As this year comes to a close, we're all ramping up for 2021. Because next year is going to be different. It's going to be better. It just has to be. Right?

Our clients keep telling us how important it is that they set a positive tone for 2021. But that won't just magically happen. It takes a little planning and forethought. Well, good news, team. Because we've got big plans for you!

This year has brought a lot of bad news, from the continuous rise in COVID cases to the uncertainty of the job market and beyond. More than ever, it’s important for businesses to keep everyone’s spirits up to maintain a happy workforce. “When employees feel their best, they perform their best, encouraging their co-workers to follow suit,” according to Business News Daily.

If you’re looking to boost your employees’ morale today, here are some things you can consider.

And just like that, it's already December. There are only a few weeks left in 2020 (good riddance, honestly), and only so many workdays before the holidays are upon us. But if you haven't had the time or bandwidth to get a holiday party scheduled, don't panic, and definitely don't feel bad!

But definitely DO consider January, and kicking off the new year with a bang!

No matter how big or small your team, it still takes lots of hard work and attention to detail to throw an amazing virtual holiday party. And since we've been in this virtual events game for a while, we're happy to share some notes to help you as you begin your planning.

This year, it feels as if time is both standing still and flying at the same time. So it's hard to believe, but we're already two weeks into November. I know. Try to catch your breath.

I don't mean to rush you, but that also means that December—and this year's virtual company holiday party—are right around the corner. So, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed and behind, now isn't the time to worry. Now is the time to take action!

You and your coworkers really want to have a holiday party this year. Working remotely has been really challenging, so celebrating the wins, reflecting on your team's perseverance, and having some fun together would be hugely important. To you, it seems pretty obvious why.

But you're having trouble getting management to see why a virtual holiday party is necessary for employee morale.

Maybe you're just really busy. Maybe you're still not sure how this whole "virtual holiday party" thing is supposed to work. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed and kind of clueless.

Whatever the reason is, it's time to stop procrastinating and start planning your company's virtual holiday party or end of year celebration.

Here are 3 reasons to start planning your company holiday party right now!

Even in a good year, it's hard to keep up with everything. Now, throw in a global pandemic, a frenetic news cycle, an election, adjusting to a remote working environment, and maybe even trying to wrangle childcare. 

You have so many things on your plate that it's tempting to kick the can down the road on planning your virtual holiday party. Soon enough, pushing it back "just one more day" becomes one more week, becomes two weeks or longer. And then suddenly, you're scrambling, frantically trying to pull off a fun event for your team. 

We know it's hard to juggle everything. And planning your company's virtual holiday party can feel like just one more thing you don't have time for. But here's the silver lining of 2020:

This year, there is only ONE STEP to planning your company's virtual holiday party.

Be honest. When you think of "virtual holiday party," what comes to mind is a computer screen filled with a million Zoom boxes. No one is actually engaging. It's a "virtual happy hour," but no one is actually happy. It's just kinda awkward and sad.

But wait. What if there's a better way to have a virtual holiday party?

If you can believe it, tomorrow will be full-blown October. For many employees working from home, grinding day after day without seeing their coworkers, it feels like time is simultaneously flying and standing still. 

That feeling of monotony and disconnection can really take its toll on a team. So, you've got to do something. Something fun. Something different. Something together, even while we're physically apart. But how?

It's been nine weeks since stay at home orders made their way across the country, but for many of us, it has felt much longer. Because we are working remotely, we no longer get as much social interaction from our peers and colleagues. And, at a certain point, the endless string of video meetings is more draining than energizing.

But we're here to show you that hope is not lost.

You do not have to feel isolated or alone during the COVID-19 quarantine. There are still plenty of ways to feel connected to your team, your company, and the work you're doing.

With the latest advice from the coronavirus task force to limit gathering to groups with 10 or fewer, many companies across the country have decided to implement teleworking policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Whether your company always works remotely or is doing so temporarily, there are very real benefits gained from offering this flexibility to employees.

But it does take some forethought to build or maintain a team when you're not physically in the same place.

Many companies have already implemented policies, communications, and contingencies for how they will operate during the current public health issue of the coronavirus (COVID-19). And while there is no way to overstate how important those preparations are, there's another hugely important thing for companies to consider:

Company culture is more than just a buzzword: It's your company's DNA and who you are as an organization. It permeates every facet of your business and impacts every single aspect of your company's day-to-day, workplace, and bottom line.

The perfect opportunity to engage your employees and improve company culture is when it gets warm outside. Why? Because it gives you the opportunity to relive the nostalgia of your school days, when you had one day dedicated to fun and good-natured competition.

It's time to have a field day!