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How to celebrate the end of the year work party in COVID-19?

Well, 2020 has been a year of huge change. Starting from the way you socialize to the way you worked has transformed its lot. The traditional end-of-year work party looks far different from the previous years. Instead of the traditional method, there are several organizations adapting the new methods to greet the employees for their hard work. Moreover, the organization is using technology to celebrate when the year is filled with uncertainty and challenges.

Due to COVID-19 majority of the business are experiencing significant financial hardship. With so many restrictions in a different state, it is quite challenging to find out the ways to celebrate the end of the year. So, companies are using emerging technology to celebrate with their employees by keeping them safe.

Virtual events

For many organizations, meeting in person is not possible at this time as there are certain rules and regulations. Thus, the companies are using zoom meetings and Microsoft meetings for celebration. Organizations are adopting creative ways like friendly competition to keep their employees engaged and dial up the festive spirit. Christmas cupcake decoration, a secret Santa or a gingerbread house making competition or cooking glass are done to boost the energy level. In this end-of-year work party, employers can facilitate their employees through fun and interaction for their hard works.

Hybrid events

Some of the employers may not have a choice other than holding virtual events. Due to restrictions, there are opportunities for holding a hybrid party in which some employees are physically on-site and others can join virtually from remote locations. This is a good option for an organization with a limited number of employees. It can be uncomfortable for a few to attend in-person but they can attend virtually.

Outdoor gatherings

If you want to celebrate in-person event, having an outdoor location is recommended as one of the safest ways to do so, as long as employers and employees adhere to safety protocols. Outdoor picnics or events in a public park or garden are popular choices, as they allow you to make the most of the stunning summer weather, and also offer sufficient space for social distancing. Employers can get creative when thinking about where to hold an outdoor party, with golf clubs, a beach BBQ, or wineries all potential opportunities depending on your location.

Stay safe

If you are hosting a physical gathering, it is important to follow your state’s guidelines and rules when it comes to matters of safety. Before anything else, this should be your priority, and if you question whether it can be done safely, then consider if a virtual event might be a healthier option.

Most companies will by now have a COVID-safe plan in place, and all protocols laid out in this should be applied at work events such as the end-of-year party. Physical distancing is still significant, even outdoors, so dancing and close-up mingling should not be part of the plan. Assure employees are made alert of the safety protections they will need to adhere to and make it known that if they feel ill must not attend the event.

Hand sanitizing stations should be readily accessible. It may be a good idea to consider asking people joining to bring their own plates and cutlery, food, and drink, as this will minimize risks of contamination. Depending on your state too, masks may be mandatory and this should be highlighted to employees. In addition, public health requirements in many jurisdictions mean that businesses might need to keep a record of the name and contact details at the time they joined the venue. This information is significant for contact tracing, in case it later emerges that someone at the event consequently tested positive, and may have passed on the virus without knowing.

Hold off until next year

Though the end of year work party is a tradition for many companies, given the events of 2020 and the still real hazard of covid-19, many employers are electing to postpone their celebrations to lessen any risks. This may be unacceptable to some employees, but if you connect with them and let them know another party will be planned in the New Year once restrictions have eased, they will likely be understanding. As long as restrictions continue to lift, this will likely allow for a larger and more public gathering.

In the instance of celebrations being postponed, some employers have elected to instead purchase gifts for their workforce as a sign of thanks for their hard work during the year. For some organizations that are partnered with not-for-profits or charities, they have made a contribution on behalf of their labor force.

“Make the end of the year celebration happy and safe”

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