Don’t Let COVID-19 Spoil The Annual Office Party. Here's How

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of many office events. With the U.S. still reeling from skyrocketing infection cases and hospitalizations and several states tightening restrictions, people are opting out of get-togethers.

The restrictions on social gatherings have left employers completely puzzled about how to carry on their tradition of hosting annual work parties without putting the health of employees at risk.

Corporate parties are known to bring people together and help them widen their professional network. Many employees would show up at the parties sidelining the worries of contracting the virus. In such a situation, it is customary for the employer to make sure the federal safety regulations aren’t violated.

Christmas parties aren’t supposed to be ordinary as there will be a host of fun things to amuse the guests. Therefore, if the organizers follow some simple rules, they can ensure the safety of attendees despite the no-holds-barred merriment.

Keep an eye out for the CDC updates:

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides regular updates about the ever-changing laws and regulations concerning the pandemic. The guidelines around COVID-19 are updated based on the rising or falling infection rates so it is necessary to keep a tab on updates to avoid legal troubles.

Make sure you don’t run out of essential supplies:

Hosting a Christmas party amid the pandemic goes well beyond just decorations. The organizers should ensure essential supplies are abundant, especially sanitizing agents, face masks and paper towels. Meticulous planning, in this case, making a to-do list will help avoid last-minute confusions.

Location matters:

Location is vital to any event and when zeroing in on it, the organizer must ensure the neighborhood has a relatively lower infection rate. In addition to that, the organizers must make sure the venue is well-ventilated, which is deemed necessary to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.

Impose strict social distancing measures:

Facilitating social distancing at a Christmas party might seem difficult, but it is definitely a necessity amid the pandemic. The organizers would better ask their guests to avoid hugs, handshakes, and fist or elbow bumps for greetings for the sake of their own wellbeing. The organizers must keep disinfecting surfaces to avoid exposure.

Having to shape our social gatherings in alignment with the country’s health guidelines this year might make our Christmas parties look quite different but the celebrations must go on.