How to Host a Virtual Team Mixer or Holiday Party
Not being in the physical presence of team members means that there’s a bit more extra work involved to make sure everyone feels connected. You can absolutely still have a closely knit virtual team, and we absolutely love the workspace tone we’ve set with our team!
One of the ways we get in some much-needed face time is by hosting virtual team mixers. Since the holidays are coming up hot, hosting a virtual holiday party is the perfect way to get your team members chatting and connecting with each other outside of the usual workplace communication!
Keep reading to find out exactly how we host our virtual team mixers, plus some team building questions to ask to keep everyone engaged!
Team Mixer or Holiday Party Pre-work
Of course, you should pick a date and time that works for everyone on the team. It’s important to have 100% attendance and participation. You can also ask that they bring something, set a theme for the party, or ask an engaging question beforehand.
For example, we held a team mixer that was BYOB (bring your own beverage-- however, what kind of beverage was up to them!). We also asked a question and asked that they keep their answer to themselves until the mixer. This is something super simple, like “What are the best pizza toppings?” or “What is the best brand of water?” Everyone can state their case and lightheartedly debate their answer during the mixer!
KEEP IT STRUCTURED
The conversation during the mixer should be structured. Not only is it just more fun and streamlined this way, but it also helps cut out any awkward silences and keeps the conversation flowing. You should already have some pre-chosen questions/conversation topics at hand during the mixer, so you can easily and quickly refer to it.
Engaging Questions to Ask During the Mixer or Holiday Party
There are tons of different questions you can ask to keep everyone engaged and connecting during the mixer. Some of our favorites include:
If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?
Similarly, what skill of yours already would you like to develop further?
What’s an interesting way you’re using your time now?
How do you define success?
Do you prefer working in the morning or at night?
Would you rather have unlimited time or unlimited money?
What’s the last thing you did, read, or watched to better yourself?
What are your favorite methods of self care?
What does your morning routine look like working from home?
How do you stay productive and motivated working virtually?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Where Should You Host Your Team Mixer or Holiday Party?
We use Zoom for all kinds of meetings, so it’s no different that we’d use it to host our team mixers! It’s just so simple to hop on and chat virtually. You might also use something like Google Hangouts, however Zoom has really made its claim on the work-from-home world in the past couple of years alone.
Mixers are an amazing way to get your virtual team members together just to hang out, chat, and get to know each other. That connection is something that you have to work extra hard to make happen when working virtually, but it’s totally worth it. Now, go plan your team mixer or holiday party!
