In a recent FlexJobs survey, the vast majority of respondents (65%) expressed a desire to continue working remotely full-time after the pandemic. This shift has completely changed how we connect as teams, making innovative, digital-first employee engagement strategies a must. Finding ways to engage employees across different locations takes creativity and thoughtfulness, but the payoff—happier teams, stronger connections, and a boost in morale—makes it so worthwhile.
Whether your team is hybrid or fully remote, these creative and meaningful ways to celebrate your employees during the holiday season are designed to make everyone feel appreciated and included.
Ideas to Celebrate Your Employees
1. Digital Gift Cards
When it comes to honoring employees during the holidays, digital gift cards are an easy yet effective way to say “Thank you!” In fact, according to a Blackhawk Network study, 83% of employees prefer gift cards to other types of rewards. Gift Cards are more than simply a gift; they’re a versatile gesture of appreciation that employees may use as they see fit, whether for internet shopping, dining out, or self-care. That’s a huge plus for both sides!
2. Holiday-Themed Challenges
Fun Zone at Advantage Communities makes organizing such challenges simple. Employees may submit items, vote for their favorites, and congratulate winners all on one platform. It’s the ideal mix for increasing team engagement and holiday joy while also producing memorable memories.
3. Holiday-themed Polls and Surveys
Using tools such as Advantage Pulse, polls can be easily created and shared. Its user-friendly design makes gaining insights both efficient and pleasant. Gathering input is a nice gesture that demonstrates your appreciation for your employees’ opinions—and their holiday favorites!
4. Digital Photo Booth
Capture the holiday magic with a digital photo booth! Whether it’s snapping goofy selfies or showing off festive outfits, employees can share their holiday-themed photos and spread joy across the team. It is a fun and creative way to promote self-expression and connection.
You can make this vision a reality for remote teams using systems like Advantage Communities. A virtual photo booth allows everyone, regardless of the location, to participate, resulting in an inclusive celebration that is both personal and engaging for all involved.
5. Holiday Recipe Exchange
Nothing pulls people together like food, and a holiday recipe exchange takes that relationship to the next level. Employees can share their favorite holiday meals, swap cooking ideas, and celebrate a variety of customs, encouraging a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Initiatives such as Hobby Clubs at Advantage Communities can make these exchanges much easier to organize. It’s a simple way to bring some Christmas cheer to your office celebrations, publish recipes, or host virtual cooking sessions all on one platform.
6. Virtual Recognition Wall
Consider a digital space where employees can be recognized regularly and by one and all for their accomplishments; that’s the Virtual Recognition Wall for you. It’s not just a simple digital board; it’s the digital wall of fame that showcases your team’s hard work and dedication. Publicly honoring individual contributions boosts morale and encourages an appreciation culture that makes employees feel appreciated and pleased.
Creating a recognition wall is easy with today’s digital tools. It provides a venue for peers and leaders to give one other well-deserved recognition, resulting in better professional connections. The applause not only spreads holiday cheer but also encourages year-round achievement.
7. Digital Holiday Decorations
Employees can easily tailor their accounts using platforms such as AdvantageClub.ai. This small yet significant activity has the potential to improve engagement, promote joy, and generate a sense of shared celebration across the team—even if everyone is working from different locations around the world.
8. Holiday-themed Wellness Sessions
Advantage Wellness provides engaging, tailored courses that address your staff’s unique needs. These activities prove your commitment to your employees’ well-being and make the holidays healthy and more pleasurable for all.
9. On-screen Holiday Party
Bring holiday cheer to everyone’s screens with an Online Holiday Party! A well-planned virtual party will brighten the season. Plan quiz games, virtual gift exchanges, and even a fun team talent show. The fun activities let the employees unwind and interact with each other despite being separated by miles.
10. Digital Secret Santa
Internet tools can help you organize a seamless and inclusive Secret Santa. Advantage Marketplace is a great way to get handpicked presents and give your employees more gift options.
11. Holiday E-Cards
Sometimes, the simplest words are the most meaningful ones. Holiday E-Cards provide a personalized and genuine method to express gratitude. Whether it’s a colorful design or a simple “Thank you for all you do,” these statements help employees feel valued.
These E-cards serve as a nice reminder of your gratitude while also bringing a festive touch to the season. E-cards are customizable and quick to send, allowing your staff to convey gratitude and genuine wishes at the opportune time. Communities by AdvantageClub.ai lets employees send greetings on time and effortlessly.
12. Virtual Team-Building Activities
Why not mix fun with collaboration this holiday season? Virtual Team-Building Activities like online escape rooms, trivia challenges, or cooking classes can bring your team together uniquely and engagingly.
These activities create shared experiences that strengthen team bonds and encourage communication. Advantage Communities, with its hobby club, Funzone, and Group greeting features, unite like-minded coworkers who share the same interests, play fun games together and send meaningful greetings. The activities are not just about holiday fun—they’re about building a connected and cohesive team, even when everyone is working remotely.
13. Digital Advent Calendar
Bring a little daily magic to the holiday season with a Digital Advent Calendar! Each day reveals something special—like a motivational quote, fun challenge, exclusive discount, or a small reward like an e-gift card. This daily dose of excitement keeps everyone engaged and looking forward to what’s next.
Beyond just fun, it creates collective team experiences, bringing people together in a festive and positive way. Tools like AdvantageClub.ai make it easy to set up an advent calendar that spreads joy and adds a spark to the workday.
14. Virtual Fireside Chat
15. Virtual Holiday Concert
16. Holiday-Themed Quizzes
17. Virtual Volunteering
Not only does this activity boost corporate social responsibility, but it also gives employees a sense of purpose and pride. Platforms like AdvantageClub.ai make organizing virtual volunteering initiatives simple and effective.
18. Live Holiday Movie Night
The holiday season is a special time to let your employees know just how much they’re valued. As HR professionals and employee engagement leaders, you have this unique opportunity to create a festive atmosphere that brings your dispersed team together, even in today’s fast-changing work environments. By implementing these 18 unique ideas, you can use the holidays to strengthen ties, lift moods, and make your employees feel sincerely valued.
