5 Virtual Socials To Keep Your Team Engaged

• Cooking Classes , Murder Mystery , Pub Quiz , Virtual Workplace , Wine Tasting , Zoo Live Streaming
• Cooking Classes, Murder Mystery, Pub Quiz, Virtual Workplace, Wine Tasting, Zoo Live Streaming

Covid-19 has put a stop to so many elements of our lives, most notably, the vast majority of the public are now working from home. Some are comfort while others are pining for their desks, but one thing everyone is missing out on is the chance to socialize with colleagues and enjoy time team building. Businesses across the globe have quickly cottoned on to this and entertainment providers have adapted their services to be able to provide a virtual experience.

Cezanne HR recently surveyed British employees to gain an understanding of which of these were the most popular and have created a micro site dedicated to helping managers and HR teams keep their employees engaged, even when remote.

Top 5 most Favored Virtual Workplace

Continuing work socials during the pandemic is essential to employee well being which in-turn creates a more positive habitat and provides staff with the opportunity to produce their best work possible.

Below are the top five most favored virtual workplace social events. Each one can be undertaken in the safety of employees’ own homes, maintaining social distancing guidelines, while still ensuring an entertaining experience. Each participant would require an internet connection, a device with a camera and video calling software.

Zoo Live Streaming

Everybody loves the zoo but it isn’t a viable option to visit one in person at the moment. However, zoos have been using live streaming cameras for years and have adapted this service to provide even more fun.One of the best advantages of this is the restrictions due to a location are removed.

Whether it’s a local zoo or one on the other side of the world, colleagues can sit down together and watch as zookeepers feed, talk about and play with exotic animals. Almost 6% of the public chose this activity as their favorite to do during lock down and with the added benefit of it being free, there’s no reason not to.

However, most zoos are charities that rely on donations, something that has had a significant drop since visitors can not be welcomed in person, so a donation to their cause is always recommended.

Cooking Classes

Cooking and baking have proven as a popular hobby to take part in during the pandemic, the lack of flour, eggs and sugar available in grocery stores really shows just how baking crazy the nation has been. Just under 10% of employees have stated that their preferred social event would be online cooking classes.

Classes can be book for varying skill levels, so it is always advise to check with staff members what their confidence levels are. Full part list and preparation guides are provide by teachers beforehand so each participant will have plenty of time to get ready beforehand. The best thing about this is that each member of staff will finish with a delicious meal at the end to enjoy and leave with new knowledge that can be used again.

Murder Mystery

Everyone loves a good ‘who done it’ scenario and murder mystery parties have been popular for decades. Suppliers have changed their services to fit for a virtual world. Online vendors have varying themes, from period mysteries to unleash your inner Poirot to fantasy pieces that spark even the most hacky team members.

There is no need to prepare anything or remember lines, each player will have their own information sheets they can refer to throughout the game. The ease of play teamed with some daft fun and role-play has led to this being one of the most popular activities, with over 10% saying it was their number one choice. Costumes and props are necessary but highly recommend for some add hum our and enjoyment.

Wine Tasting

A good glass of wine can be one of the best ways to bring people together and adding some new knowledge alongside this can turn a social event into something a little more special. Online wine tasting is the chosen social for over 11% of employees.

This can be done in one of two ways. Online wine experts are providing virtual wine tasting events where they can present their knowledge and give an in-depth analysis of each glass. Alternatively, if there is someone in the office who is a wine buff, they can volunteer to educate others about their favourite bottles.

Arrange to have these bottles delivered to colleagues’ homes or provide them with a shopping list in advance. Participants could even nominate a wine of choice and everyone in the office can get a taste of their team mate’s favourite tipple. Always remember to encourage Responsible drinking!

Pub Quiz

It’s no surprise that a virtual pub quiz is the top-scoring activity, with almost 40% of those surveyed saying this was their chosen social event. Whether it’s a quiz host  by the local pub or one written by colleagues.

A quiz via video call has been participate in by almost everyone during lock down. Pubs were ones of the first creation to close during the pandemic and one of the most missed places by the public.

The digital world quickly changed to fit those who were pining for their local. Many businesses have been injecting their own unique spin on the virtual pub quiz, with rounds focused on the organisation or questions regarding colleagues and their traits.

These are just a few of the most popular online socials that have sprung up thanks to the pandemic. Keeping team engaged with each other is crucial during this time to continue relationships