Thanksgiving Activities That Spark Connection Amid Engagement Slump

Employee engagement is at an all-time low, and Gallup surveys reveal some shocking numbers about workplace happiness. According to recent findings, only 32% of employees feel engaged at work, while disengagement continues to rise (source: Gallup). With remote work becoming the new normal, many people are feeling isolated and disconnected from their colleagues. But the Thanksgiving season offers a perfect opportunity to bring your team back together with meaningful, fun activities that can re-establish bonds and boost morale.

At Rockoly, we’re all about creating experiences that foster connection. Our virtual Thanksgiving activities are crafted to bring teams closer, spark laughter, and ensure that everyone feels valued. From interactive cooking workshops to unique happy hours, these activities aren’t just entertaining—they’re also an investment in a happier, more engaged workplace. Plus, they make fantastic presents for your most valued clients, providing a thoughtful touch this holiday season. Let’s dive into some engaging ideas for Thanksgiving activities that can make a difference.

Virtual Cooking Workshops: The Perfect Recipe for Engagement

Imagine the warmth of Thanksgiving coming alive in your kitchen, but without the hassle of sourcing ingredients or fancy equipment. Rockoly’s Virtual Team Building Cooking Classes bring the fun of cooking right into your team members’ homes. These remote cooking workshops are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and easy—we provide all the ingredients, delivered straight to your doorstep. This means even those without cooking experience can join in, relax, and enjoy.

The beauty of these Thanksgiving cooking activities is that they create a shared experience, even when miles apart. Team members follow along with a live chef, creating delicious dishes while interacting with colleagues in real time. It’s not just about cooking—it’s about the laughter that comes with mixing something wrong, the camaraderie of preparing something right, and the joy of sharing the finished dish.

Whether it’s pumpkin ravioli, herb-stuffed turkey, or traditional pecan pie, these cooking workshops are perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving together in a new way. And, since everything needed is provided, participants can focus entirely on the experience, not the logistics. This simplicity makes it not only a fantastic team-building event but also an impressive gift to valued clients—something they’ll remember long after the holiday season.

Remote Happy Hour: A Toast to Team Spirit

Nothing says gratitude like raising a glass with your colleagues, and what better way to do that than with Rockoly’s Virtual Happy Hour? This Thanksgiving, why not shake things up with a cocktail-making session where everyone gets to be their own mixologist? Whether it’s a festive cranberry margarita or a warm spiced apple cider, our expert hosts guide your team through crafting seasonal beverages, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

The best part? Every ingredient you need is delivered in advance, so nobody is left scrambling for supplies. This makes it easy for all team members to participate fully, no matter where they are. As they sip and savor their creations, employees naturally connect, share stories, and build bonds that are often missing in remote settings. It’s these small moments of connection that can help bridge the engagement gap and remind everyone why they’re part of the same team. These Thanksgiving activities can make all the difference in helping employees feel appreciated.

Giving Back Together: Remote Charity Team Building

Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect on gratitude and give back. Rockoly’s Remote Charity Team Building activities are a wonderful way for teams to contribute to something bigger than themselves, all from the comfort of their homes. One of our popular Thanksgiving charity activities involves painting canvas bags with inspiring messages, which are then filled with essential items and donated to those in need.

This type of team-building experience isn’t just about charitable contributions; it’s about cultivating a sense of purpose within the team. Employees get to see the direct impact of their actions, and knowing that they’re contributing to a meaningful cause can significantly enhance engagement. It’s a heartfelt way to bring the spirit of Thanksgiving into the workplace, reinforcing the idea that, together, we can make a difference. Including these types of Thanksgiving activities can help your team feel connected to a greater purpose.

Why Thanksgiving Activities Matter Now More Than Ever

According to Gallup, low engagement in the workplace often correlates with feelings of disconnection and lack of recognition (source: Gallup). Traditional in-person gatherings and office parties have taken a backseat, making it crucial to find creative ways to celebrate and connect. Rockoly’s virtual Thanksgiving activities are the perfect antidote, allowing teams to come together, share a few laughs, and build stronger bonds—all while enjoying the comforts of home.

These virtual Thanksgiving activities do more than just fill a holiday calendar slot. They serve as a reminder that even though we might be physically apart, the spirit of togetherness is still very much alive. They help bring out the best in employees by focusing on gratitude, connection, and, of course, fun. And the effects extend beyond Thanksgiving—these shared experiences can lay the foundation for better collaboration, improved morale, and, ultimately, a more engaged and productive team.

How to Make Your Thanksgiving Event a Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Thanksgiving activities have maximum impact:

1. Plan Ahead: Thanksgiving is a busy time, so be sure to schedule your virtual event well in advance. This ensures that all team members can participate, and for in-person groups, it helps secure the best time slots.
2. Encourage Participation: Whether it’s a cooking workshop or a virtual happy hour, the more participants engage, the better the experience. Encourage cameras on, friendly competition, and, above all, having fun. These Thanksgiving activities work best when everyone is involved.
3. Add a Personal Touch: Send thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation after the event. It’s a simple gesture that reinforces the message of gratitude and recognition.
4. Make It a Gift: Consider Rockoly’s experiences not just for your team but also as gifts for your clients. A virtual cooking workshop makes a memorable present that shows you value their partnership. It’s thoughtful, unique, and something they can truly enjoy.

Engaging Thanksgiving Activities: A Step Toward Higher Morale

Employee disengagement may be at an all-time high, but with the right Thanksgiving activities, we can start turning the tide. This Thanksgiving, Rockoly’s virtual workshops are an opportunity to reconnect your team—to foster the kind of personal bonds that make people feel seen, appreciated, and part of something larger.

From cooking delicious Thanksgiving meals together to toasting the holiday spirit or participating in charity initiatives, these Thanksgiving activities are about more than just fun. They’re about creating lasting connections, expressing gratitude, and building a foundation for future collaboration. If your team’s morale has taken a hit lately, then consider these Thanksgiving experiences as a path back to a more connected and engaged workplace.

To learn more about how to boost engagement and bring your team closer this holiday season, visit our pages:

• Virtual Thanksgiving
• Virtual Team Building Cooking Classes
• Virtual Happy Hour
• Remote Charity Team Building

Together, let’s make this Thanksgiving a memorable one, filled with gratitude, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.