Should You Plan a Virtual or In-Person Event? The 2021 Dilemma.

Many of our clients have started announcing or rolling out their "return to office" policies for the year. While the progress toward normalcy feels SO great, it does make planning your company team-building events a little bit more complicated. Should you wait it out or risk cancellation and do in-person? Should you stick with virtual? And how do you know whether you're making the right choice?

Luckily, we've helped our clients with this question dozens of times and can do the same for you. 

Who Should Plan In-Person Event

Having an in-person event is the most energizing experience for teams. You don't have to worry about tech delays or limitations—you can just enjoy each other's company in real time. You get to see everyone—not just in a tiny window on your screen, but in living color! With opportunities for sidebar chatting and mingling with coworkers to create amazing spontaneous moments with the team. 

If your company is already working together full-time, planning an in-person event is probably a good option for you. You may have to make some concessions for COVID safety protocol, but the idea of getting together will feel natural and normal. 

Who Should Plan a Virtual Event

Planning a virtual event is the safest, easiest, most reliable way to have a team-building event this year. For starters, you don't have to worry about questionable weather forecasts raining on your parade. You also don't have to worry about your employees' comfort or risk profile with regard to COVID-19. And with a huge variety of games and activities, and every type of class from fitness to professional development, you can still plan a dynamic, energizing virtual fun day for your company.

If your company is still working remotely—entirely or partly—we strongly recommend planning a virtual event. It might be tempting to "wait it out," but at a certain point, continuing to wait means you're neglecting your company culture. And that's just not good business.

A virtual event gives you a 100% chance of success and inclusivity. It also means you don't have to worry about outbreaks or sensitive issues around masking or vaccine hesitancy. You can just relax and have fun. Isn't that the point?

Who Should Consider BOTH In-Person and Virtual Events

Many companies plan to have some people back in the office and some remain working remotely. After all, some people moved states or simply realized that their home office set up is more productive for them. So, what types of events do you do when you’re managing both in-person and remote employees?

The simple answer is to do both virtual and in-person. Create a calendar that has in-person options for those who are in the office, and virtual options that can engage all employees. You can also plan hybrid events that can be done virtually AND in -person. Some examples of this are the ZogCulture Scavenger Hunt, or a Paint Night. Both of these can be done in the comfort of your home or with colleagues in the office.

Virtual Events Are Here to Stay

We are big believers that even when the spread of COVID is effectively managed, virtual company events will continue. Why? Because they're awesome. Because they work. Because if there are members of your team who don't work in your office full-time, they can still participate in fun team-building activities. When you pick the right games, activities, and vendor partner, virtual events are a win-win-win.

Need help planning this year's events? We can help you figure out what will work best for your team. Just reach out!