Building better connections through PLAY.

It's been nine weeks since stay at home orders made their way across the country, but for many of us, it has felt much longer. Because we are working remotely, we no longer get as much social interaction from our peers and colleagues. And, at a certain point, the endless string of video meetings is more draining than energizing.

But we're here to show you that hope is not lost.

You do not have to feel isolated or alone during the COVID-19 quarantine. There are still plenty of ways to feel connected to your team, your company, and the work you're doing.

Topics: Remote Working, Working Remotely, coronavirus, covid-19, isolation, virtual social activities, quarantine

With the latest advice from the coronavirus task force to limit gathering to groups with 10 or fewer, many companies across the country have decided to implement teleworking policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Whether your company always works remotely or is doing so temporarily, there are very real benefits gained from offering this flexibility to employees.

But it does take some forethought to build or maintain a team when you're not physically in the same place.

Topics: Team, Team Building, Connection, Games, Remote Working, Working Remotely, coronavirus

Many companies have already implemented policies, communications, and contingencies for how they will operate during the current public health issue of the coronavirus (COVID-19). And while there is no way to overstate how important those preparations are, there's another hugely important thing for companies to consider:

Topics: Connection, Company Culture, Leadership, coronavirus

Many of our clients are looking for more than just another repetitive happy hour. They want their company events to truly improve company culture, to drive connections, and improve working relationships in the office. 

One key area for those improvements is with regard to employee recognition. If you're looking for help infusing recognition into your company events, you'll want to start with these simple questions.

Topics: Company Culture, company events, Employee Recognition

Think about a time when you really nailed it. That feeling when you reached a milestone. That moment when you hit your goal. It feels good, right? It feels even better when someone else notices. So, how do you amplify the positive feeling so your employees feel recognized?

Topics: Company Culture, Employee Recognition

Your company event strategy can have a huge impact on the culture of your organization. So, rather than planning events last minute, it's important to consider what you really want to gain from the events, and how you want your company to grow.

We have some key tips on how to use events to create greater recognition, connection, balance, inclusivity, and fun.  

Topics: Company Culture, company events, company party, office events

Remember how winter felt when you were a kid? The exciting feeling of the first "snow day" of the year. The warm, sweet, creamy first sip of hot cocoa after a snowball fight. The carefree delight of ice skating with your friends. 

Those were the good old days. Why did things seem so good, so simple back then? 

Topics: company events, company party, nostalgia

Okay, so it’s late October, and you’re getting down to brass tacks on your company holiday party. You want it to feel special. You want your employees to be excited about it. You want to celebrate a great year with a night that is memorable and fun to keep them feeling engaged and valued.

Topics: Play, Holiday Party, company events, Games, Fun, Activities, Venues, company holiday party, company party, bowling

A venue sets the stage for what kind of party you’re going to have and the variables when choosing one can make anyone’s head spin. Before you decide on the place, it’s helpful to know roughly how many people will be attending, what activities will be planned, and, of course, what budget you have to work with. Even with this information, though, wading through the options and finding a venue that checks every box on your criteria can be quite the challenge.

Topics: Play, Event Planning, Corporate Event Planning, Holiday, Holiday Party, Ideas, Tips, company events, Games, Fun, Venues

Planning a holiday party can be tough, particularly when you have a limited budget for the event AND your team’s expectations riding on your shoulders. But having an incredible holiday celebration doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Topics: Corporate Event Planning, Holiday Party, company events, Activities

You’ve nailed down the date for your next company party. You’ve arranged the time and place, and you know who will be showing up. Those are the first steps but now you must answer the most important question that will determine whether your party is successful—how will you entertain your guests? Specifically, what will engage your employees beyond drinking and conversation to make your event memorable?

Topics: CSR, Corporate Event Planning, Holiday Party, Ideas, Tips, company events, Fun, Play Personalities, Activities

We often hear from our clients that the most difficult part of planning a company event is the work that goes into getting people excited for it. We get it and we’re here to help. Here are five ways to build up anticipation and have employees ready to fully enjoy the festivities once the day arrives.

Topics: Office Culture, Play, Event Planning, Corporate Event Planning, Ideas, Employee Engagement, Culture, Employee Experience, Company, Company Culture, Tips, company events, Employee Appreciation, Fun

When all 25 New York City-based team members of the ZogLife office worked remotely for nearly two months while their workspace underwent a refresh, the team used it as an opportunity to experiment.

Topics: Office Culture, Play, Team, Team Building, Productivity, Ideas, Employee Engagement, Connection, Employee Experience, Company Culture, Leadership, Goals, Tips, Fun, Working Remotely

As a kid, did you buy those pharmacy-branded Valentine’s Day Cards with cheesy sayings like “Just speeding by with Valentine 'Hi'”?

Topics: Office Culture, Team Building, Holiday, Gratitude, Connection, Culture, Employee Experience, Company, Company Culture, Core Values, Tips, Human Resources, Games, Valentine's Day, Love

Do you ever feel like you can’t get your events strategy right? Ever feel like you don't have the answers on how to make an event inclusive and still deliver an experience that is fun AND helps your team connect?

Topics: Employee Engagement, Company Culture, diversity and inclusion, company events