Here’s how to message this year’s holiday party—or whether to bother having one at all

The workplace holiday party, sometimes maligned, has always been an effective way for organizations to tell their people how much they care.

It typically includes testimonials and salutes, and a summary of the year’s big wins. Co-workers have a time to socialize, let loose, and perhaps sample some Grey Goose with their colleagues. The idea is to host an uplifting bookend to another year of profits, productivity and progress.

But this year, new questions arise: Does 2020 merit a gathering of any kind? Is a virtual party necessary? After all we’ve endured and experienced this year, is it even appropriate?

Some organizations have decided to cancel end-of-year festivities due to logistical difficulties, Zoom fatigue, or out of reflection for those we’ve lost amid the worst public-health crisis in a century. No reasonable person would fault anyone for foregoing this year’s holiday party. But still, it just might be a crucial opportunity to engage employees in a meaningful way.

Here’s some guidance on how to make the most of a 2020 holiday event.

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