Office Christmas parties via Zoom

[User158340]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54922714

Anyone's office planning this? The wackiness in the office is bad enough. I'll be having Internet problems that day.

At least a quiz or bingo has some structure rather than the talking over/awkward silence PP mentioned above.

@OddBoots
We aren't planning a zoom party but there will be a zoom quiz as a charity fundraiser. Time will tell how it works out but at least there is a structure, a free form party could just be awkward

I just read that as a free foam party and thought "now THAT sounds interesting--

Just in your kitchen instead lol

OP, kind of with you on this one, either internet problems scheduled for that day, or just get stuck into the wine and cheesy tunes, drape myself in tinsel and a Santa hat before it starts depending on my mood that day lol

Oh no I was worried that this might be a thing. I agree OP it sounds horrendous. Just send me a few bottles of wine and a nice box of chocolates and I will enjoy a nice evening with DH and Netflix.

Ah man. No, just no.

I've been sent the invite to expect zoom festive frivolities on an evening in December. Over 200 of us im hoping I can hide on mute with no camera and watch telly instead.

I've planned one, there's only 6 of us though - online craft class with materials provided (so then everyone gets a Christmas present of sorts), followed by dinner kit delivered, followed by online escape room. We'd have done something like an escape room or similar in real life as a Christmas party so this is as close as I can get! I can't stand the idea of just sitting at a computer and drinking so had to plan physical things to go with it!

We are doing something similar, everyone gets to choose between a bottle of champagne bottle of spirits or some expensive chocolates.
Someone has arranged a playlist so we will be listening to the same music playing games and doing a team challenge and quiz.
I’m not a very social person but I’m looking forward to it.
Someone suggested “everyone has to find a random object and perform a show and tell” that got vetoed.

Zoom doesn't work for parties. No real life parties involve a group of people sitting really close to each others' faces and only looking at each other. Everyone needs to just accept this.

Our company is giving each team a budget to do something in small groups. Up to us what we do as long as it's within budget and work appropriate. We are having a lot of fun coming up with (mostly highly unsuitable) suggestions, probably getting more fun from that than the actual event

I really hope this isn’t suggested at our place.
I head a team of 4 all remote working now and we have 2 directors in our division, I talk to my team briefly on a daily basis, that works fine.
It would be great to get together with the other team in our division for a chat but that’s all.
Our company directors are really poor at communicating and whilst the do usually pay for a Christmas Party night (but not the booze) I cant see them doing anything this year.

Many of the teams have worked throughout with no time off, not because our business is front line or important, just because we had orders. It would be nice if this good be recognised But as 2/3 of the workforce were furloughed and then after lockdown 1 we ended up with only a few returning and the rest made redundant it is unlikely.

@Doordine

Zoom doesn't work for parties. No real life parties involve a group of people sitting really close to each others' faces and only looking at each other. Everyone needs to just accept this.

I don't get it either personally.

I feel the same about the office itself though. In a working environment (whether in an office or at home on a laptop) i'm not in a party mood and just want to get on my with my work and avoid a fuss. Sitting in an open plan office all day is tough enough for introverts, without party games thrown in.

It's a shame we can't go out after work for drinks, but a video call is not my idea of fun.

My work is doing this but we are going to do a cocktail making class and they are sending us kits. I am actually going for the mocktail option. It only lasts 90 minutes so I decided to show willing ;) I wasn't very enthusiastic though.

Good luck to anyone who is having one and looking forward to it by the way, I just wish there was more empathy towards those of us who hate all this kind of stuff, rather than being called scrooge and humbug

I find this so insulting. It's already a pain in the neck to have your personal time invaded by your employer - I am quite happy to go out for a company funded lunch on company time, but not in the evening. This is even worse because your personal space is being invaded too, you have to make sure the kids aren't around and find a room where you can "party" in peace. I just wish employers would accept this year is different, send everyone a voucher and leave things be.

I find this so insulting. It's already a pain in the neck to have your personal time invaded by your employer - I am quite happy to go out for a company funded lunch on company time, but not in the evening. This is even worse because your personal space is being invaded too, you have to make sure the kids aren't around and find a room where you can "party" in peace. I just wish employers would accept this year is different, send everyone a voucher and leave things be.

Anywhere I've worked, Xmas dos are optional.

If it bothers you, just have 'connectivity issues' and the problem is solved.

Ours is on the evening of 23rd Dec . I can only think they’re hoping most people won’t participate.

I think a Zoom quiz or something similar would work ok. At least it would have some structure and a set start and finish.

Large numbers of people trying to chat but not being able to be heard or have any semblance of a free flowing conversation would be pretty cringe worthy.

Vouchers for some Christmas food and drink is nice. I'd tune in, stuff my face and then probably have a connection problem of some sort so sadly need to leave the party.

I think I've seen an email from the social group but I've not yet opened it. Think I might delete by "accident". Surely, avoiding the office Xmas do is a Covid bonus? We've had a few retirement dos though - they are awkward but, at least, have a purpose if the retirees wants one. Shit time to go if you'd always envisaged a good send off.

We’re an office of five so still holding out for a return to the rule of six for a Christmas get together, that looking less and less likely now so fear something like this may be on the cards.

@SingANewSongChickenTikka

We’re an office of five so still holding out for a return to the rule of six for a Christmas get together, that looking less and less likely now so fear something like this may be on the cards.

Yeah my work mates are a group of 6 that normally go out, but none of us are on the same team anymore. I haven't seen any of them socially since the last Christmas do. We'll be waiting till next year.

Our team one if we have one will be about 25 people most of whom barely know each other as the teams have all changed. The audio team Skype calls are awkward enough.

Thankfully my company are not attempting this. Instead we are all being given reward points to spend on the company performance reward site. It equates to about £25 (what we were allowed to spend on team Xmas lunches pre Covid) and there's hundreds of things to choose from.

So far I'm contemplating some Charlotte Tilbury make up, clarins toiletries or a le creuset muffin pan. So much better than two hours of small talk with colleagues!

Ours sounds great, drinks (generous amount) being sent to everyone at home, £20 budget for a takeaway, quiz and magician and mainly during the working day!