With collaboration, communication, and loneliness making up 32% of the biggest struggles individuals face with remote work, planning a virtual event has never been more important to connect with your hybrid or virtual team. However, that doesn’t mean sifting through virtual event options in 2021 is easy.

As experts in building connections, community, and team building, here are three suggestions to plan the best Christmas office party for your virtual team.

Mix it up!

Whether you’ve already tried every virtual event under the sun or this is your very first one, choose a unique experience that is personalized to your team and goals.

Steer clear of companies that don’t emphasize understanding your goals, whether it’s team building or celebrating an accomplishment. Clicking “buy” on a generic event online might be easy but you don’t really know what you’re getting.

2. Always choose interactive!

Zoom keeps us connected but it also keeps us in our chairs. Don’t choose a virtual event where you’re sitting the entire time. Pick an event that gets people on their feet and moving but still encourages connection and conversation.

3. Take it to the next level!

Connection is not a one-time transaction. One team-building activity isn’t going to immediately build open and thoughtful team communication. Have a plan to elevate your experience through special perks and keep your team engaged on an ongoing basis after your virtual event. Creating meaningful connections is in the follow-up.

Check out our interactive cooking classes at The Table Less Traveled!

We take the time to get on a call and understand what you’re trying to accomplish with your team event. We suggest recipes and chefs that are the best fit for your group and date and time preference to accommodate worldwide teams 24/7. And if we don’t think we’re a good match, we’ll be honest and encourage you to find a different event.

Our cooking classes are not a cooking show or demonstration. You and your team members will be on your feet the entire time, sauteing, stirring, and cooking alongside the chef.

One class participant with Backblaze said, “Not only did I learn something new, I got a little exercise too! Super interactive! Great all around!” During class, our hosts and chefs encourage conversation, make connections, and coax individuals away from their mute buttons.

We offer Everything You Need (EYN) Recipe Kits delivered to each participant’s home. We want to eliminate any stress or distraction, and ensure each participant starts on the same level with the same ingredients and can focus on being present.

“Social time turns out to be deeply critical to team performance, often accounting for more than 50% of positive changes in communication patterns .” With the right team-building activity, you can strengthen your connection and improve feelings of collaboration even if your team works from home.

At The Table Less Traveled, we work with you to optimize team building and connection.

Meredith Spring took a class with her YPO group and said, “the sense of community we felt through something as simple as cooking together was amazing! It was fun to be “with” people we haven’t been able to see in weeks and loved learning new skills in the kitchen we can use for years to come!”

Learn More & Book Your Virtual Event