Virtual work parties. You either love them or hate them.

On one hand, they can be full of awkward small talk, tech glitches, and constantly saying, “You’re on mute”. However, they are also an opportunity to have some fun and connect with coworkers that you may not normally see.

So, whether you’re planning or attending a virtual retirement celebration, office holiday party, or after-hours team hang, keep reading to ensure that you have the best time possible!

Tips if you’re hosting

  • Send a fun e-invite. This will help your team save the date in their calendars and communicate key information.
  • Test your technology and ensure that everything needed to facilitate the event is working properly.
  • Consider sending a small interactive gift beforehand to use during the event. This will help create a shared experience and make people feel included. For example, you could send a craft or mocktail kit before so everyone can do the activity together while someone leads.
  • Plan games and activities. Depending on the group size and event type, games are a great option for virtual events! Here are a few ideas:
    • Ask a silly icebreaker question (e.g., “How long would you survive in a zombie apocalypse and why?”). If the group is large, have people add their answers in the video call chat so you can share your favourite responses.
    • Play Pictionary (e.g., ask everyone to draw a picture of another team member and have the group guess who they drew).
    • Complete a virtual mystery game or escape room.
  • Have speeches and/or a designated MC (master of ceremonies). This can be a great option for certain staff (e.g., your Executive Director, CEO, Manager, or guest of honour) to address the group. This also reduces the chances of people talking over each other.
  • Create a video or slideshow to visually engage staff and commemorate a special occasion.
  • Know when it’s time to call it a night and don’t let the event overstay its welcome. 30 minutes to 1 hour for a virtual party is a good guideline.

Tips if you’re attending

  • Send your rsvp promptly so the host can confirm attendance numbers.
  • Come prepared. This includes doing a technology check and finding a quiet space to attend the event.
  • Get in the party mood! Dress up a little, grab your beverage of choice (depending on the type of event), and decorate your background.
  • Think of ways to connect. For example, if the event is a retirement party, come ready with a quick story to tell about the retiree.

To zoom or not to zoom

Workplace parties of any kind can be a weird event, even more so in the digital world.

However, if your workplace is entirely or mostly in cyberspace, planning a virtual celebration is a great method to bridge the gap between screens. Just be sure you do a technology check before the call so you…r ca…mera doe…sn’t gli…t…..ch.