FX.co ★ How companies planning to organize New Year’s parties during COVID-19

PayPal

At the end of December 2020, 25,000 employees of PayPal, one of the largest online payments systems operating worldwide, will gather in front of their monitors. They are going to interact with their colleagues in an informal way, watch master classes on making traditional Mexican pinatas and other dishes. Apart from that, they will have the chance to participate in origami webinar, enjoy illusionist performances, live music, dancing, and be ready for other surprises. In total, the virtual party will last 29 hours in a row. In addition, PayPal management intends to send each employee memorable gifts from local manufacturers. Interestingly enough, the company usually struggles to organize New Year's Party as its offices are located all over the world. Therefore, it held a total of about 60 parties. It seems that every cloud has a silver lining. On the one hand, the coronavirus has made the work of people responsible for festive events more difficult, forcing them to switch to an entirely new format - an online party. However, on the other hand, it has led to the development of a new corporate strategy that can be used in the future.

Rooney Partners

Traditionally, on New Year’s eve, Rooney Partners organized a cocktail party for its employees as well as a gala dinner in one of the most luxurious restaurants in the center of New York. However, this year, the company’s CEO decided to hold an online party using the Microsoft Teams software. Instead of the usual five-hour gatherings, employees are going to join a virtual party that will last no more than an hour and a half. As a pleasant bonus, everyone will get a bottle of Krug (one of the most famous champagnes). Those who do not drink alcohol will receive non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Despite the fact that the festive event will be held virtually, the spirit of the party with its own traditions is going to be the same. In particular, there will be a red dress code. Employees are encouraged to perform holiday songs and read poetry.

Klick Health

Klick Health, the world's largest digital health agency, also decided to throw an online party. The management chose a virtual 3D space for celebration. About 1,300 employees from the United States and Canada will take part in it. This event will take place via the Unity platform for developing computer games. Usually, Klick Health hosted New Year’s party in the city hall where it summed up the results of the work and organized a gala party. This year, the company is planning to do the same but only online. To cheer up its employees, the agency's management invited a very popular singer to perform at the party whose name, of course, is still kept in the strictest secret.

Modern Niagara

The company's festive parties have always been quite lavish and extravagant. Before the coronavirus pandemic, employees of five regional offices celebrated New Year’s eve at a grand dinner at local opulent hotels. Notably, the company also paid for their daily accommodation. Usually, the number of guests came in at 1,300 people. However, this year everything is going to be different. Modern Niagara did not want to spoil the festive mood of its employees before the winter holidays. Therefore, the company will send each employee a $100 certificate. They can spend their money on ordering food at local restaurants. In addition, employees are going to enjoy an online concert of the popular Canadian rock band, Blue Rodeo.