From year-end reporting to employee paystubs, check out these payroll tips and tricks. Help make kindness the norm at school, home and work by using the links below! As much as we'd like for things to be "business as usual" this holiday, planning for Christmas 2021 requires a little more work to keep guests happy and healthy. Getting your workplace ready in case COVID-19 arrives in your community. This year, theyre sending a food related gift to our homes and giving us the afternoon off. Sometimes, the utmost appreciation that an employee seeks is a promotion in his job role. Murder mysteries are games that require participants to play a character while solving a mystery. List of virtual spirit week ideas. To set the mood, you can encourage attendees to dress up and don fancy virtual backgrounds. 1. Vantage Circle. These events are the online equivalent of spirit week, and are examples of virtual employee engagement activities and virtual team celebrations, and often take place on virtual event platforms. For instance, if you host a murder mystery, then include character cards in the boxes. SHRM estimates that it costs $20,000 to $30,000 in recruiting and training expenses to replace a manager making $40,000 a year. You could either give employees the option of attending short 10-15 minute workouts throughout the day, or hold one or two longer sessions. We also had a really strict limit for spending, like $20. 6. It all started with a group chat. Working remotely creates a new set of challenges that arebeing amplified by the added stress of school closures andby the anxiety many are facing during this pandemic. Or you might feel concerned about the health of others, such as those who you care for or live with. With these 33 employee appreciation ideas, you will see reduced turnover and retain your top talents. Teammates can vote using the poll feature in your video meeting platform, and you can send the winner a prize. Experiences, not cash, are the new corporate bonus. Names were swapped, wish lists were made, and gifts from small businesses were delivered to friends and families! More than a manager, an employee's peers are more likely to know about their good qualities. E-Learning is the preferred modern way to upskill and learn while having the convenience of choosing the when and where. You can celebrate the spirit of a challenge in your Spirit Week by hosting a Versus Day. Virtual spirit weeks are weeklong events that consist of a series of fun and interactive online activities. Get 5 morale boosting tips here, learn how to celebrate employee milestones virtually here, and get some more general tricks for managing your remote workforce here. Put up fun office anecdotes on the bulletin board. Here are 15 office ideas for Halloween: 1. Humans have an inherent need to get appreciated for their work. The tours could happen on a single day, or throughout the week. It is especially meaningful when the appreciation comes from their bosses. Here are list of themes to use for online spirit weeks. On beach day, participants post virtual backgrounds of tropical locations and sip mock mai tais. Superhero Academy is equal parts fun, intellectual, and competitive. To host a virtual talent show, invite teammates to sign up for slots. Share funny videos, do some riddles and brainsteasers, put music on in the background. During the call, participants can chat and play fun games, or co-work while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Theme Days. For many of us, sheltering at home and staying healthy to help " flatten the curve " of the coronavirus spread may be the most important way we can help others right now. As anyone whos tried to organize any office activity knows, its hard, if not impossible, to find something that everyone will like, so some offices are offering a whole buffet of choices to pick from: My company couldnt find an online activity that worked for 40 people, so theyre offering a few different options. Things to consider when you and your employees travel 4. Companies all over the world are making their operations remote for the first time to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Virtual spirit week ideas are ways to celebrate the occasion with remote teams. Not every office can shut down for a full week, but even just an afternoon off usually goes over well: Our end-of-year celebration is usually a big lunch and then we get the rest of the afternoon off. Along with trivia nights and snack boxes, some enterprising folks have floated the idea of virtual cocktail parties, costume contests or craft workshops to spice up virtual holiday celebrations.. Recommended Article: 23 Awesome Ways To Make Every Employee Work Anniversary Memorable. It definitely is the easiest and quickest Zoom icebreaker out there. Attempt a self portrait with pencil and paper. At the end of the week, count up the wins, and have the victors face off against each other for the championship. Next, check our our list of ideas to celebrate Pride at work, online fun Friday ideas, and intern orientation activities. In stock now. Outdoor days are one of the best summer spirit week ideas for work. Decatur, IL (62521) Today. To help your employees stay active and get a break from working inside, suggest that they take conference calls that don't require sitting in front of a screen outdoors. Show Your Appreciation. Online escape rooms are online versions of thematic puzzle-solving games. December is the most obvious time to throw a virtual holiday party. Hosting online costume contests is one of the best spirit week dress up ideas for work. Working from home can be lonely and mundane. (Source: Team Vantage Circle's Day Excursion). "We're encouraging employees to stay active by challenging their coworkers. I think that well continue doing this even after the pandemic is goneits such a cool way to learn more about the people you work with every day. - Dennis Vu, CEO and Co-founder of Ringblaze, We hired a magician to put on a virtual magic show for our staff, clients, and vendors to watch with their families. First, choose a date and send a video meeting link to your colleagues. If you have to be indoors, consider air flow. Moreover, you can drop an appreciation mail to the employees so that it stays with them forever. 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. As the coronavirus continues to spread and confine people largely to their homes, many are filling pages with their experiences of living through a pandemic. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight 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. There is no discussion in this exercise, it is simply a way for team members to connect with how others are feeling in the moment. Barasha can be found either searching for interesting HR buzzwords to write about or looking at pictures of cozy Bel Air mansions. Get to know your employees and find out what they like so you can give gift cards that are tailored to their interests. Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace 2. To make your company memorable in a sea of forgettable mugs. Jamaica Coronavirus has put a particular national spotlight on unmet needs of the growing older population in our country, and the tens of millions of overstretched family and professional caregivers they . After your holiday meal, go on a virtual group walk through your respective neighborhoods to work off the food. Your objectives for the meeting will be to: Note: This is not a meeting to be rushed. Perhaps the best gift to give your employees is recognizing your employees publicly for a great job done. Make the day memorable by organizing outside barbecues or small office parties. I thought this was a great way for the company to show its appreciation for staff, and it provided us with plenty of new recipes to try out just in time for the weekend. - Adam Lumb, EN Site Manager at Cashcow, One of our perks is that we give employees up to an hour each day to do something positive for their physical or mental health, such as going on a walk, reading a book, taking an exercise class, or doing a meditation (no admin or work allowed!). Whether they worked late to get the job done, blew past their sales goal, or volunteering at a local shelter, give employees the credit they deserve. Then, plan festive activities to enjoy together during the call. Halloween is the time of year when employees can showcase their creativity and interact with coworkers they may not normally work closely with. It is a good idea to vary the class types and levels so that more team members can participate. Also, busy workdays are where lunches are spent with a sad sandwich while staring at the computer. This time has been invaluable to the team as they had been feeling scattered, stressed, and disconnected. 2. Make it meaningful for the employee so that they cherish it and put in their extra effort. And encourage team members to let you know whenever they need any kind of support whether related directly to their work tasks or to any challenges they might be personally facing in the new situation. Dessert buffets are fun and positively addicting. The author's views are entirely his or her own (excluding the unlikely event of hypnosis) and may not always reflect the views of Moz. Discuss and ask specific questions about work related items such as what they are working on, what they have accomplished in x amount of time, whether they have any challenges and if so how you can help. You may opt-out by. Make Sure You're COVID Safe. The other half consisted of beer (or non-alcoholic drinks), snacks, tea, and homemade salsa. Keep Little Hands Busy. Company-branded swag can be simple everyday things like t-shirts, mugs, or even pen drives. Due to the physical demands and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been difficult for many of us to stay physically active. The amount of pay is capped at $511 per day, and $5,110 in total, for employees who are sick or quarantined or who have symptoms. The essence of spirit week is enthusiasm, not physical proximity. When you think about having a great company culture, you think about building trust, honesty, and a great team of workers. Employees thrive at work when they know their contributions have meaning. Recognizing employees is a great way to boost morale and build excitement during spirit week. Are your employee motivated to come to work every single day? Whats Really So Wrong About Secretly Working Two Full-Time Jobs at Once? The charm of subscription boxes is that theres something for everyone! The week before your work at home spirit week, mail boxes full of goodies to team members. Remote teammates can enjoy a show while learning more about coworkers special skills and abilities. Develop team norms. 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. Walking not only counts as physical activity, but also provides some mental health benefits. Being a boss, every positive word from you will act as a huge morale booster for your employees. Instead of the usual tables and activities, they had booths set up where treats were handed through the window. Dress-up days find a niche at busy offices; employees can show up in costume but still get tons of work done. Have office happy hours and hire a bartender to mix them a drink or two. After face masks, custom hand sanitizers are the next health and safety giveaway idea on our list. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. They are great team members. This peer-to-peer employee recognition idea is about encouraging everyone from the organization to recognize good work. There are many fun online activities that suit an international or travel-themed spirit week or spirit day. A client of mine, whose team of 15 people are now all working from home, established daily 30-minute morning team check-ins to stay connected and on top of the priorities of the team, which have shifted given COVID-19. The packages were delivered to our doors in the afternoon of our event. Virtual talent shows work best when there is a predetermined act order and an emcee to manage the flow. Here are instructions on changing virtual backgrounds in Zoom, GoogleMeet, and Microsoft Teams. Materialistic perks are fine. Recognizing hard work and achievement in the workplace increase employee morale, encourage healthy competition, and creates a positive atmosphere. With these 33 employee appreciation ideas, you will see reduced turnover and retain your top talents. 2022 Todos los derechos reservados. It's not only a nice little project to focus on, but gives us something to talk about that's not work or coronavirus. A UK study finds workers job attitudes can be bolstered by allowing them to personalize their office. For example, new employees should receive a buddy to learn the ropes. Paint Pumpkins. Distance does not have to put a damper on the fun. This is a time to focus only on the people sitting before you. Regardless of your age, some physical activity is better than none. In this case they will contribute to providing some structure in an unstructured team situation. Check out our list ofonline escape rooms. Offering extra time off pretty much never goes amiss, especially at this time of year: In lieu of bonuses and parties and all sorts of things, my employer is just closing for the week in between Christmas and New Years and giving everyone the time offits been a hit, because thats usually a huge use of vacation days for folks. Once the awards end, you can email digital certificates and e-gift cards to recipients, or mail trophies and paper awards to their houses. COVID-19 is expected to last for many months, with a potential resurgence in the fall. Elaine is a true partner in every sense of the word and would be a huge asset to any company. In times of isolation it can be very difficult to stay on top of where everyone is at. It means that they can catch up on the countless movies that they have missed. By hosting your fundraisers online, you can reach new supporters both near and far from your school without needing to leave your desk. Recommended Article: Gift Cards Make For The Perfect Employee Rewards. Keeping a workplace safe during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging. The best online spirit week ideas unite dispersed teammates, encourage interaction, and inspire fun. Kicking their feet up on the couch and zoning out in front of the TV could be just what the essential workers in your life need after dealing with the public . When Kirkman first had the idea, she posted about it in her social club Facebook group and on her Instagram story, in case a few close friends wanted to join. Here is an example of a graphic you could use for your games. 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. Clear your schedule for at least an hour. In uncertain times, one thing is certain with fundraisingthe more you plan, the better off you will be. Just to say hi and check how they are doing. Letting employees decorate their workspaces plays an active role in building relationships within the company. Invite team members to share concerns or issues that need to be addressed, and be sure time is also spent acknowledging what is working well and what team members are proud of. Go for a walk. These activities broaden employees global and cultural horizons while also delighting the teams travel lovers. I wont be able to attend as COVID-19 gave me the chance to move out of state and go full-time remote, but I actually think its a great idea. SWAG stands for "stuff we all get." From theme days to care packages to costume contests, here is a list of fun ways to celebrate spirit weeks in remote offices. Its a really cool way to connect with your coworkers and find out more about their life outside of work. See how Namely's flexible solution will help you streamline your HR processes by having your people, payroll, and benefits info all in on place. What Readers Want During COVID-19: Content Ideas for Every Niche. The Town of Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department want you to stay safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic by honoring Wake County's stay at home order. Then, encourage teammates to square off. Plus, we decided there will be a prize for the tallest sunflower, so it's turning into quite the competition. - Rose Jinks, Digital PR Specialist at Online Mortgage Advisor, As a way to boost morale and encourage teamwork while were apart, my company has been hosting virtual trivia nights every week. If your office normally does Secret Santa or Yankee Swap gift exchanges, you can keep it going this year too. Breakout rooms enable guests to have more intimate conversations, so that no attendee feels like an observer. But heres the thing. And what could be better for this purpose than to offer E-Learning options? The thing that giants like Google and Airbnb have understood is that the physical environment of the office matters. Many a time, they'll bring that positivity and enthusiasm back to the workplace. 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. We have 30+ experiences to choose from, and thousands of five star reviews. Then there will be a contest with prizes for best house, most creative house, house that looks like the before pic on a HGTV show, etc. Here's what you might be missing- employee appreciation ideas. Another good team-building activity is a virtual workshop or workout class. Photos by Getty Images Plus. The employee experience is better, and the company's outcome stronger. Next, install game apps like rock paper scissors, tic tac toe, and trivia. Also, it doesnt have to be expensive. Gathering via video call and online communication platforms gives groups a chance to relax, re-energize, and reconnect with teammates. How to be a good coworker and leader during this crisis. Video game consoles. Part of the fun of spirit week is pretending, and murder mysteries cast participants in the roles of cunning detectives. to Launch During a Pandemic. You could even hold contests to name and reward the best virtual backgrounds for each meeting. Avoid the cafeteria as it can be very distracting. Sally can whip up a variety of cold meals, including salads, grain bowls and yogurt. Team Norms. For example, theme days, virtual talent shows, and costume contests. Support families to. WeAreTeachers Staff on September 20, 2022. Priorities. InDirect Report, she spotlights themes from her inbox that help explain the modern workplace and how we could be navigating it better. Coffee or tea tastings work as well: We had a virtual coffee tasting where they sent those who RSVPd a free AeroPress and some coffees and had a coffee expert walk them through the different kinds over Zoom. Typical activities include theme days, costume contests, and online parties. My Boss Loves Planning an Elaborate Holiday Extravaganza. When the class arrives, learn together, and be sure to snap plenty of screenshots. Why not recognize these incredible non-work achievements in front of their peers? The events should also not take too long to do. 1. Hear clients' stories and learn how they're building a better workplace with Namely. Spirit weeks often involve games. I hope this article has in some small way helped your and your teams trek through this extraordinary time. All This Talk About Quiet Quitting Is Absurd. Throughout the evening or afternoon, read awards off one by one, and give each winner 30 seconds to give a victory speech. The Very Worst Kind of Bad Boss Just Wont Go Away. I recently asked Ask a Manager readers to share how their teams are observing the holidays in lieu of in-person parties this year, and it turns out companies have gotten really creative. We have these events called campfires that take place twice a week. We all know that employees are the most valuable asset for a business. Even a small gesture like a "thank you" goes a long way to boost productivity, increase performance and improve morale among the workforce. Team building content expert. Whether you're looking for help communicating COVID safety guidelines to your guests, searching for face masks for couples and guests (so you can look stylish while complying with guidelines from the WHO and CDC) or are in need of a cute social distancing sign, we've got you covered (literally! Honestly, Im really pleased with this decision over trying to make a Zoom party happen. Spirit weeks are a time-honored tradition, in elementary, middle, and high schools alike. This helps us all get out of our heads to have a little fun during the workday. - Sam Williamson, co-owner of CBDiablo, Were encouraging employees to stay active by challenging their coworkers. 3. Let the kids pick out a book and read it to them while . Basically, the idea is to boost morale by giving students a collective silly goal. Quarantine spirit week consisted of a unique theme for each day: skater Sunday, monochromatic Monday, tie-dye Tuesday, wig Wednesday, 13 going on Thursday and casual Friday. Weve had a few teams compete in virtual relays, races, or step challenges using free apps to log steps, distance ran/cycled, etc. For any related queries, contact [email protected]. Anxiety. Who doesnt love free food? You might be worried about keeping yourself safe from coronavirus. A few more things that made it special: The best part about it was everyone participating posting a small list of likes and dislikeswe all got to know each other better through reading those lists and connect over shared interest. You can also make sure you take at least a 30-minute lunch break. Celebrated on the first Friday in March, it pays homage to each employee's contribution to their company. Participants can either perform alone, or collaborate with colleagues on a group act. To play a murder mystery online, first find a game or script, and then invite teammates to a Zoom meeting to play out the scenario. Metal Pen and Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer. You could even include dessert decorating packs, tasting assortments, or craft kits. For three hours per week, staff can sign off anytime during the workday for rest and wellbeing, no questions asked. Or it just might be a beautiful day to sleep in. Here are some suggestions: A team reset meeting will ensure team members take time to identify how to best work together in this new reality so that the team can maintain a sense of community, transition through this change effectively, and maintain (and even improve) team performance during this time while supporting the well-being of team members. Everything is impacted by COVID-19 in some way, including our work. So, it's essential to consider this less of an idea and more of a thing that you have to do eventually. Heres some of what people reported. Some ideas for your 30-minute morning check-ins include: One-Word Check-ins. This helps your employees feel appreciated on an ongoing basis. Check the COVID-19 page on your city or county website to find out if you can sign up to offer your time this way. Virtual Fun Run Cost: $$ Difficulty: 4 Earning Potential: Declaring theme days is one of the easiest spirit week ideas for work from home. For employees, having access to a mentor can add velocity to the workplace learning curve. The chocolate tasting person is mailing out the tasting kits to all of us and will lead us through the tasting via Zoom. Harvard Business Review reports that "the most impactful driver of employee engagement is recognition.". Here are three ways employers can reduce panic and keep employee morale up during the coronavirus outbreak. Then, send invites to the team. I'm really hoping we won't have to consider this in future years, but a lot of planning time went into making sure that we minimized our COVID risk during the trip. They had a selection that included non-alcoholic mixes too (like a ginger lemonade). Working from home can be challenging. Team members can challenge each other voluntarily. Get advice from seasoned professionals about all your compliance questions and concerns. Without a doubt, getting a specially curated box of snacks will make employees feel happy and contented. But they are the last to leave. Its a way for us to provide food and a gathering without being on-site and in groups. For our workers who have never worked from home, social isolation is deeply felt. Spirit week shakes up the normal routine and gives dispersed teammates a chance to get together and have fun. It can be scheduled ahead of time or impromptu, just like you might invite a team member to grab a coffee with you while walking by their desk. Be Intentional About Communications It's crucial that leaders don't get sucked into the. Use virtual coffee breaks to: Limit e-mail, insteaduse real-time, in person communication tools such as Skype, Zoom, etc., or even the old fashioned phone. After the bartender presentation (which was short) everybody got to chat and enjoy their drinks for some time before saying goodbye. Check out more more aboutonline retreat ideas. There were two main ways we did this: by requiring team members to be vaccinated, and picking a venue that would reduce people's overall exposure. Many a time, showing some employee appreciation may seem hard. These events can help virtual offices grow closer. Should I bring a date? Invite team members to share any perspectives they have about other teams and stakeholders and their needs, concerns issues that the team should be aware of. 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. The flipside to this is without the proper career advancement at the right time, employees will slowly grow disengaged and might look for new opportunities elsewhere. Every company has its own perks: fully stocked kitchens, corporate team events, and the latest MacBook Pro. 9. 1. Host fun team games to play with your team members. Convey these "thank you" either in a heartful card, on social media, with the help of appreciation letters or (better yet) through a friendly handshake.
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