Whether your team works remotely, follows a hybrid schedule, or spans multiple locations, it’s important to facilitate meaningful connections in the workplace. Hosting a virtual happy hour is one way to bring employees together beyond their day-to-day responsibilities.
From fostering more effective communication to generating a deeper appreciation for one another’s eccentricities, getting to know your coworkers on a personal, not-just-work level, has true benefits.
At HNM Systems, we’ve hosted virtual happy hours for employees across the country and found some key ingredients for a good time. Check out these top tips you can bring back to your team.
1. Create the Right Environment for the Virtual Happy Hour
Good lighting and minimal background noise are musts. Sit where you’re comfortable, whether on your couch, in your home office, or on your outdoor patio.
Keep the group to 5–10 people, or assign a moderator to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. This helps ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate.
Use grid view so you can see everyone’s faces and tell when someone is trying to speak up. Be a good listener because side conversations don’t work well on a video call.
Remember that participation should feel comfortable, not forced. Give employees the option to join without turning on their cameras or sharing personal details.
2. Pick Some Icebreakers and Conversation Starters
A little structure can help your virtual happy hour feel more natural, especially when coworkers don’t interact regularly outside of meetings. Ask your group to share something that made them laugh or smile recently, or have them describe a childhood pet.
Here are a few other ideas to get everyone involved in your next virtual happy hour.
Two Truths and a Lie
Have each person share two truths and one lie about themselves. The group has to guess which statement is the lie.
Whodunit
Have each person privately message you, the moderator, an interesting fact about themselves. Then, share a list of the facts in the group chat and let everyone take turns guessing who did what.
Pictionary or Charades
Use the whiteboarding feature on Zoom and an online word generator to play Pictionary. Or just pantomime the words you get in a game of Charades.
Whatever icebreakers and conversation starters you choose, remember to keep the conversation light. Avoid topics that could make employees uncomfortable, and let people participate at their own pace.
3. Mix Up the Theme
The traditional happy hour routine of grabbing a drink and chatting can be fun, but it may lose its pizzazz after a while. When that happens, mix things up with a new theme like a cooking class or an art project.
Host a Cooking or Mocktail Class
You can choose a cooking class in happy hour territory, too. For instance, walk your group through a twist on an old-fashioned cocktail, an introduction to mocktails, or a spunky appetizer.
Send out a simple ingredient list ahead of time so everyone can follow along.
Keep the activity approachable and offer nonalcoholic options so everyone feels included.
Get Creative With an Art Project
A group art project is another way to bring employees together without making conversation the sole focus. Whether you’re making shadow puppets, painting wine glasses, or trying a new craft, find projects that work for all skill levels and don’t take longer than an hour.
You can even invite an employee with a creative hobby to lead the activity.
Try Trivia, a Talent Show, or a Wellness Activity
Try a talent show or trivia night to mix things up. You could also involve an expert in the conversation, like a meditation instructor or yoga teacher. Consider rotating activities based on employee interests. Giving team members a say in the theme can help make each event feel more personal.
Swap Happy Hour for a Virtual Lunch
Or if you really are over happy hour, forget the concept altogether and do virtual work lunches instead. Team members can order a company-sponsored lunch through Uber Eats or Grubhub and meet over video.
This is also a great alternative for employees who prefer daytime activities or work across different time zones.
Keep Your Team Connected Beyond Happy Hour
With the right environment, a handful of upbeat conversation starters, and interesting themes, you’ll be set for success with your virtual happy hours.
More importantly, these gatherings give employees an opportunity to connect beyond their daily responsibilities. For remote and hybrid teams, that personal connection can help strengthen relationships even when coworkers rarely share the same physical workspace. The goal isn’t to fill everyone’s calendar with another meeting. It’s to create opportunities for employees to enjoy one another’s company and build meaningful connections.
Like these ideas? Find more inspiration to promote positivity in the workplace on our social media channels. Follow us on LinkedIn today!
