Remote work leaders, here are ways you can celebrate the occasion with an impact
The whole of March is reserved for celebrating women’s contributions in all facets of life. It is an empowering movement to honor the hard work and achievements women contribute to society — be it in sciences, arts, politics, economy, you name it! It is a celebration observed far and wide across the globe for four decades and a half now. For sure, it’s something that your female colleagues in the workplace are looking forward to as well.
However, we live in this new age where remote work is the norm. This will no doubt alter how some companies will celebrate — or not celebrate — this month. This is especially true for digital startups and organizations that have newly transitioned to a remote work setting. Yet it is essential for everyone of us, including those in a remote work setting, to carry on this decades-long global movement. After all, we still have ways to go in reaching a just and gender-equal society. Now is not the time to weaken our stride.
The question that remote leaders ask now is, will a virtual celebration achieve the same impact?
Fortunately, we collated some ideas to make sure that it does.
5 Ideas for a Virtual Women’s History Month Celebration
We asked five remote work leaders and business owners how to best celebrate the occasion meaningfully despite the distance.
- Weekly virtual film screening.
Hosting a women-themed film showing is a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month. Who doesn’t love Friday Night Movie Nights, right? This time, add in a twist: all movies should be by, for, and about women.For Garrett Smith of GMB Gorilla, this idea was a hit among his digital team.
“Virtual movie nights are a fun and engaging way to learn about women’s history and inspire conversation on what sparked the movement in the first place. This March, we’re doing a weekly movie night dedicated to empowering films by and for women. It will be nice to bond and unwind after a long week of work. But more importantly, it is a subtle way of creating awareness on the plight of women and encouraging discussion afterward,” shared Smith.
We recommend this list of 50 Films to Watch During Women’s History Month, curated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences no less.
- Online networking events.
There are many creative ways to network in a digital setup! Host virtual networking events where women can connect with one another and share experiences. This can be in the form of virtual coffee chats, Friday happy hours, digital roundtables, and the like.“When it comes to business, connections are a valuable currency. Connections open doors to opportunities. Online networking events provide a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow. This can give women access to business and career breakthroughs, should they find the right connections,” said Grant Polachek of Squadhelp.
Networking is proven to be an effective way to build a sense of community. This can create a safe space for women in various industries to learn from each other’s journey in what is still otherwise a male-dominated world. - Digital workshops and training.
Offer online workshops and training sessions focused on topics such as leadership, negotiation skills, financial literacy, and career development. It is one way to support the professional growth of women on your team.“To this day, statistics show that women are far more handicapped in the financial aspect. Generally, women are less educated and less confident when it comes to financial matters. This is why we host financial literacy training every March to equip our employees to handle their finances wisely. Financial literacy is an often overlooked facet of personal development, but it plays such a crucial role in our individual success,” shared finance expert Jonathan Merry, Co-Founder of Crypto Monday.
- Remote team celebrations.
Do not let distance stop you from hosting a proper celebration, even if only virtually. If long-distance relationships work, then this can, too! Get creative with putting together a virtual party or an awards ceremony that will capture the efforts of your female employees and put a spotlight on their milestones within the workplace.“It doesn’t matter that you are celebrating it through a screen. Any effort shown to honor the occasion and honor the women in your team will not go unnoticed. What’s important is they feel validated for their contributions to the company. It hits differently when they are recognized in front of their peers and leaders,” shared Fred Kuffer, Director of Insurance at BrokerLink.
- Deliver customized care packages.
You can also go the extra mile and transcend your Women’s History Month company celebration beyond the screen — through a care package delivery. Give them something nice and tangible to mark the celebration. It can be anything from a wellness package, a skincare kit, or a basket of assorted snacks. Add in a women-empowering quote or, even better, an affirming message from their manager for a more meaningful touch.
“Care packages are a thoughtful way to show appreciation for women in your workplace this month. It is a sweet and simple gesture of care and support. This is a tradition in our virtual office, and it gives our female colleagues something to look forward to this time around each year,” shared Robert Johnson, Marketing Director of Coast Appliances.
Conclusion
Celebrating Women’s History Month virtually can still be a meaningful and engaging experience. In fact, virtual celebrations make it possible for more people to participate, regardless of their location, abilities, or other factors that may prevent them from attending in-person events. This means that it can be a bigger opportunity for more people to learn about the contributions of women to history and society. This helps to promote a more equitable and just society where the accomplishments of women are valued and recognized alongside those of men.
Through the examples we collated above, you can empower your women employees not only for the month of March but onwards. By recognizing and honoring the achievements of women in your workplace, know that you are helping to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders.