In this terrible pandemic, it’s not a good idea to gather physically to do anything fun like a company picnic. But let’s face it, keeping morale up is important. We all want to be connected in our isolation. Whether working from home or in some form of isolation, does not mean you can’t do any team events. Zoom and other similar apps allow you to meet virtually, and once you learn the basics, there are plenty of things you can do with your team. All it takes it a bit of creativity. Here are just a few ideas to get your imagination going.

1. Team Scavenger Hunt/Mystery
There are many ways to orchestrate an online hunt. Basically, you give the team(s) a list of clues. The teams retreat to their separate Zoom rooms to talk it over and divide up the tasks. These require them to do some online searches to get the answers. All the answers together form a “solution” to some problem. Plus, you can use any theme your choose. For example, “Stranded on an Island,” or “What’s with the Competition?” In the latter, the team members need to visit the websites of your competitors to get clues. It can be educational and meaningful. The creative team at Corporate Games can write one of these for you if you do not have the time to create one yourself. You could always make creating the hunt a team builder all by itself!

You could also do this outside in a small town or even your office complex. Team members would have separate tasks. These would require them to walk to several different places to find clues. In the end, they would need to get back together in a Zoom meeting to compile their answers, but everyone does get outside (which is a nice break) and they have fun working together.

2. Host a Murder Mystery
These events are great for small teams of 5- 12 people. Typically, the entire scenario plus clues and instructions are all provided. There are many versions that you can find online. Here is the description provided by one company, as an example: Gather a group of friends, put on some hot jazz, and watch your back…Dastardly deeds have been taking place at the Full House Theatre. Can your guests work out who dunnit? This kit has everything you need to host a 1920s-themed murder mystery party with just the right touch of elegance and evil intentions: a welcome speech for the host; 12 place cards, name cards, trait cards, occupation cards, and murder weapon props; and more reusable clues, forms and files that add twists and turns to the evening. The kit accommodates a group of 5-12 and is re-playable with three alternative endings. Yes, you do need someone to organize it, distribute roles and clues and facilitate.

3. Play Mafia
This is a popular group game that can work on a Zoom platform but also in person—with social distancing. Each person is assigned a role in advance. The gist of the game is that three people are “the Mafia” and others need to figure out who they are before they are all “done away with.” Having a person familiar with the game to facilitate is important, but the game can be played multiple times – with a different person facilitating each time. The game and its rules are available online.

4. Paparazzi!
This is a fun activity that can take 20 minutes to an hour. It’s very flexible and entertaining. Each team gets a list of photos to take. Usually, one to two photos per person on the team. These pictures are of people or objects that would be “newsworthy” and appear in a newspaper. You can make up the list yourself, or the team can make up their own list based on what kinds of pictures they think are possible. To make it even more interesting, have the teams each create a list and then surprise them by giving it to another team to do the photos. In the end, everyone shares their photos and accompanying headlines.

These are all fun events that you can do yourself, but it you need any help, Corporate Games is available to assist or to create and facilitate these activities for you.