The holidays are a natural pause point for companies. A time when schedules get messy, people travel, and routines shift. For hybrid and remote teams, this season can make connection feel more challenging than usual. Some employees are in the office, others are working from home, and many are juggling family events, travel plans, or irregular hours.
But staying connected doesn’t have to mean longer meetings or more video calls. With a thoughtful approach (and the right space to gather) hybrid teams can strengthen relationships, celebrate together, and end the year feeling aligned and appreciated.
Here are meaningful, low-pressure ways hybrid teams can stay connected during the holiday season.
Prioritize Small, Intentional Moments of Connection
The holidays are busy, so instead of stacking on extra meetings, focus on quick, meaningful touchpoints. This might include:
- A 10-minute kickoff at the start of the week
- A casual drop-in “open office” session
- A short virtual coffee break to say hi and share how everyone’s doing
These small moments can be far more impactful than a long, mandatory social call.
Use Virtual Spaces to Bring Everyone Together
Hybrid teams often struggle to create a shared feeling of presence, especially in December, when office attendance fluctuates and schedules are unpredictable.
Platforms like Virbela Go provide an easy, browser-based way to meet in a shared virtual space. Instead of hopping between video calls, teams can gather around a bonfire, walk through a snowy holiday environment, or meet in a cozy lounge without downloads or setup required.
This creates a sense of shared place, something traditional video conferencing can’t replicate.
Celebrate With Lightweight, Inclusive Activities
Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, so choose activities that feel inclusive and fun for all. A few hybrid-friendly ideas:
Holiday Trivia or Year-in-Review Games
Quick, interactive sessions that get people laughing without requiring a lot of prep.
Breakout Group Chats Using Private Volumes
Let people gather in smaller clusters, just like they would at an in-person event. It feels natural and reduces the pressure of a big group conversation.
Festive Virtual Challenges
Think scavenger hunts, seasonal photo prompts, or a friendly competition in an immersive space.
A Virtual Bonfire Gathering
Host a moment for gratitude, sharing wins, or reflecting on highlights of the year.
These small experiences help the team end the year feeling connected and energized.
Make Space for Flexibility and Well-Being
Connection also means supporting each other beyond work tasks.
Encourage your hybrid team to:
- Block personal time during school breaks
- Work asynchronously when possible
- Communicate travel days early
- Share preferred availability
- Step away when they need real rest
When a team feels supported, they stay more engaged and connected, even when everyone’s schedules look different.
Create a Shared Space for Updates and Appreciation
It’s easy, especially in December, for wins and contributions to get lost in the shuffle. Keep morale high by making space for:
- Public kudos and shoutouts
- End-of-year reflections
- Team highlights or “best moments”
- Leadership messages of appreciation
A shared virtual environment like Virbela Go can host these moments in a more personal, celebratory way than a long all-hands video call.
Use the Season to Strengthen Culture, Not Just Productivity
The holidays are a powerful time to reinforce values—kindness, rest, collaboration, gratitude. This is especially important for hybrid teams that often miss out on casual office interactions.
Even simple gestures, like a virtual walk in a winter-themed environment or a spontaneous holiday meetup, can deepen relationships and remind people why they enjoy working together.
Stay Connected, Wherever December Takes Your Team
The holidays don’t have to feel disjointed for hybrid teams. With intentional planning and immersive virtual spaces like Virbela Go, your people can stay connected, celebrate together, and wrap up the year on a high note, even if they’re joining from different cities, time zones, or vacation spots.
Want help planning a hybrid-friendly holiday gathering or team moment? Explore what’s possible in Virbela Go.
