As many employees now live far away from their office location, remote work, telecommuting, and freelance assignments have become the new reality for more firms. Organizations that wish to keep employees engaged even when they are not commuting to work every day have a hurdle as a result of the trend to hybrid work. This blog will discuss several virtual event concepts for increasing employee engagement.
- Online Award Presentation
Organizing an award ceremony or celebration is a great way for companies to express how much they respect and care about their employees. Employees are more resilient and content with their jobs when they feel respected and valued by their superiors or colleagues. - Online Garden Party
For many people, working remotely entails a daily cycle of shifting from bed to desk and back. Remote workers spend less time outside than office workers, who often spend at least a few minutes outside during their commute. Given that everyone can benefit from spending time in nature, a shortage of commuting time can result in some people not getting fresh air for days at a time, missing out on its health-promoting effects. Virtual garden activities can remind employees of how much fun it is to connect with nature and their coworkers. Encourage staff to walk outdoors and broadcast the conference from a beautiful outdoor setting, such as their backyard or front porch. - Virtual Trivia
While trivia questions are, by definition, inconsequential, they actually boost brain health! Virtual trivia is a fun and inexpensive approach to engage employees while also allowing them to discuss their hobbies outside of work. Sports, pop culture, leadership, and business-related knowledge could all be subjects for the game. Provide rewards such as gift cards to entice staff to engage. Employees can also submit themes or topics of interest to demonstrate their trivia expertise. - Virtual Happy Hours
After-work happy hours are where many people form friendships—interactions flow more readily when people are relaxed. This can be difficult to achieve when team members are separated by thousands of miles. Team members can still hang out and share a few drinks in the comfort of their own homes with virtual happy hours. It also encourages interaction and a sense of community, which can make working from home feel less lonely. For generations, coworkers have gone out for drinks after work. Remote employees can carry on the tradition with a modern twist by arranging and participating in virtual happy hours. - Virtual Yoga Sessions
Morning yoga classes are a terrific way to get folks moving and get their day started right. To make yoga accessible to all levels, go with a slower pace, stretching, and meditation. A type of yoga known as “Restorative Yoga” can provide an opportunity for active relaxation by strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and activating the immune system, all of which can help to minimize the symptoms of stress-related disorders. - Virtual Coffee Breaks
Many people in the office use coffee breaks to catch up with coworkers or address urgent work issues. Many firms see the value of supporting these organic relationships even in a virtual setting, by offering a “place” where employees may come and be near their colleagues without having to set up a formal meeting or conference call.
