Celebrate Together, Even When Apart: Holiday Engagement Ideas for Remote Teams
The holiday season is an ideal time to strengthen connections and boost morale among your remote team. While working remotely can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, introducing fun and creative activities can keep your team engaged and motivated during this festive period. Did you know that according to a study by Gallup, engaged employees are 21% more productive, making holiday engagement impactful for your team’s performance?
Why Holiday Activities Matter
Engaging your remote team during the holidays goes beyond just spreading cheer. It’s an opportunity to:
- Strengthen team bonds despite physical distance.
- Show appreciation for your team’s hard work throughout the year.
- Create a positive company culture that boosts retention.
With remote work becoming the norm—83% of employers say remote work has been a success for their companies, so investing in these activities is essential to maintaining a happy and high-performing team.
Fun Ways to Engage Your Remote Team During the Holidays
- Host a Virtual Holiday Party
A virtual holiday party is a classic way to bring your team together no matter where they’re working. Create an engaging agenda that includes interactive games like holiday trivia, icebreakers, or a virtual scavenger hunt. To make it extra special, consider sending small care packages with festive treats, decorations, or a fun holiday-themed prop that participants can use during the party. Encourage your team to dress up in holiday attire—whether it’s cozy pajamas, festive hats, or even an ugly sweater—and award prizes for the best outfits. - Organize an Online Cooking or Cocktail Class
Food has a way of bringing people together, even virtually. Arrange for a professional chef or mixologist to lead your remote team in making festive dishes or drinks. You could provide a list of ingredients ahead of time or even send out ingredient kits to make it easier for everyone to participate. During the session, encourage team members to share stories about their favorite holiday foods or traditions. It’s a great way to connect on a personal level while learning new skills and recipes. - Run Holiday-Themed Competitions
Friendly competitions can be a great morale booster. Create contests like “Best Holiday Home Office Setup,” where employees decorate their workspaces and share photos, or an “Ugliest Sweater Competition” during a team call. You could also host themed trivia games about global holiday traditions, movies, or music. Provide small prizes, like gift cards or custom team merchandise, to make the competitions even more fun and rewarding. - Share Team Appreciation Videos
Showcasing gratitude during the holidays is a meaningful way to engage your remote team. Compile a video featuring messages of appreciation from managers and team members. Highlight individual and team accomplishments from the year and share fun memories or inside jokes. For a personal touch, include festive graphics or music to make the video feel celebratory. Sharing this video during a team meeting or as part of a holiday email can leave a lasting positive impact. - Plan a Virtual Charity Drive or Volunteer Event
The holidays are about giving back, and involving your remote team in charitable activities can create a shared sense of purpose. Organize a virtual charity drive, such as collecting funds for a specific cause or sponsoring a family in need. Alternatively, look for remote-friendly volunteer opportunities, like writing letters to hospital patients or assembling care packages from home. Celebrate your team’s collective efforts with a group call to reflect on the impact they’ve made and why it matters.
Boosting Team Engagement Is an Ongoing Process
While these ideas are perfect for the holidays, keeping your remote team engaged is a year-round responsibility. Regular check-ins, team-building activities, and recognition programs ensure that employees feel connected and appreciated.
Incorporate these festive activities into your holiday plans and watch your remote team thrive with boosted morale and stronger connections. A happy team is a productive team, and there’s no better time to show your appreciation than during the holidays!