'Tis the season to support your building community
With December upon us, many are looking ahead to the holiday season with much uncertainty. The reality is, our world looks different. This time of year is usually spent connecting with loved ones, friends, family and colleagues, and instead, we are asked to distance from one another. Building tenants are feeling disconnected from their workplace community after spending little to no time at the office this year. Recognizing that this season will be challenging, it can also be memorable, and building operators are in a unique position to play an important role in shaping the holiday experience for their building community.
While occupancy levels remain low and many retailers are either temporarily closed, open for takeout or curbside pick up, there are a number of ways that building operators can support the community during this difficult time. Large tenant appreciation events, fancy gifts or significant marketing budgets are likely not in the cards this year, so here are some ideas to spread joy during the holidays.
Shop local
It’s important to remind tenants that although they are not at the office, they can still support the local business owners that they relied on daily prior to the pandemic. Connect with retailers to understand what their goals are for the holiday season and help promote their products and services. Use a digital software solution like the HILO network to reach building tenants to provide them with the information that they need to shop from their favourite retailers. This might include updated store hours if in-store shopping is available, how to take advantage of curbside pickup, or where to shop online.
Building operators can also purchase gift cards from retailers to either give to tenants or perhaps use as prizes in a holiday themed contest. A prize draw is a great tactic that can be used to encourage tenants to participate in a survey or poll that can provide building operators with valuable insights about their tenants, and the state of their building community. Asking tenants to answer a few questions while giving them the opportunity to enter for a chance to win, is a win-win for everyone.
As well, encouraging tenants to purchase gift cards from local businesses is a safe and easy way to shop for loved ones this holiday season, while also showing support and giving thanks to small businesses. It is important to support them now, so that they are able to continue operating through the pandemic and into the future.
Festive experiences
Creating exclusive virtual experiences for tenants is another great way to lift spirits this holiday season. Connect with a local musician to host a holiday themed concert, organize a cooking or baking demonstration with a local chef, set up a building wide recipe swap or a Zoom potluck get together. These are all examples of virtual events that can bring a community together online. Our team at HILO can help create these experiences, spread the word in real time, and manage the RSVP process. This type of programming is high value and will be seen as thoughtful and meaningful.
Additionally, many business tenants are likely looking for ways to celebrate the holidays with their internal teams. Building operators should encourage safe and virtual celebrations that might include food delivered from local retailers, interactive games and prizes to encourage engagement.
Self care
Health and wellness has been an extremely popular topic and focus this year as many buildings have introduced virtual classes and webinars for tenants. This type of programming might include yoga or higher intensity fitness classes, as well as mental health related programs such as meditation and relaxation classes. Partnering with a professional or organization that specializes in this field to offer informational workshops or webinars have also been widely accepted, providing virtual support to tenants. As people are asked to stay home, tenants need a break during the workday, and a reminder that their personal wellbeing is top priority. Building operators should continue engaging tenants with these wellness programs that extend throughout the holiday season.
HILO can integrate with many third party partners to provide this type of virtual programming through our network. Let’s work together to create the perfect program to encourage self care in your building community during the holiday season and beyond.
Give back
Local volunteerism and giving back is important all year around, but especially so during the holiday season. It’s the perfect time to reach out and support the local community. The holiday season has always been a gratifying time to give back. Building operators can be leaders in this worthy cause by giving tenants opportunities to support organizations financially or by volunteering their time. Host a food or toy drive, set up a campaign to match donations made to nearby charities, raise money as a building community for a specific cause, or create a volunteer board with a list of organizations that could use some extra help this holiday season. Giving back is a great way to bring the community together at a time when many feel disconnected.
It’s so important to support your building community this holiday season, and it’s not too late to shop local, organize a festive experience, encourage self care or give back. A tenant’s office is the hub of the work ecosystem and while they can’t physically celebrate the holidays by shopping from their favourite retailers, enjoying a cocktail with colleagues or attending a building hosted event, building operators can still make this time of year memorable.
