Staying Connected During the Holidays: Tips for Remote Teams

For remote teams, the holiday season can feel bittersweet. While it’s a time of celebration, it can also highlight the physical distance between colleagues. With some thoughtful planning and innovative ideas, you can create a sense of connection and belonging that bridges the gap. Here are some ways to do it:

1. Set Clear Expectations

Why it matters: Uncertainty is stressful, especially during the busy holiday season. Clear communication ensures your team knows what’s expected, avoiding last-minute surprises.

How to do it:

• Be specific: Clearly outline deadlines, deliverables, and priorities. Instead of saying “finish the project before the break,” provide a detailed timeline and checklist.
• Create transparency: Use shared tools like project boards or calendars so everyone can see what’s needed and track progress e.g Notion/Miro.
• Make it manageable: Break larger tasks into smaller steps and confirm with your team that the timeline is realistic.

The impact: When expectations are clear, your team can plan effectively and enjoy their time off without any worries.

2. Be Sensitive to Other Cultures

Why it matters: The holidays are celebrated differently around the world. Embracing diversity helps every team member feel seen and included.

How to do it:

• Learn and share: Ask team members about their traditions and encourage them to share their unique celebrations.
• Host a virtual holiday showcase: Give everyone the opportunity to talk about their culture, share favourite recipes, or showcase holiday decorations.
• Be inclusive: Avoid focusing solely on one holiday. Use neutral language like “holiday season” rather than Christmas-specific terms.

The impact: Celebrating diversity builds stronger bonds and creates a sense of belonging across the team.

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3. Assess the Workload

Why it matters: The end of the year often brings a rush to meet deadlines. Overloading your team can lead to stress and burnout, which carries into the new year.

How to do it:

• Review priorities: Identify what truly needs to be done before the holidays and what can wait until afterward.
• Reassign tasks if needed: If someone has too much on their plate, redistribute responsibilities to balance the workload.
• Encourage feedback: Check in with your team to ensure they feel comfortable with their responsibilities.

The impact: A manageable workload allows your team to finish the year strong and enter the holidays refreshed.

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4. Allow Time Off for Family

Why it matters: The holidays are often the only time people can spend extended moments with loved ones. Respecting this encourages trust and loyalty.

How to do it:

• Plan for downtime: If possible, close operations during key holiday periods.
• Offer flexibility: Allow team members to adjust schedules or take additional leave days.
• Accommodate travel: Shift meetings to avoid conflicts with travel plans.

The impact: Supporting family time shows your team that you value their personal lives, building trust and commitment.

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5. Send Thoughtful Holiday Packages

Why it matters: A meaningful gift can make remote employees feel valued and appreciated.

How to do it:

• Keep it inclusive: Avoid gifts tied to specific religions or lifestyles. Focus on universally appreciated items like snacks, tech gadgets, or self-care products.
• Add a personal touch: Include handwritten notes or items that reflect the recipient’s culture or interests.
• Be practical: Gifts that can be used or enjoyed immediately, like a cozy blanket or a set of gourmet treats, are always a hit.

The impact: Thoughtful gifts create a sense of connection and show that you’ve put effort into recognizing your team.

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6. Host Holiday Meetups

Why it matters: In-person interactions, even on a small scale, can strengthen team bonds.

How to do it:

• Plan casual gatherings: For team members who live near each other, consider coffee meetups or visits to local holiday markets.
• Make it informal: Keep gatherings low-pressure and focused on fun rather than work.
• Capture the moment: Share photos or stories from the meetup with the wider team to spread the joy.

The impact: Even if only a few can attend, these meetups create lasting memories that ripple through the team.

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7. Encourage Sharing Post-Holiday Memories

Why it matters: Sharing stories builds camaraderie and lets team members connect on a personal level.

How to do it:

• Create a shared space: Set up a Slack channel or group chat for team members to post photos and anecdotes.
• Start the conversation: Share your own holiday memories to encourage others to join in.
• Make it fun: Organize a casual “show and tell” during a team meeting to share holiday highlights.

The impact: These small moments remind everyone that they’re part of a team, even across distances.

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8. Organize Virtual Holiday Events

Why it matters: Fun, interactive activities can bring teams together and lighten the mood during the busy season.

How to do it:

• Think outside the box: Try virtual trivia, holiday-themed games, or even a “decorate your workspace” competition.
• Get personal: Encourage team members to share their favourite holiday recipes or traditions.

The impact: Virtual events bring laughter and joy, strengthening team morale.

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9. Celebrate Year-End Achievements

Why it matters: Recognizing accomplishments boosts morale and motivates your team for the year ahead.

How to do it:

• Host a celebration: Use a team meeting to highlight major milestones and individual contributions.
• Share highlights: Create an email or a post showcasing key achievements and memorable moments.
• Give thanks: Personally thank each team member for their efforts throughout the year.

The impact: Ending the year with appreciation sets a positive tone for the future.

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10. Share Gratitude

Why it matters: Simple acts of gratitude go a long way in strengthening relationships and building trust.

How to do it:

• Acknowledge contributions: Send personalized thank-you messages or give shout-outs during team meetings.
• Encourage peer recognition: Create a space where team members can show appreciation for each other.
• Make it public: Highlight team efforts in a company-wide email or newsletter.

The impact: Gratitude fosters connection and reminds everyone that their work is valued.

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By focusing on connection and inclusivity, you can make the holiday season truly meaningful for your remote team.These small but impactful actions demonstrate that every team member’s effort is recognized and appreciated, no matter where they are.

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