office everyday. For staff members who may feel detached from your office culture, a little love can go a long way. We suggest mixing and matching the tips listed to make your employees feel better connected with one another throughout the holidays.