Corporate events can be difficult to navigate. Ideally, they should feel recreational rather than artificial or tedious. They should also foster team-building without feeling compulsory in a way that detracts from the experience. And above all else, they should be fun!
These have always been among the things company and team leaders have to consider when planning events, and they’re all the more important in 2021. Following the pandemic and all the interruptions and turmoil it imposed on businesses, there’s a greater need than ever for team cohesion and corporate identity.
Ultimately each company has to address all of this according to its own culture and means. To help get the ball rolling for those who may be in charge of corporate events though, we have some unique and enjoyable ideas to consider.
1. Drive-In Movie Night
Two years ago this suggestion would have seemed almost bizarrely random. Now, however, it’s trendy! There’s been a drive-in cinema boom during the pandemic, as people have sought ways of leaving home and enjoying entertainment without risking their health. This purpose alone makes this activity a good one for a corporate event in 2021, if you’re working in an area with ongoing restrictions or if your place of work simply hasn’t opened up in person again. Even without considering pandemic concerns though, this is a fun and different way to share an experience as a group. It’s enjoyable in the moment, and it gives coworkers something to discuss socially afterwards.
2. Scavenger Hunt
If you are being mindful of space with regard to health concerns, a scavenger hunt is another great way to organise a corporate event without putting people too close together. This is particularly true if you think outside the box, and design a hunt that doesn’t simply take place in the office! All you need is an open space, a set of inventive clues, and some well-hidden objects. Even a public park can do nicely and will enable the setup of a scavenger hunt that will get employees out and socialising together without feeling too much like they’re participating in a work function.
3. Poker Night
A poker night can make for another excellent idea, so long as it’s approached in a carefree manner. Trying too hard to set up a casino environment may be somewhat intimidating to some employees because playing poker in a casino actually involves a lot of pressure. From exchanging cash for chips to the following etiquette to adopting a confident persona, there’s just a lot one has to deal with in a casino environment. So long as you don’t take the idea too seriously though, a more casual poker night can be just the thing to get employees socialising and enjoying each other’s company without worrying about office matters. It’s not as conducive to spacing people out, but if your office is back up and running, or if you’re able to set up card games in the open air, it’s still a good option.
4. Comedy or Music Performance
It’s a little puzzling how little this idea seems to come up in discussions about corporate events. But really, is there anything that seems like a better way to relax employees than setting up a performer for them to enjoy together? A comedian or musician can be just the thing, and — given the pandemic — can even be asked to perform outdoors if there’s an appropriate space for it. Throw in some catering (or at least a self-serve bar) and it’ll be a lovely event that boosts morale effectively.
5. Office Olympics
Finally, there is an office Olympics to consider! A concept popularised in part by the American version of The Office (which actually has a whole episode called “Office Olympics”), it’s actually become a somewhat common option for corporate events or team-building. As for what such an event entails, it’s really up to you and your company. It can be done virtually or in-person and could involve anything from traditional lawn games to silly office tasks. So long as there’s a light-hearted element of competition though, it’s a good way to get employees participating, communicating, and generally enjoying each other’s company.