Insurers are taking Christmas celebrations virtual or postponing parties until the New Year in response to the new rules which came into effect this week aimed at curbing the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Vitality told Health & Protection that it has postponed its year end parties until the new year, while Aviva revealed its Christmas work events scheduled for this week will not now go ahead.
However, Cirencester Friendly told Health & Protection it plans to proceed with its main party with attendees sitting in smaller teams rather than mixing with other departments.
A spokesperson added that while some of its teams are having individual Christmas lunches, not all have decided to go ahead with theirs.
And despite the restrictions, the company has been able to hold raffles, host a Santa’s grotto and film a festive video including individuals and small teams for inclusion in a wider company video to share at the main party.
Virtual events returning
Legal & General has chosen to scale down Christmas celebrations, advising its employees to keep celebrations small and team-based.
The firm has also revealed it has organised a company-wide online festive show – hosted by wellbeing ambassador Roman Kemp – and a festive quiz as an alternative to traditional face-to-face gatherings.
AIG Life revealed its Christmas party and annual employee awards have been turned into a virtual event.
Zurich has recommended its teams take a “common sense” approach. Consequently, while it has held virtual festive quizzes this Christmas, where face-to-face events do go ahead, it is recommending people take lateral flow tests beforehand to help minimise the transmission of any infection.
While Canada Life has cancelled all planned gatherings and Christmas parties, a spokesperson told Health & Protection it will revisit the decision in 2022 when it hopes its teams can get together again. However, it has planned a company wide virtual party.
LV= has advised managers to follow government guidelines when meeting and consider the personal circumstances of everyone attending parties.
The spokesperson added that employees may wish to consider online events or postponing until the New Year to ensure whole teams can celebrate together.
Royal London revealed it has not held any large gatherings but has allowed local teams to celebrate if they wish, following government guidelines as required.
A spokesperson for the firm added most departments have chosen virtual Christmas celebrations, allowing for larger geographically diverse groups to celebrate safely.