Next, install game apps like rock paper scissors, tic tac toe, and trivia. 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. The top reason why the people enjoyed coming to work was because of "feeling appreciated.". 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. They are the first to arrive. It becomes less of a break and more of a disappointment. You get the best effort from others, not by lighting a fire beneath them but by building a fire within. Theres nothing quite like desserts and ice cream to alleviate stress. Team members can challenge each other voluntarily. Just beware of overdosing on sugar. For example, share with team members how you will be leading, how you will check in with them, what you will be asking about. What Readers Want During COVID-19: Content Ideas for Every Niche. Call in a local food truck specializing in the cuisine and make it mandatory for people to take a break and eat a taco. Not my cup of tea but a lot of people seemed to like it! Also, of the cocktails on offer, there were a few non-alcoholic punch ideas, for people who dont drink or who wanted to share with a kid, etc. This amazing app pairs the blind and visually impaired with volunteers via a video call in order to assist with everyday tasks (think reading a recipe on the back of a box or selecting a . 3 Ways To Keep Employee Morale Up During The Coronavirus Outbreak - Forbes Dress-up days find a niche at busy offices; employees can show up in costume but still get tons of work done. While Valentine's Day will most likely look different than years past, you can still have fun with your significant other and make it memorable and safe. Since healthier employees are more productive, happy, and energetic, the company will benefit from this form of appreciation. Distance does not have to put a damper on the fun. Why not see which team has the most steps or ran the furthest distance this week? Instead, health promotion ensures that your staff actually want and like to be at work. Even a simple gesture like an appreciation message or thoughtful gifts on valentines Day or anniversaries can make a huge difference. Outdoor days are one of the best summer spirit week ideas for work. Vantage Circle. Consider sending your top ten performers off for a day or two at a spa to provide an incentive for continued outstanding performance. Wool socks, very plushy fleece blankets, playing cards, mugs, etc. Food is a big deal at work. Here's how the pandemic will change - CNN Perhaps to no ones surprise, drinking seems to be quite popular this year, and some companies have figured out how to incorporate it into remote events. Reward employees with a token or gift of appreciation from your side. Content Expert at teambuilding.com. Online workouts serve the dual purpose of adding exercise and peer-to-peer interaction into remote workers sedentary, solitary workdays. Also, its really great to take your mind off the news that we are surrounded with every day. You found our list of unique virtual spirit week ideas. So, it's essential to consider this less of an idea and more of a thing that you have to do eventually. With trick-or-treating officially considered a high-risk activity, you may be scrambling to find something for your little goblins to do on the 31st. Were hearing from some people that while its not for everyone, having three hours on a Friday afternoon to do something fun together is really appreciated so were providing it for those who like/need it. I am going to go out on a limb here to say to you something vital. While the other appreciation ideas might be feasible for particular projects and day-to-day work, employees will look for something more permanent in the long run. Here are three ways employers can reduce panic and keep employee morale up during the coronavirus outbreak. Inject Fun and Humor. My Boss Loves Planning an Elaborate Holiday Extravaganza. Relaxing activities to do at home during COVID-19 quarantine - CNBC Do the bragging on behalf of your employees, and show your whole team how fantastic everyone is. High 53F. Are your employee motivated to come to work every single day? The day-to-day work life might get hectic and tedious for everyone in the office. Daily Dose of Kindness (sent daily) Weekly Kindness Idea (sent weekly) General Newsletter (for everyone) General Newsletter (for educators) For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com. We are doing a virtual chocolate tasting with my team. SHRM estimates that it costs $20,000 to $30,000 in recruiting and training expenses to replace a manager making $40,000 a year. Its common knowledge that people love gift cards. Offering a corporate wellness program within a vibrant culture of thriving well-being can significantly enhance that connection. How to Engage And Retain Your Employees During Covid - LinkedIn To make your company memorable in a sea of forgettable mugs. Here is an example of a graphic you could use for your games. All online escape rooms inspire teamwork and critical thinking in a fun and exciting way. For example, hold a Zoom ugly sweater contest, host a virtual Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange, and sing Christmas carols. Hear clients' stories and learn how they're building a better workplace with Namely. 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. Ive gotten a lot of reports of teams doing remote crafting sessions togetheroften around seasonal themes, like gingerbread houses: Our office is planning two optional events. Plus, you could throw virtual parties for any holiday. Team Norms. A crisis like this can either break ateamdown and widen any cracks in its foundation, or it canresult in the emergence of true greatness. Top Pandemic-Friendly Business Ideas - U.S. Chamber With more than 30 million people filing for unemployment in the past six weeks, the U.S. is predicted to experience a coronavirus-induced recession through 2021. Hosting online costume contests is one of the best spirit week dress up ideas for work. Elaine Pearton - Tarrytown, New York, United States - LinkedIn Instead of the usual tables and activities, they had booths set up where treats were handed through the window. When employees feel that their work is valued, their satisfaction and productivity rise. Some good virtual spirit week ideas include virtual talent shows, Zoom spirit week backgrounds, online award shows, and theme days. 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. Social Media is the biggest influencer of our generation. Beyond bestowing traditional awards like extraordinary performance, team player, or rookie of the year, you can also create fun award categories. Anxiety. 33 Amazing Employee Appreciation Ideas [2023 Update], The Ultimate Guide To Employee Rewards and Recognition, 50 Best Words of Appreciation for Employees, Gift Cards Make For The Perfect Employee Rewards, Indias Largest Telecom Company Boosts their Global Employee Engagement with Vantage Rewards, 25 Employee Engagement Activities To Reinvent Your Workforce, 25 Employee Recognition Statistics You Shouldn't Ignore, Top 102 Employee Recognition Quotes To Celebrate Their Endeavours, 23 Awesome Ways To Make Every Employee Work Anniversary Memorable, All You Need To Know About Sales Incentive Programs In 2023, 10 Intrinsic Rewards That Your Employees Look Forward To, Empower the Workforce With A Culture of Peer-to-Peer Recognition. When you actually take the time out to get involved with them personally, employees feel that you genuinely care about them. Attempt a self portrait with pencil and paper. Coffee or tea tastings work as well: We had a virtual coffee tasting where they sent those who RSVP'd a free AeroPress and. Remote teammates work together to crack clues and conquer brain teasers before time runs out. You can supplement your on-the-clock remote spirit week activities with fun social media challenges. Now more than ever it is essential to dialogue and agree on what team members need and expect from one another and from their leader. But we must also address the negative impact of isolation loneliness, fatigue or even . The benefit of virtual dress up days is that employees can don elaborate costumes without worrying about travel, comfort, or attracting strange stares in Starbucks. Even a small gesture like a "thank you" goes a long way to boost productivity, increase performance and improve morale among the workforce. You can take the first step in promoting the importance of health. Some teachers may have to adapt courses from daily 45-minute periods to 90-minute blocks every other day; others will need to figure out how to plan small-group work so that it lines up with. Everybody got to sign up for whichever they liked best: Online beer tasting (they ship the beer to your house, and then you taste it on Zoom with an expert telling you what youre tasting). From theme days to care packages to costume contests, here is a list of fun ways to celebrate spirit weeks in remote offices. A great employee appreciation idea that gives day-to-day benefits is providing assigned parking spaces. Who doesnt love free food? What every woman needs to know during COVID-19 - Lean In Next, check our our list of ideas to celebrate Pride at work, online fun Friday ideas, and intern orientation activities. Some ideas for your 30-minute morning check-ins include: Establish virtual coffee chats with individual team members. This helps your employees feel appreciated on an ongoing basis. Online escape rooms are online versions of thematic puzzle-solving games. You might feel anxious about: Your own safety and the safety of others. For inspiration, check out our lists of online cooking classes and online art classes. Things to do: 100 indoor activities if you're not feeling social yet Employee appreciation is the cornerstone of developing a robust and meaningful workplace culture.