Let’s face it: virtual happy hours can be super awkward. When Scoot first went completely remote at the start of the pandemic, we had a couple of virtual get togethers that were lackluster at best. And it wasn’t because we don’t get along or have a good company culture. It was simply because those online meeting tools weren’t designed to help people connect and build relationships while socializing virtually.
Using a platform like Scoot that allows for authentic connection, and following these 5 steps can help you to host fun virtual events and happy hours.
Many companies know the importance of having strong workplace relationships when it comes to employee engagement, performance, and retention. At the same time, many companies have historically been able to encourage relationship building by hosting in-person events. Now that in-person socialization is on pause, business leaders are realizing that they need alternative solutions – today and moving forward.
To host an awesome online team building event like a virtual happy hour, there are some core components that everyone should consider including in their virtual events. To learn more about those components and the platform that enables them, keep on reading!
1. Create an atmosphere that fits the occasion
When you first begin planning your virtual happy hour, consider the people who will be attending the event. What kind of atmosphere would make them most impressed and feel most comfortable? Is there a theme you know they would love?
With Scoot, you can create an atmosphere that fits any occasion. You get to choose a name and description of the event, and then pick a music playlist and 3D background. With numerous pre-created backgrounds, the ability to completely customize your own, and premium music playlists for any occasion, the possibilities are endless for creating the perfect virtual event for your people.
2. Encourage mingling
One of the hardest things to do on traditional meeting platforms is mingle with others. Yet it is one of the most fun and most important aspects of team building events like happy hours. Mingling is what allows attendees to get to know people who they may not interact with frequently. This is especially helpful for new employees who haven’t yet had a chance to develop strong relationships at work.
Scoot inherently encourages mingling similar to a real-life mixer. Each person can move around the room and strike up spontaneous conversations throughout the duration of the event. Using the map, it’s easy to see where other groups are located and hover over individuals to see their names. These are just some of the ways that Scoot is better than Zoom and other platforms when it comes to virtual events.
3. Welcome everyone with a toast
Though it can be somewhat nerve-wracking, making a toast is a great opportunity to express thoughtful sentiments with a group. It can be helpful to bring some prepared thoughts on a sticky note to avoid missing anything important.
Overall, toasts can really add to events like virtual happy hours because they are another time you can demonstrate that more thought went into this than the average daily meeting. It’s also a great way to highlight a special individual publicly. That’s why Scoot has a “Make a Toast” feature that anyone can use to make a toast to the rest of the group.
4. Get conversation flowing with icebreakers
Jumpstarting conversation can be a challenge at any social event, and the nature of virtual events seems to make it even more difficult. Luckily, there are solutions out there such as icebreakers. Icebreakers are a tried and true way to break through the awkwardness and start some interesting conversations.
Though you will always have the option to create your own icebreaker activities and questions, Scoot provides numerous prompts from categories like ‘just for fun’ and ‘in the workplace’. With this feature, you can host a virtual happy hour without ever having to prepare conversation starters.
5. Make it special with a live performance
This thrill of live performances is undeniable, and it has been missed by many during times of social distancing. But what if you could bring a live performer to a virtual event?
With the live music feature, Scoot allows you to do just that. Whether it’s a jazz musician, a folk singer, or a comedian, anyone can perform to a group of people in any Scoot event. Not only is this great for the attendees who get to enjoy a live performance, but the performer can see the crowd reacting and feed off of its energy.
In Conclusion
Virtual happy hours have huge potential to be fun and engaging; people just need to start using the right platforms to host them on. Tools created for meetings and conferences aren’t going to cut it anymore.
While we won’t be social distancing forever, there’s no doubt that work has changed forever. More companies have remote policies that will become more and more permanent, and they will continue to need solutions for virtual socializing and relationship-building. As those needs develop, Scoot will continue to grow and evolve, creating more ways to build relationships no matter where your people are located.
