VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FUN AND GAMES

Many companies have emplyees all over the country , they may not be physically able to get into the main office, or at this time of year there is a lot of illness around which can waylay many plans!

VIRTUAL TOAST

Send you emplyees a hamper in the post, make sure it has non perishable goods and include a bottle of either alcoholic or non alcoholic wine.  Ask their friends and colleagues what would be a really nice present and try and make each gift more personalised.  Often if an off the shelf hamper is sent many of the goods such as the expensive cheese biscuits, mince pies and posh chocolates arent very appreciated. Indeed one well know restuurant has taken mince pies off their menu as there is so much wastage.  Very sensible.

Raise you height adjustable desks and raise your glass.

ZOOM GAMES

Sit back in your ergonomic chair and play some games whilst you are eating your nibbles. Just on the side its very important when you are remotely workng that you have a proper supportive chair.  Its all too easy to not have a break as often as you would when you are in the main office.  You will find it easy to concentrate and enjoy your end of year games....

1.   TWENTY QUESTIONS

There are many online platforms that are easy to log in to and have a wide range of quizzes. Kahoot is a particularly good site as it has such a wide range of quizzes for different ages and stages - eg. professionals, friends and family, teachers etc etc, you can then pick the level of quiz so if its just a fun 10 mins pick an easy one, but if you want to take advantage of increasing your general knowledge then pick a higher level. You also need to take into account the knowledge of your employees, if you have a particularly quick member of staff it will be de-motivating for the other players if the quiz is too easy.

2.  CONFERENCE CALL BINGO

Playing conference call bingo can be a fun and lighthearted way to make virtual meetings more entertaining. There are free cards available online so you can create your own cards and have them related to your business.

1. Choose a Theme: Determine the theme for your bingo cards. Common themes include typical phrases or actions that occur during conference calls.

2. Create Bingo Squares: Identify 24 items related to the theme and arrange them randomly in a 5x5 grid on each bingo card. You can use phrases, actions, or common occurrences during conference calls. Here are some ideas:

   • Someone forgets to mute their microphone.
   • Awkward silence.
   • Technical difficulties.
   • Someone mentions "offline" work.
   • Someone asks, "Can you see my screen?"
   • Someone uses a buzzword or jargon.

   • 1. Make Bingo Cards: Create bingo cards using a spreadsheet or online bingo card generator. Ensure each card is unique.

     Step 2: Distribute Bingo Cards

     1. Send Cards to Participants: Distribute the bingo cards to participants before the conference call. You can either email them the cards or share a link if you used an online generator.

     Step 3: Playing the Game

     1. Explain the Rules: At the beginning of the conference call, explain the rules to participants. Let them know that when they hear or see something on their card, they can mark it off.

     2. Marking Off Squares: Participants can mark off a square when they observe the corresponding action or phrase. They can use a pen and paper or a digital tool to mark off the squares.

     3. Winning: The first participant to complete a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) or fill the entire card shouts "Bingo!" They can then share their card with the group to confirm the marked items.

     Step 4: Celebrate the Winner

     1. Acknowledgment: Acknowledge the winner and perhaps even share a virtual prize, like a funny digital badge or a mention during the call.

     2. Continue or Restart: Depending on the length of your conference call, you can continue with a new round of bingo or move on with the meeting agenda.

3.  GUESS WHO

Platforms such as Zoom Skype and Google Meet work well for playing vitrual guess who. 

Set Up the Game:

• Game Boards: Each player needs a digital "Guess Who" game board. You can find printable versions online or create your own using a graphic design tool.
• Sharing Boards: Players can share their game boards through screen sharing on the video conferencing platform or by using the online game interface.

• Select Characters:

  • Create Character Lists: Before starting the game, both players should create a list of characters from the original "Guess Who" game or choose characters that are common between them.
  • Share Lists: Share the character lists with each other so that both players have the same set of characters.

  4. Ask Yes/No Questions:

  • Taking Turns: Players take turns asking yes/no questions to narrow down the possibilities and eliminate characters.
  • Example Questions:
    • "Is your character a man?"
    • "Does your character wear glasses?"
    • "Is your character blonde?"

  Eliminate Characters:

  • Marking Characters: As players ask questions, they can mark off eliminated characters on their digital game board.
  • Update Opponent: Players should update their opponent on the results of each question and mark off the eliminated characters on their own board.

  6. Make a Guess:

  • Narrow Down Choices: As the game progresses, players can start narrowing down the choices until they have a guess.
  • Final Guess: When ready, a player can make their final guess by identifying the opponent's character.

  Declare the Winner:

  • Correct Guess: If the guess is correct, the player wins the round.
  • Incorrect Guess: If the guess is incorrect, the game continues until one player correctly identifies the opponent's character.

   Enjoy the Game:

  • Have Fun: "Guess Who" is a casual and entertaining game, so be sure to enjoy the process of asking questions and making guesses.
  • Friendly Competition: Embrace the friendly competition and laughter that comes with the game.

  Whether you play on a video conferencing platform or an online game interface, the key is good communication, fair play, and having fun with the guessing game.

   

  4. LIGHTENING SCAVENGER HUNTS

  Playing a lightning (or lightning-fast) scavenger hunt online can be a great way to add excitement and spontaneity to virtual gatherings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to organize and play an online lightning scavenger hunt:

  Choose a Platform:

  • Use a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype.
  • Make sure all participants have a stable internet connection and are comfortable using the chosen platform.
  • Invite Participants:
  • • Send invitations to participants and provide the meeting link or access details

  • Create a List:

    • Prepare a list of items or objects that participants need to find in their homes.
    • Make the list diverse and include common and uncommon items to add variety. These could be lists related to your work place, eg. products or even company expressions. Other more common lists might be things such as somthing within arms reach, a book you read recently, favourite foods etc.

  • Set a Time Limit:

    • Determine a short time limit for each round (e.g., 1-2 minutes).
    • Emphasize that participants need to be quick, as this is a lightning scavenger hunt.

  • Share the List:

    • Share the scavenger hunt list with participants through screen sharing or by sending it via chat.
    • Make sure everyone can see the list clearly.

  • Start the Hunt:

    • Announce the first item on the list and start the timer.
    • Participants must search for the item and return to their screens with it before the time runs out.

  • Show and Tell:

    • After each round, have participants show the item they found to the group.
    • Keep the pace quick and move on to the next item.

  • Scoring (Optional):

    • If you want to add a competitive element, you can assign points for each successfully found item.
    • Keep a tally of points throughout the game.

  • Declare a Winner:

    • At the end of the scavenger hunt, announce the participant with the most points as the winner.
    • Consider offering a virtual prize or recognition.

   

  These are 4 games weve given with detailed instructions on how to play but there are many more ideas such as Zoom trivia, Somethin in Common and Blackout Truth or Dare.  

   

  COLLEAGUE CHARACTERISTICS

  Think carefully about the personalities of your staff, some people might dread the thought of playing an online game, or may not feel very confident with the technology. Make sure you explain the rules very carefully and start with a stand up toast to relax everyone.