6 Tips for Planning a (Not Awkward) Virtual Goodbye Party for a Coworker
6 Tips for Planning a (Not Awkward) Virtual Goodbye Party for a Coworker
6 Tips for Planning a (Not Awkward) Virtual Goodbye Party for a Coworker
By Ximena Vengoechea
Summary
How do you say goodbye to a colleague-whether they'll be gone for a few months on parental leave or are moving on entirely-when we're all remote? How do you plan a proper send-off from afar?
A farewell event is an important ritual that helps us process transitions.
Whether you're planning someone else's farewell event or providing input to your team on your own, here are a few things I've learned about what makes a good virtual goodbye-through my own departure and those of fellow colleagues.
Just as you would for any meeting, you'll want to plan ahead to ensure this farewell event goes off without a hitch.
Finally, consider the timing of this event: Many in-person goodbyes are scheduled at the end of the week as an additional or extra event after work hours.
Because so many of us are experiencing Zoom fatigue, you might consider slotting your farewell event into an existing team meeting instead. Shorter is better, especially when remote.
Remember to reinforce the celebratory nature of the farewell at the start of the event, too, to ensure the mood is right.
Reference
Vengoechea, X. (n.d.). How to Plan a (Not Awkward) Virtual Goodbye for a Coworker. Retrieved January 07, 2021, from https://www.themuse.com/advice/virtual-farewell-party-event-work