How to Create a Connected Workplace During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection. However, it can also be lonely for some employees, especially in remote and hybrid settings. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, 25% of remote employees experience daily loneliness. Feeling disconnected, especially during the holidays, can be challenging, but there are ways to foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.

Here are ten ways leaders can help their employees feel more connected.

1. Personalized “Virtual Open Door” Hours

Start by carving out dedicated open-door office hours in your weekly calendar. Invite your team to drop into a casual group setting, such as a Zoom meeting room, where no appointments are necessary. Choose a co-host and keep the atmosphere light and engaging. Whether you’re celebrating team members’ recent ‘wins’ or simply chatting about holiday plans, these sessions are a fantastic way to foster connection and open communication.

As Kurt Kim, COO at Arootah, says, “When you’re working remotely or hybrid, it helps to make time for quick, casual chats with your team. It doesn’t always have to be about work — just catching up like you would in an office. Little connections like this go a long way in making you feel part of a team, even from a distance.”

2. Virtual Team “Walk and Talk” Meetings

Motivate your teams to stay active. Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce loneliness and improve mental health. Consider scheduling some meetings as “walk and talk” sessions, where participants use audio only—no cameras—and take a stroll around their neighborhood during the meeting. This season, your team will also enjoy the mood-boosting and calorie-burning benefits of brisk walks in the crisp, cold weather.

3. Mentorship Circles

It can be difficult for natural mentor-mentee relationships to emerge when everyone’s working remotely. Thus, go out of your way to create these connections. Set up small mentorship circles within your teams, mixing junior and senior members based on their expertise or interests. Then, have each group meet monthly to share challenges and advice.

4. Personalized Recognition Moments

Create brief shout-outs regularly to recognize certain team members for achievements or personal milestones. Better yet, go with a video or audio shout-out. A quick video note from a leader acknowledging someone’s efforts can feel much more personal and supportive than a standard email.

5. Virtual Co–Working Sessions

Host optional co-working sessions wherein team members can work on their projects in a group setting, such as on a video call. Every hour or so, everyone can take a break and check-in, enjoying camaraderie without sacrificing productivity.

6. Anonymous Feedback Forums

Get a better handle on your employees’ unique needs by soliciting anonymous feedback through tools such as Typeform or Google Forms. Then, respond openly to the anonymous feedback, so employees feel heard.

7. Skill–Swap Workshops

Facilitate learning and socializing among your team by organizing monthly informational sessions. Invite a team member to lead each session, sharing a beginner-friendly skill from their area of expertise—such as Photoshop. This approach not only fosters knowledge sharing but also strengthens team bonds.

8. Virtual Wellness Workshops

Care for remote employees’ mental health through efforts like virtual wellness workshops. Focus on topics such as mindfulness, stress management, and healthy eating.

9. Daily Gratitude Practices

Kick-off team meetings with a gratitude-sharing session, where members share something they’re thankful for that day. This practice strengthens team bonds and boosts everyone’s mood, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

10. Upbeat Office Culture

Finally, for those in traditional or hybrid office environments, fostering a positive and upbeat culture is key to enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement. Decorate the office for the holidays and host regular in-person activities, like team lunches or holiday food drives, to encourage collaboration. Create inviting spaces for informal interactions, such as a cozy coffee corner, to boost team cohesion and morale.

The Bottom Line

While joyous, the holiday season can also highlight feelings of loneliness, particularly for remote and hybrid employees. By prioritizing connection and well-being, leaders can ensure that every team member feels valued and included, turning the holiday season into a time for genuine celebration and camaraderie.

Looking to elevate your leadership skills in the new year and continue to build a stronger workplace culture? Get started with a complimentary leadership development call today!