Top 5 Virtual Office Party Ideas for 2021

There are many reasons employers are encountering challenges to in-person office parties in 2021, including:

• The Delta variant
• Rising COVID numbers everywhere
• More remote employees than ever

For many organizations, virtual office party ideas are safer, more cost-effective and make employees happier. MP’s HR services team share five virtual holiday party ideas.

5 Virtual Office Party Ideas

1. Utilize get-together games for a virtual holiday party.

A myriad of games have been developed specifically for remote parties and gatherings— especially since the pandemic. Trivia, murder mystery, and bingo-style games are all excellent options that can be kept office-appropriate. Employers will gain a team-building benefit by randomly assigning groups of players. In addition to having fun, participants will get to know coworkers they don’t interact with frequently during the workday (if at all).

2. Cook or prepare food together.

One of the best virtual office party ideas is to add structure. When everyone is doing an activity with instructions together, they may feel less awkward. Employers could send ingredients to their team to prepare recipes together. They could lead the activity themselves, or work with a company specializing in coordinating virtual food preparation gatherings. The advantage of hiring these companies is that employers are able to focus on enjoying the party and bonding with their team. The companies they hire will take care of everything else:

• Sending ingredients to everyone
• Leading the activity
• Hosting the party online
• Handling technical issues

3. Send the team alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the party.

Having a virtual party doesn’t mean employers have to skimp on the usual alcoholic offerings. Since employees won’t need to travel to and from the party, it’s an even safer event for some (moderate) enjoyment of adult beverages. Employers could either send alcohol directly to their employees or send them funds to purchase their own. Employers must check to see if it’s legal to ship alcohol in the states their employees reside. To build an activity into the party, employers could lead (or have a professional lead) the team in making a cocktail together or experiencing a wine tasting.

4. Conduct a Secret Santa or gift exchange.

This classic activity for in-person office parties works just as well over Zoom. Employers could either coordinate gift swaps themselves or use one of the many (inexpensive) options online for coordinating the gift swap. Using a paid option could be particularly helpful if many employees are participating. These apps or websites will:

• Coordinate who gets who for the gift exchange
• Communicate the rules and financial limits for the swap
• Send reminders

5. Focus on a charitable activity.

Research has noted repeatedly that workers, especially younger millennials and generation Z workers, prioritize social justice and community service. Employees may appreciate doing an activity together, such as writing letters to veterans, putting together gift baskets and donations, knitting hats or blankets for children in the hospital, etc. Employers may also work with employees to make a plan to donate the funds that would have been spent on an in-person party to a few agreed-upon charities.