Coronavirus: How to host a Christmas party on Zoom
Posted 7th December 2020 • Written by BBC • • • • •
Christmas parties are being organised virtually by businesses whose offices are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A vaccine will arrive too late for office parties, so companies have invested in digital events and activities.
Food deliveries, workshops and live entertainment have been planned virtually for staff.
The aim is to boost morale, when some home-workers are feeling isolated.
Hire Space has pivoted from organising events at large venues, to hosting virtual parties with a difference.
Clients begin by selecting an entrance experience - for example a comedy bouncer who checks dress code on the way in - and then choose from more than thirty immersive rooms, from burlesque to dance floors.
Guests can move between rooms using a clickable party map, showing the different performances and where the guests are.
Virtual toilets and smoking areas are even included.
"It has been a huge success for us after a really difficult year," Will Swannell, co-founder at Hire Space, says, adding that they're now hiring again after previous job losses.
For those tired of online quizzes, there are escape rooms and other immersive experiences.
Digital Murder Mystery Co. plans virtual murder mystery parties, hosted by an actor. Guests are sent character details in advance.
"It helps to keep team-building alive and kicking," Christina Rhodes, co-founder, says.
"It is crucial that teams still feel that they belong, even though they can't interact outside of work."