It definitely is the easiest and quickest Zoom icebreaker out there. Use virtual coffee breaks to: Limit e-mail, insteaduse real-time, in person communication tools such as Skype, Zoom, etc., or even the old fashioned phone. Dessert buffets are fun and positively addicting. Recommended Article: Gift Cards Make For The Perfect Employee Rewards. People are encouraged to bring family (which is not something we typically can do with these events) and I would have loved this even before the new normal. Im kind of bummed Im going to be missing out on this one actually. Open windows, increase circulation, and keep room density as low as possible with fewer people in one space. Not to mention, care packages add a tactile element to your all-online spirit week. This year, the questions are quite different, and nearly all are some variation of What do we even do for the holidays in a pandemic? Many employers are simply canceling holiday celebrations, since theres no way to safely gather. As a leader, having the right mindset, structure and strategies to enhance communication and build team cohesion will help you ensure the latter is true for you and your team. Encourage team members to do the same. Find out how to shape a culture that attracts, engages, Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace Spirit week attendees can either make their own backgrounds using Canva or Photoshop, or can download one from online. Here are some suggestions: A team reset meeting will ensure team members take time to identify how to best work together in this new reality so that the team can maintain a sense of community, transition through this change effectively, and maintain (and even improve) team performance during this time while supporting the well-being of team members. Here are instructions on changing virtual backgrounds in Zoom, GoogleMeet, and Microsoft Teams. Taking care of your employees' health is the most prominent form of appreciation that you can show. Call in a local food truck specializing in the cuisine and make it mandatory for people to take a break and eat a taco. Check out more more aboutonline retreat ideas. In times of isolation it can be very difficult to stay on top of where everyone is at. How to be a good coworker and leader during this crisis. Here is an example of a graphic you could use for your games. After face masks, custom hand sanitizers are the next health and safety giveaway idea on our list. See how Namely's flexible solution will help you streamline your HR processes by having your people, payroll, and benefits info all in on place. For the main event, meet up on a video call to sip tea, chat, and play games. These events help boost company pride. So far, people have hosted presentations on their favorite hobby, sports team, family, the country they come from, favorite food, favorite lockdown activity, etc. Click here to find out how. Whats Really So Wrong About Secretly Working Two Full-Time Jobs at Once? Quarantine spirit week consisted of a unique theme for each day: skater Sunday, monochromatic Monday, tie-dye Tuesday, wig Wednesday, 13 going on Thursday and casual Friday. First, create a Slack channel for the games. These small everyday gestures can come off as a pleasant surprise and make employees feel valued. With most schools and districts shut down for the foreseeable future, many faculty and teachers are struggling to find ways to connect with their students. As we reflect on two months (or more) of mandated virtual work, HR and people teams around the world are looking back on their most successful morale-boosting activitiesand searching for new ideas to keep their teams happy, healthy, and engaged. Add some seriously "tricked out" kitchens on each floor of their facilities. I'm really hoping we won't have to consider this in future years, but a lot of planning time went into making sure that we minimized our COVID risk during the trip. They are tasty, convenient, and great for hunger pangs that strike while working. Declaring theme days is one of the easiest spirit week ideas for work from home. We have 30+ experiences to choose from, and thousands of five star reviews. Get Competitive. Simply schedule a Zoom meeting and ask attendees to join from an outdoor spot such as backyards, parks, or beaches. WeAreTeachers Staff on September 20, 2022. I hope the concrete strategies and steps I share below will help you to bring some added calm, focus and renewed energy to your team. If you work in an industry where teamwork is crucial, sudden orders to . But with 29% of Americans reporting that they never drink alcohol, it is time for businesses to think of more inclusive activities. The intensive schedule prevents routine responsibilities from interrupting the fun, and permits employees to focus on recharging and team bonding. As much as we'd like for things to be "business as usual" this holiday, planning for Christmas 2021 requires a little more work to keep guests happy and healthy. Typical activities include theme days, costume contests, and online parties. #StayStrongWF Spirit Week April 6-10. 9. The games last 90 minutes, giving remote colleagues plenty of time to bond and have fun together. This is a great way to begin your team meetings. Employee appreciation is meant to make the workplace feel a little bit like home. It can be scheduled ahead of time or impromptu, just like you might invite a team member to grab a coffee with you while walking by their desk. For any employee who loves to be fit or is inclined towards adopting a healthier lifestyle, gym passes make for the ultimate way to help them get started. An escape room Escape room activities are available virtually and in person. Ask your remote team members to describe their day so far with an emoji or a string of emojis. Streaming service subscriptions. We also had a really strict limit for spending, like $20. Host fun team games to play with your team members. This is a stressful time to say the least. It is a small token of appreciation, but our employees have expressed that they really appreciate the recognition. - Darryl Smith, Founding Partner at Florida Car Accident Lawyer Team, Because of the coronavirus, Kickstand recently implemented more flexible work schedules, including a few mental health hours per week to encourage employees to step away from their computers and recharge during the workday. If done in person, they provide a safer pandemic option because you share the room only with the people in your party. The chocolate tasting person is mailing out the tasting kits to all of us and will lead us through the tasting via Zoom. Due to the physical demands and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been difficult for many of us to stay physically active. Basically, the idea is to boost morale by giving students a collective silly goal. Ive found its a great way to know more about what a persons workday and life outside of work are like, as well as to better understand coworkers even those who work across the country. - Angela Ceresnie, CEO at Climb Credit. Promoting health is no longer seen as an initiative that yields 'soft' results. Also, busy workdays are where lunches are spent with a sad sandwich while staring at the computer. Ensure time is spent checking in on the teams main priorities - any urgent issues that need to be addressed? Revamp your break room. A UK study finds workers job attitudes can be bolstered by allowing them to personalize their office. High 53F. Online Office Games is a friendly competition for remote teammates. It's run by a different division each week to encourage everyone to get involved and has been a fun way to spend a few hoursand a welcome distraction. - Anna Barker, Founder at LogicalDollar, I arranged a remote talent show for our team. Some ideas include: Characters from a favorite movie Names were swapped, wish lists were made, and gifts from small businesses were delivered to friends and families! You could even hold contests to name and reward the best virtual backgrounds for each meeting. to Launch During a Pandemic. From year-end reporting to employee paystubs, check out these payroll tips and tricks. Remote teammates work together to crack clues and conquer brain teasers before time runs out. A dynamic host facilitates this 90 minute virtual team building event with a trusty virtual sidekick. It offers employees a brief respite from their daily work. Here are three ways employers can reduce panic and keep employee morale up during the coronavirus outbreak. To begin with, publicly recognizing great employees reflects well on your company for customers, investors, and your team. How to manage COVID-19 risks when organizing meetings and events 3. For three hours per week, staff can sign off anytime during the workday for rest and wellbeing, no questions asked. Student Engagement: Spirit Weeks A number of schools and school districts have done weekly challenges where students participate in a themed activity, take a picture or video of it, and then upload and tag it with a specific hashtag so that the community can find, enjoy, and celebrate it with them. 2022 Todos los derechos reservados. Things to consider when you and your employees travel 4. Trivia can be a good way to help teams relax, inspire conversation and build relationships. To keep our employees motivated, we are encouraging and hosting virtual social time. For example, new employees should receive a buddy to learn the ropes. (Source: Team Vantage Circle's Day Excursion). Working remotely creates a new set of challenges that arebeing amplified by the added stress of school closures andby the anxiety many are facing during this pandemic. Gathering via video call and online communication platforms gives groups a chance to relax, re-energize, and reconnect with teammates. When you actually take the time out to get involved with them personally, employees feel that you genuinely care about them. Reading a book on the sofa is a cozy way to get in the Christmas spirit. One-Word Check-ins. Pike13 Spirit Week highlights: The consulting group McKinsey & Co. surveyed 1,000 employers , and 90 percent reported that the pandemic was affecting the behavioral health of their employees. We all know that employees are the most valuable asset for a business. Working from home can be challenging. When you think about having a great company culture, you think about building trust, honesty, and a great team of workers. Try a subscription box. Attempt a self portrait with pencil and paper. Along with trivia nights and snack boxes, some enterprising folks have floated the idea of virtual cocktail parties, costume contests or craft workshops to spice up virtual holiday celebrations.. The Internet might be intermittent in these spots, so you can also give teammates the option of joining via phone audio instead of mobile video app. Do the bragging on behalf of your employees, and show your whole team how fantastic everyone is. December is the most obvious time to throw a virtual holiday party. Also, remember to turn your phone off. Celebrating employee birthdays never gets old. One such example that predates COVID-19 (if you follow our newsletter, you already know that it's a personal favorite of mine) is the Be My Eyes app. The cups were all the same so no one could tell what you were drinking unless you commented on it. Simply gear each day's activities around a particular topic. At the end of the week, count up the wins, and have the victors face off against each other for the championship. One idea that keeps popping up on our Principal Life Facebook group is the concept of a virtual theme week. All This Talk About Quiet Quitting Is Absurd. They take place using video call software, online communication platforms, and occasionally social media. For inspiration, check out our lists of online cooking classes and online art classes. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about virtual spirit weeks. Gift ideas ranged, but included orchids, stay-at-home picnic baskets, family dinners, bookstore gift cards, and fancy coffee! - Nicole Canulla, Head of Marketing & Communications at DUST Identity, What I've found very engaging and will definitely continue to use even after we're no longer remote is Donut. Here are list of themes to use for online spirit weeks. SHRM estimates that it costs $20,000 to $30,000 in recruiting and training expenses to replace a manager making $40,000 a year. It can range from conducting regular health check-ups, yoga sessions, dentist appointments, and offering health insurance. If theyd just put an extra $100 in my paycheck and said we cant have a party this year so get yourself a nice treat, Id have appreciated that too. If your office normally does Secret Santa or Yankee Swap gift exchanges, you can keep it going this year too. This activity involves solving puzzles and finding clues to "escape" a themed room. More than a manager, an employee's peers are more likely to know about their good qualities. Even after COVID-19, hand sanitizers are a welcomed gift, no matter your customer base or your business. It is a good idea to vary the class types and levels so that more team members can participate. Explore them here: On Fridays, our team puts on ridiculous outfits to make each other laugh during virtual meetings. Inject Fun and Humor. Maintain a positive work/life balance and encourage your team to do the same It's easy to work longer hours and take fewer breaks when working from home. Your employees are amazing people with undisclosed talents. 1. Real world elements make virtual exercises more engaging and interactive. 2. Offering extra time off pretty much never goes amiss, especially at this time of year: In lieu of bonuses and parties and all sorts of things, my employer is just closing for the week in between Christmas and New Years and giving everyone the time offits been a hit, because thats usually a huge use of vacation days for folks. You might find that employee appreciation becomes a tad bit easier and a whole lot more fun. Then, after that, we had the opportunity to go into breakout roomslast year, one room did Schitts Creek trivia (it was a favorite among many staffers), another did Pictionary using the annotate functions of Zoom. Or you might feel concerned about the health of others, such as those who you care for or live with. 2. Adults need 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking for health benefits. From relaxing countryside walks to exciting challenges, your staff will have the time of their lives. I write about how to improve team and leadership performance. It was a lot of fun! - Stephen J. Kontos, Founder & CEO at PatentXP PLLC, We keep employee morale high by sending out thank you notes to our employees currently working from home. 7. Whats Working/Whats Not? Keep Little Hands Busy. Show your employees some love by making sure that the snacks provided are healthy and nutritious. Credit: HMH Books for Young Readers. You can even snap a photo and create your own hashtag for when employees achieve something especially commendable. For instance, take their opinion during decisions like on-boarding new technology or a specific project. Their diaries are told in words and. For example, hold a Zoom ugly sweater contest, host a virtual Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange, and sing Christmas carols. Sometimes, the utmost appreciation that an employee seeks is a promotion in his job role. Virtual Breakout Rooms are ideal for teams that need to brush up on their collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. Hear clients' stories and learn how they're building a better workplace with Namely. Letting employees decorate their workspaces plays an active role in building relationships within the company. Many teams are waking up to a new reality of working remotely. Next, check our our list of ideas to celebrate Pride at work, online fun Friday ideas, and intern orientation activities. Saint Lucia has more than a dozen COVID-19 regulations for hotels, and visitors must get a negative COVID-19 test within a week of their arrival on the island. Toilet paper and Netflix memes are very popular right now. The day-to-day work life might get hectic and tedious for everyone in the office. Children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity daily. If you see someone going above and beyond and who commutes through their own vehicles, this will prove to be a wonderful opportunity to make their lives a little bit easier. He expressed that business leaders need to develop a structured and approach to mentoring. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com. Getting your workplace ready in case COVID-19 arrives in your community. My Boss Loves Planning an Elaborate Holiday Extravaganza. Their office is infused with fun, including random Razor scooters available to any staff who think better while in motion. A team lunch is a great way through which everyone can bond with each other and with you. Spirit Week ideas for busy offices should include low-maintenance events that require minimal planning from event organizers and the participants. Get the latest news from Namely about HR, payroll, and benefits. Plus, we decided there will be a prize for the tallest sunflower, so it's turning into quite the competition. - Rose Jinks, Digital PR Specialist at Online Mortgage Advisor, As a way to boost morale and encourage teamwork while were apart, my company has been hosting virtual trivia nights every week. But when you thank them for their efforts, it can be a heart-melting moment to inspire respect for you and the business. You can also offer a myriad of health benefits. ). Teammates can select a different background for each meeting or theme day, and can even swap backgrounds multiple times per call. These events can help virtual offices grow closer. But heres the thing. Coffee or tea tastings work as well: We had a virtual coffee tasting where they sent those who RSVP'd a free AeroPress and. Online board games or trivia challenges are a great way to bring a team together for something besides work. Photo illustration by Slate. Not to mention there's the option of booking an entertainer - choices include singer Jimmy Barnes and comedy duo Hamish and Andy - to spice up a webcam-based party.