The holidays are here — but how can you foster in-office holiday cheer and keep it safe in a COVID-19 world? Here are some tips. Photo via Getty Images

With the 2020 winter holiday rapidly approaching, time is running short to plan festivities that are fun, engaging — and safe — amid a global coronavirus pandemic.

While many companies are planning to forego holiday parties this year, there is a strong case to be made that it is more important now than ever to host something special for employees.

It would be difficult to find a company that hasn't somehow been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As companies have had to be nimble, reacting to rapidly changing environments, the work aimed at staying relevant and profitable has likely been carried out by loyal employees dedicated to ensuring success. Whether they pivoted to work-from-home, often using their personal resources and spaces to get the job done in sometimes-difficult environments, or they stayed on the front lines as the coronavirus circulated in their communities, employees should be heralded as the year's MVP.

Business leaders should consider hosting holiday celebrations that honor their employees and align with their ongoing safety protocols. For companies that continue to conduct in-person business, holiday celebrations may be safely held outside in Houston's temperate climate. For companies that plan to proceed with virtual celebrations, think outside the box for developing an event that colleagues will enjoy.

Virtual events open up new opportunities

Particularly for companies that have hosted lavish year-end parties but who are concerned about safety, consider providing an unforgettable experience for your employees while they come together separately.

Hire an engaging expert to take your staff on a virtual culinary or cocktail adventure — it might be a mixologist, sommelier, cicerone or chef. Send a curated package containing everything they'll need: cheese board and a mix of local meats, cheeses, nuts, and olives. The expert can teach the co-workers how to assemble a charcuterie board or delve into the history of various cheeses and which wines would pair well. Another might teach how to construct a craft cocktail.

If you are looking for something a bit more cheeky, consider hosting a virtual cookie-decorating event complemented by an ugly-sweater contest. Or, hire a local band to perform a private, virtual concert just for the company.

There is also a host of companies that are working in the virtual space, creating turnkey events that include games, delivered gift boxes and other methods of bringing teams together when they're physically separated. Consider holding such events during work hours: Employees will likely be more willing to participate, and it doubles as a holiday gift that provides a fleeting workday distraction during typically slower periods.

Even for companies with sizable staffs, for those that generally host extravagant parties, these virtual events may cost less than normal holiday celebrations.

Hosting safe in-person events

For companies planning on hosting socially distant in-person celebrations, consider using parking lots to ensure everyone has enough space to stay safe and enjoy themselves. Forego buffet service and either use a catering staff wearing masks and gloves to serve food, or use pre-packaged food and beverages to reduce risk.

Live music or other artistic performances can be a welcomed event during these times.

Or, if there's a desire to bring people together but concerns about safety, consider hosting a drive-in movie for employees and their families. Companies specialize in providing the necessary equipment for such events, and attendees can pick up a goodie box with prepackaged food and drinks to enjoy while the event takes place.

The keys to success are ensuring the events are safe and accessible to everyone who wants to participate, that they provide employees with a feeling of gratitude from their employer and, these days, a nod to the unparalleled times we are facing. Whether companies spend lavishly this year, or reduce cost but still provide heart-felt events, employees will feel the sense of gratitude and appreciation, and that's a big win heading into 2021.

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Jill Chapman is a senior performance consultant with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources and business performance solutions.

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Google teams up with Rice University to launch AI-focused accelerator

eyes on AI

Google Public Sector is teaming up with Rice University to drive early-stage artificial intelligence innovation and commercialization via the new Rice AI Venture Accelerator, or RAVA.

RAVA will use Google Cloud technology and work with venture capital firm Non Sibi Ventures to connect high-potential AI-focused startups with public and private sector organizations. The incubator will be led by Rice Nexus, which launched earlier this year in the Ion District as an AI-focused "innovation factory.”

“Google Public Sector is proud to partner with a leading institution like Rice University to launch the Rice AI Venture Accelerator,” Reymund Dumlao, director of state and local government and education at Google Public Sector, said in a news release. “By providing access to Google Cloud’s cutting-edge AI, secure cloud infrastructure and expertise, we’re enabling the next generation of AI pioneers to develop solutions that address critical challenges across industries and within the public sector. This unique partnership between education and industry will give participants access to cutting-edge research, leading technologists, specialized resources and a collaborative academic ecosystem, fostering an environment for rapid innovation and growth.”

Participants will have access to Google Public Sector’s AI leadership as well as experts from Rice’s Ken Kennedy Institute, which focuses on AI and computing research. It will be led by Sanjoy Paul, Rice Nexus’ inaugural executive director. Paul previously worked at Accenture LLC as a managing director of technology and is a lecturer in Rice's Department of Computer Science.

Rice Nexus will serve as the physical hub for RAVA, but the program will support AI startups from across the U.S., as part of Rice’s Momentous strategic plan, according to the university.

“This hub enables AI startups to go beyond building minimum viable products that meet industry privacy standards by utilizing the latest AI technologies from Google Cloud,” Paul said in the news release. “Our goal is to maximize the return on investment for our corporate partners, driving meaningful innovation that will have lasting impact on their industries.”

The 10,000-square-foot Rice Nexus space currently serves as home base for several startups with ties to Rice, including Solidec, BeOne Sports and others. Read more about the new incubation space here.

Houston’s love for live streaming is growing – and the internet needs to keep up

Tech-Heavy Households

One thing Houston isn’t slowing down on is its love for live streaming. Whether catching the big game, binge-watching a new series, or diving into the latest gaming releases, Houstonians are using the internet more than ever. And with nearly 4 million more people expected to move to the area by 2040, networks have to be ready.

More devices, more streaming, more demand
“Internet usage has been skyrocketing year after year," sts Foti Kallergis, Comcast Texas spokesperson. "The average Xfinity household now has 36 WiFi-connected devices, from smart TVs and phones to tablets, speakers, and even smart fridges."

More than 70 percent of all internet traffic is entertainment, with sports, streaming apps, and games leading the charge — especially here in Houston, where fans never miss a Texans game or a Rockets highlight.

In fact, the past year set records for Comcast’s Xfinity network, with the five biggest days of internet consumption ever happening just in the last few months of 2024, driven by huge sports events and gaming downloads.

A network built for what’s next
As more people move in and more devices come online, Xfinity is constantly upgrading its network to keep up — and stay ahead. Whether you’re working on your laptop, FaceTiming on your iPad, or scrolling on your phone, at home or on the go, the goal is simple: fast, reliable, and seamless connection.

Over the last decade, Comcast has poured $80 billion into strengthening its network and infrastructure across the country. That includes 300,000 miles of fiber — enough to circle the globe 12 times — supporting everything from everyday streaming to powering FEMA and the Department of Defense. And here in the greater Houston area, that same network supports thousands of small businesses, too.

Speed, security, and smarts built in
“It’s not just about staying connected — it’s about staying connected smarter,” adds Kallergis. “Comcast’s network is constantly working behind the scenes to make your experience better. In fact, Comcast rolled out over 350,000 upgrades last year alone, including faster speeds at no extra cost.”

Comcast Xfinity speed testPhoto courtesy of Comcast

And every 20 minutes, it tests over 4,000 data points across tens of millions of devices to keep things optimized.

Kallergis adds that if there's extra bandwidth, Xfinity modems automatically adjust. If there's a network issue, AI-powered tools fix 60 percent of cases before users even know something’s wrong. And if a fiber line is cut, Xfinity technicians are alerted instantly and know exactly where to go and what to do.

Powerful tools for your home
Great internet also depends on what’s inside your home. That’s why Comcast is rolling out the new XB10 modem — the fastest and most powerful yet. It can handle up to 300 devices at once (because let’s be real, we’re all tech-heavy households now).

And when it comes to security, Xfinity’s network has your back. Every device that connects is automatically shielded from sketchy sites; it's like having a mini cybersecurity team 24/7.

Looking ahead
At the end of the day, Houston’s internet needs are only going to grow. And Comcast is ready.

Whether you’re streaming the playoffs, jumping on a work call, or video chatting with family across the country, Xfinity is here to keep you connected to the moments that matter most.

8 Houston companies earn spots among Fortune's most innovative for 2025

top honor

Eight Houston companies have been named to Fortune’s third annual list of America’s Most Innovative Companies, joining another 16 from the state of Texas.

The group of 300 companies nationwide was rated based on production innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture, according to Fortune. In partnership with Statista, the magazine considered IP portfolios, employee, expert and customer opinions; and many other factors.

While many of the top-rated companies fell into the tech sector, Fortune reports that health care companies made up the largest portion of the 2025 list. Sixty-three honorees fell into the health care category, including Houston’s top-rated company, Houston Methodist.

Here’s which Houston companies made the list and where they ranked:

  • No. 35 — Houston Methodist
  • No. 54. — ExxonMobil
  • No. 137 — NRG Energy
  • No. 158 — Hewlett-Packard Enterprise
  • No. 169 — BMC Software
  • No. 175 — Texas Children’s Hospital
  • No. 227 — Sysco
  • No. 268 — Chevron

“This award is a true credit to the culture we have created around innovation and the incredible work of Roberta Schwartz, our Chief Innovation Officer, and her team at the Center for Innovation,” Marc Boom, CEO of Houston Methodist, said in a LinkedIn post. “They have really set the tone for how we can use innovation and technology to continue to deliver the highest quality care for our patients.”

Dallas-Fort Worth claimed the largest number of Texas companies on the list, with 11 headquartered in the metroplex. Houston was home to the second-most with eight hailing from the Bayou City. Austin is home to only four of the companies on the list, however, companies from the Capital City ranked higher on average, with Oracle, Tesla and Dell Technologies claiming the top three spots for the state. Beloved Texas grocer H-E-B was the one company to represent San Antonio.

Here's how the other Texas companies fared:

  • No. 6 — Oracle
  • No. 11 — Tesla
  • No. 14 — Dell Technologies
  • No. 37 — AT&T
  • No. 59 — Texas Instruments
  • No. 89 — Charles Schwab
  • No. 91 — McKesson
  • No. 113 — Jacobs Solutions
  • No. 125 — Baylor, Scott & White Health
  • No. 165 — Frontier Communications
  • No. 201— H-E-B
  • No. 210 — CBRE Group
  • No. 219 — TTEC Holdings
  • No. 223 — GameStop
  • No. 251 — American Airlines Group
  • No. 271 — Caterpillar

California-based tech conglomerate Alphabet Inc. topped the list for the third year in a row, and California companies again represented the majority of companies on the list, according to Fortune. Alphabet, Microsoft, Apple, IBM and Salesforce made up the top five, of which three are headquartered in California.

The 2025 group had a median revenue of $22 billion over the last 12 months, according to Fortune. See the full report here.