Celebrating the holidays with employees might be a bit different this year, but that doesn't mean that the festivities need to be halted altogether.
The past few months have been extremely hard on employers and employees alike, and your team may be looking for a much needed positivity boost. Thankfully, Halloween is right around the corner! From spooky decor to ghostly desserts, this frightful holiday can be a wonderful excuse to add a bit of fun to the workplace. But, how can employees celebrate this year without being in the office? The below are a few ideas.
(And remember, not everyone celebrates this holiday. Be sure to let employees know that their participation is not required.)
Encourage Home Office Halloween Decorations
Over the past few months employees working from home have most likely singled out a space in their home to act as their "office." Encouraging them to decorate this space for the holiday can add an element of fun to their remote setting.
Select a day to have employees adorn their desks and walls with spiderwebs and glowing jack-o-lanterns, or a Halloween-themed virtual background. You can also hold a contest for those that participate, and ask employees to share photos of their displays to be voted for by their co-workers. The winner, or multiple winners, will receive a prize.
Host a Meeting in Costume
What is an office Halloween party without fun, but work-appropriate, costumes?
Encourage employees to dress in costume for a regularly scheduled team meeting, or create a new virtual gathering just for the occasion. With many employees being at home, you can also include family members or pets in these costumed festivities.
You can also hold a contest for those that participate in this activity, and ask employees to vote for their favorite costume.
Send Halloween Treats
Although treats can't be shared within the office this year, employers can send gifts to their employees to help them celebrate the holiday. From candy to trinkets, there are plenty of fun items that can be easily shipped to employees in a gift pack or care package. You can also send virtual gifts, such as gift cards, if you are not able to safely send items.
Give Back to the Community
If your team does not seem interested in Halloween festivities, you could alternatively use this time to give back to the community.
Employees could work together to select a charity to which your organization will make a monetary donation, or perhaps you could encourage employees to donate to food or coat drives in preparation for the winter season.