Not all virtual happy hours are created equal:
Done correctly, a virtual happy hour can feel like an amazing after-work social event that makes everyone feel more refreshed come Monday morning. Mission accomplished.
Done poorly, a virtual happy hour will still feel like a party, but more like a dinner party with your great aunt and uncle who love to argue about politics.
When throwing a virtual happy hour remember that your goal is for your employees to have fun and NOT be looking for the "Leave Meeting" button.
So the key to pulling off this social event is to create an engaging atmosphere that holds the attention of everyone involved.
Trivia nights are a fantastic way to get everyone in your group involved and encourage a little friendly competition. You need 3 essential things: A good host, fun questions, and a format.
A mixology class is an instant crowd-pleaser that allows participants to learn how to craft quality cocktails from a professional mixologist. Share the ingredients and tools beforehand.
Sophisticated and classy, a virtual wine tasting is a wonderful way to explore different wine flavors. Have each participant choose a bottle of wine in advance and describe it to the group.
Escape rooms are widely popular for team-building activities. Split your attendees into different teams to work together to solve puzzles and find clues.
Creativity and hands-on activities are a surefire way to create fun. Choose something that can be easily done at home like painting, paper crafts, or jewelry-making.
Nothing brings people together like food. Choose a common ingredient or theme and have participants prepare a dish, then present and vote on favorites.
From classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble to virtual versions of popular party games, virtual game nights are guaranteed to create a lively atmosphere.
For those who want a more low-key approach, virtual movie nights are a great way for introverts to spend time together without social pressure.
Many museums and galleries offer virtual tours. Select a museum or theme, share the link, and encourage discussion as you navigate through the virtual exhibits.
Allow participants to take turns sharing their ideal travel destination or favorite past vacation. Encourage them to prepare pictures and information beforehand.
Let your team unleash hidden talents - singing, dancing, music, magic tricks, stand-up comedy. Consider themes like "useless talents" to keep the mood light-hearted.
Have participants share ANY hobby or interesting item that reflects their personality - a collection, artwork, a pet, or even a unique skill.
Virtual happy hours are only the first step to boosting employee engagement. With the right tools and techniques, you can bring all the benefits of going virtual while mitigating the challenges.
Our team of experts carry over 15 years of experience and are EAGER to share their wisdom. Tell us what problems you're encountering and we'll give you practical advice.