When should you start planning a Christmas Party?

If you’re wondering when you should start planning a christmas party, the time is now! It’s that time of year again. Christmas items are popping up in every store you walk into. But why? After all, it’s only September.

Well for most companies, we’re already thinking about Christmas come July, ready for people, just like you, to start planning as early as possible. A lot of companies are even looking as early as May so it’s likely, all the best ideas will be sold out if you leave it too late.

A Christmas Party is something that every company will want to provide to their team this year. It’s the perfect way to reward your staff for all their hard work throughout the year and get into the festive spirit.

So… why should you plan a Christmas Party so early?

Planning months early can provide you with a stress-free couple of months. This is because planning this early on gives you plenty of time to figure out:

• Your group size
• Timings for your event
• Budget
• How you would like your event tailored to you and your team
• Any extra equipment you may need. This could range from a deluxe snack box to wine-tasting kits.

Alongside this, there are immeasurably more flexible booking terms. Deposits can be returned, and event dates can be swapped around. Your booking will also be secured a lot quicker, and small tweaks to your event can be made. You will have substantially more control and your event will therefore be exactly as you expect – high quality. What’s not to love?

With this, there will be fewer misunderstandings between you and one of our Event Managers, meaning you can get the perfect event for you and your team! Your event is also more likely to work with your schedule. If it’s going to counteract with a birthday or something, the quicker you let us know, the likelihood is you’ll be able to avoid a clash.

All this time will give you a chance to build up some excitement within your company, meaning you may be able to get even more people involved in your plans. This means you could even connect and branch out with people that you may not have known so well before! You may even bond better with people you may not have taken a liking to initially!

Planning so early will save you a lot of time in the long run. There will be fewer calls needing to be made, and you don’t have to worry about your event managers being busy with another customer. Nobody wants to be the one ringing people 24/7 trying to just find anything. Your colleagues will be looking forward to their Christmas Work Social and you don’t want to leave it too late.

Christmas Party Ideas

We have so many Christmas Party ideas which are ready to book nice and early so you can guarantee the best availability!

1. Office Games Festive Gameshow

A festive twist on our popular Office Games Gameshow! Bringing the glitz and glamour of TV to you with a full gameshow setup including big screen, charismatic gameshow host and podium buzzers.

2. Festive Four Quarters

A collaborative festive activity featuring four quarters of activities including Santas Workshop (lego building), Present Your Art (create an art masterpiece, Christmas Chorus (recreate a festive music video) and Don’t Sleigh The Egg (creating a sleigh from limited materials). Can you take on the challenge?

3. Quizmas – The Big Festive Quiz

Battle it out in the ultimate Christmas Quiz with Quizmas, a unique festive quiz game featuring audio and visual elements to enhance your quiz experience. Take each other on in Festive Film rounds, Sleigh My Name Music rounds, Guess The Celebrity Santa picture round and much more!

4. Crimbo Bingo Live

After the success of our virtual Crimbo Bingo, we’ve brought it live! A unique twist on a traditional Christmas Bingo Game, instead of ticking off numbers, you’ll be ticking off songs! Hosted by a professional host who will get your Christmas Spirits up, it’s a party not to be missed.

5. Evening Murder Mystery Entertainment

Whodunnit? Do you know? We don’t know! In our Evening Murder Mystery Entertainment, it will be up to you to find out by talking to live actors and picking up clues. With a variety of themes and bespoke options available, your Christmas Party will have everyone talking for weeks to come.

In short, if you’re wondering when you should start planning a Christmas Party, it’s never too early! Looking for more Christmas Party ideas? You can visit our Christmas Party page or download our Christmas Party Brochure at the button below –

Don’t let Christmas Party planning stress you out. This is what we are here for. We can help you provide your team with a fun event as long as you give us the right amount of time to help you! Be proactive and think ahead – even if it means thinking about Christmas way too early!

As Team Building Activity experts, we often get asked for ideas on how to build team cohesion and foster a positive work environment. For many companies, Team Building may be a way to let loose and have some fun outside of work, which can help to build relationships and create a more relaxed atmosphere. With an increase in venues such as activity adventure bars and unique food outlets, it has becomes commonplace to arrange team events where colleagues can have a few drinks to wind down.

While some may think that alcohol is a key ingredient to a successful team building event, there are plenty of great ideas that don’t involve drinking. In fact, companies are increasingly moving away from alcohol-centered events due to liability concerns, health and wellness initiatives, and a desire to be more inclusive.

The benefits of alcohol free team building activities are numerous. First and foremost, it allows companies to be more inclusive and accommodating to employees who may not drink or who prefer not to be around alcohol. It also promotes a healthier and more balanced work environment, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best team building ideas that don’t include drinking alcohol:

ESCAPE ROOMS

Escape rooms are a fun and engaging way to build teamwork and problem-solving skills. Participants work together to solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape the room before time runs out. These activities can be done in-person or virtually and are suitable for groups of any size.

Our Favourite Escape Rooms

1. VR Escape Room – La Casa Deniro
2. Pop-Up Escape Game – The Final Cypher
3. The Sleuth – Escape Room

COOKING CLASSES

Cooking classes are a great way to encourage collaboration and communication among team members. Participants work together to prepare a meal or dish, with each person taking on a different role. You can even try your hand at a bit of baking with Great British Bake Off inspired activities. These activities can often be done in-person or virtually, with ingredients and instructions delivered to participants’ homes or shopping lists provided.

Our Favourite Cooking Classes

1. Ultimate Chef Challenge
2. Bakeathon
3. Virtual Team Building Cooking Class

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER DAYS

Volunteering as a team is a great way to build camaraderie while making a positive impact in the community. Companies can organize a volunteer day at a local charity or non-profit organization, allowing team members to work together towards a common goal while giving back.

Corporate Volunteer Days Ideas

1. The Wildlife Trust
2. The Trussell Trust Food Banks
3. Crisis 

SCAVENGER HUNTS

A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to build teamwork and problem-solving skills. Participants work together to solve clues and complete challenges as they race to be the first team to finish. This activity can be done in-person or virtually, with clues and challenges delivered through a mobile app in some experiences and through a good old fashioned map in others!

Our Favourite Scavenger Hunt Style Activities

1. TBE Scavenger Hunt
2. GPS Treasure Hunt
3. The Gemini Murders Outdoor Adventure Game

BOARD GAMES

Board games are a classic way to build teamwork and communication skills. Participants work together to strategize and compete in a friendly and relaxed environment. There are a ton of different board games you can play and even life sized versions such as Monopoly!

Board Game Classics

1. Monopoly
2. Operation
3. Mouse Trap

In conclusion, there are plenty of great team building ideas that don’t involve drinking alcohol. From escape rooms to cooking classes to volunteer days, companies can choose activities that are engaging, fun, and beneficial to their employees. Team Building Experiences aim to provide a variety of inclusive experiences to suit everybody. So why not give it a try and see how it can benefit your team?

When to Celebrate? What to Celebrate? How to Celebrate?

Sometimes, we need a solid reason to go to the boss and convince them that the team needs an hour to sing, dance, quiz, or drink together. Perhaps you want to raise money for charity or celebrate a culture.

We’ve created a helpful guide to the key dates to schedule your office celebrations to help get your boss on your side.

We see companies participate in events for a whole range of reasons. The obvious are, of course, Christmas Parties, End-of-Quarter Parties, and Summer Parties.

However, many other celebrations, such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Independence Day, are just as popular.

Not all events need a whole company celebration; we often see smaller groups (like departments or management teams) book activities for Leaving Parties, Baby Showers and Birthdays.

So, to make things super simple for all the office event planners, we’ve created a detailed list of all the key dates to celebrate.

Please note that we try to keep this page current each year, but please check the dates.

JANUARY

• New Year’s Day (1st January)
• Blue Monday (20th January 2025) – trust us, everyone will need cheering up!
• Lunar New Year (29th January 2025)

FEBRUARY

• Valentine’s Day (14th February)
• Ramadan begins (28th February 2025)

MARCH

• Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day (4th March 2025)
• Start of Lent or Ash Wednesday (5th March 2025)
• International Women’s Day (8th March)
• Commonwealth Day (13th March)
• St Patrick’s Day (17th March)
• Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day (21st March 2025)
• Ramadan ends (30th March 2025)

APRIL

• Lent ends (17th April 2025)
• Easter Sunday (20th April 2025)

MAY

• Eurovision Song Contest (13th May 2024)

JUNE

• Pride Month (throughout June)—pick a date to celebrate or participate in a range of activities.

JULY

• Independence Day (4th July)
• FIFA Women’s World Cup starts (20th July 2024)

AUGUST

• Yorkshire Day (1st August)
• Summer Bank Holiday (28th August 2024) is the last bank holiday in England and Wales before Christmas!
• Rugby Championship  (10th August – 28th September 2024)

Fixtures for World Rugby

SEPTEMBER

• Labor Day USA (4th September)
• 189th Oktoberfest (21st September to 6th October, 2024)

OCTOBER

• Halloween (31st October)

NOVEMBER

• Bonfire Night (5th November)
• Thanksgiving USA (23rd November)

DECEMBER

• Hanukkah begins (7th December)
• Christmas Day (25th December) – maybe don’t celebrate this one on the day… we doubt anyone would turn up!
• New Year’s Eve (31st December)

2026

FIFA World Cup, Canada, Mexico and USA
11th June to 19th July 19, 2026

The above list is packed full of key British dates that companies should celebrate, regardless of their team size.

Of course, the list may differ slightly between companies, especially large multinationals. We’ve included some of the more well-known International holidays, such as Independence Day and Lunar New Year.

However, if a company has a significant number of employees from a geographical location, they should definitely research some key dates/holidays and mark the occasion, too.

You may even have more company-specific dates that need to be added (e.g., the date you were founded, anniversary celebrations, employee celebrations, etc.).

And if your boss still isn’t keen, send them our way, and we’ll do the persuading for you!

Reach us at i[email protected] or call 01235 634744.

What is a Winter Corporate Fun Day?

A Winter Corporate Fun Day is exactly as it sounds! In the winter months, things can get difficult among teams. Days become shorter but feel longer, the change in weather affects moods, and there’s always the money struggles in the run up to Christmas and after the New Year.

But here’s the good news: a Winter Corporate Fun Day can change all that. By bringing your team together for a fun, energizing event—perhaps with a festive twist—you can give everyone a reason to smile and shake off those winter blues.

Why have a Winter Corporate Fun Day?

1. Morale Booster!

Winter can zap the energy out of even the most motivated teams. With darker days and real life distractions, it’s easy for spirits to dip. A Winter Corporate Fun Day is the perfect pick-me-up to remind your team why they love working together. Happy teams are productive teams, and nothing beats the buzz of everyone laughing and enjoying themselves.

2. Combat the Shorter Days

As the days get shorter, so does everyone’s attention span. The winter slump is real—dark mornings and early evenings can make the workday feel endless. A fun, energizing day can help refresh everyone’s mindset, keeping your team motivated and engaged even during the gloomiest months.

3. Show Your Team Appreciation

Your team has worked hard all year, and winter is the perfect time to recognize that effort. A Winter Corporate Fun Day isn’t just a reward—it’s a way to show your employees they’re valued and appreciated. When people feel seen and recognized, they’re happier, more engaged, and ready to give their best, even during the final push of the year.

Corporate Fun Day Ideas to Blow Away the Winter Blues

1. The Office Games

Bring a bit of Saturday Night Telly to your team with our game show team building event: The Office Games! If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to participate in a real TV gameshow, now is your chance to finally have a go (and we bet it’s more complicated than you think!). In one of the most fun and unforgettable events your team has ever experienced, you will compete in numerous physical and mental rounds. This event guarantees plenty of laughs and a whole host of memorable moments.

2. Betrayers

Betrayers is a team building event like no other. Filled with suspense and intrigue, your team will be forced to use their problem-solving skills and intuition to identify the Betrayers within their midst. With mini games and challenging tasks, teams will need to work together. The event also includes round table discussions where the goal is to unmask the Betrayers within. It’s the perfect experience to bring your team together for some team bonding fun.

3. The Big Quiz

Everyone loves a quiz right? The Big Quiz is no ordinary quiz though. Whilst it includes traditional rounds we all know and love, it comes with a unique twist! Included in the event is a big screen and projector setup as well as tablets to create an interactive quiz experience. Rounds include Pot Luck, TV and Film, Sport, Music and Picture Round and the event includes audio and visual elements to make it so much more than ‘just a quiz’!

4. Beat The Box

Beat The Box is the perfect winter team building event. It combines strategy, teamwork, communication but above all, fun! The ‘Box’ is an inflatable cube where participants from each team must take part in timed challenges. Each team gets practice rounds for each challenge and can nominate players however, once you’re in that box, it’s all about how that person copes under pressure. Will they have nerves of steel or will they crumble?

5. Four Quarters Team Challenge

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet inclusive winter team building activity, Four Quarters Team Challenge has everything you need and more. With four challenge zones featuring creative activities, teams will need to collaborate and communicate to complete each task effectively. Featuring canvas painting, lego building, music video making and egg basket building, there’s a challenge to suit varying skills and strengths within all teams.

Why Corporate Winter Fun Matters

Winter can be a tough time for teams, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to hit pause, reconnect, and inject a little fun into the workplace. A Winter Corporate Fun Day isn’t just about having a good time (although that’s a big part of it); it’s about creating a happy, energized team that’s ready to tackle the rest of the year together.

Ready to make it happen? Get in touch today, and let’s plan a Winter Corporate Fun Day your team will be talking about well into the new year!

Contact Team Building Experiences

Are In-Person Christmas Parties Back in 2022?

In-Person Christmas Parties are absolutely back in 2022! After 2 full years of Virtual Festive Events and not being able to bring the whole team together, this year we are finally in the clear to have full-blown Christmas Parties! Woohoo! So, why not get your whole team together, or even a few teams, and celebrate all of your joint and individual success this year! After all, we all deserve it!

Top 5 In-Person Christmas Party Activities

1. The Office Games: Festive Gameshow

Bring a bit of Saturday Night telly to your team with our BRAND NEW for Christmas 2022 festive gameshow. Get ready for one of the most fun and unforgettable events your team has ever experienced! With a professional gameshow host to entertain and lead teams through numerous Christmas-themed physical and mental rounds, this activity guarantees to provide plenty of laughs and a whole host of memorable moments.

2. Festive VR Challenge

Our Festive VR Challenge may be the most exciting and and innovative activity that teams can experience this holiday season! Get ready to immerse your team in fun and festive environmetns that will make them feel like a Christmas Holiday come early! These games are single-player, point-based games with a leaderboard – win the most points to become the champion!

3. Christmas Murder Mystery

Mix up the festive season this year with a Christmas Murder Mystery! In teams, you will solve a murder with a Christmassy twist! With different themes to pick one, including Who Sleighed Santa and How To Bump Off Your Boss At The Christmas Party, you can really make this event your own! Get together as a team to discover who is guilty in the Christmas Murder Mystery!

4. Merry Madness: Festive Quest

Christmas is at risk, and only you can save it! Packed with all of the interactive and fun festive challenges you can think of, this is an event like no other! The Christmas List has been taken meaning Christmas is about to be ruined! Combining the excitement of escape rooms with a feast of high energy and fun challenged, Merry Madness: Festive Quest is perfect for a Christmas Party!

5. Christmas Comedy Club

What better way to enjoy the festive season than with a Christmas Comedy Club! Get those endorphins flowing as you’re in stitches over the funniest stand up comics you’ve ever seen! Our expert comedians deliver bespoke live stand up comedy with artists carefully selected to suit your team! What better way to end the year with a bang!

Why Should I Have an In-Person Christmas Party?

1. Gets Everyone Together

With lots of companies adopting a hybrid or remote working model, it can be difficult to get the whole team together. So, what better way than an In-Person Christmas Party! Everyone can get together in a social setting and have some fun! After all, with teams being together a rareity for some, what better time to celebrate than Christmas!

2. Morale Booster

If there’s one thing that all teams need every now and again, it’s a morale booster. A lot of the time, it can be work, work, work, leaving lots of people feeling tired and maybe even a little burnt out. Therefore, by introducing something exciting, like an In-Person Christmas Party, it can really help boost the morale of your team! After all, a happy team is a productive team!

3. Better Working Relationships

A lot of the time, teams only know each other in a work setting. However, by holding socials such as an In-Person Christmas Party, this can help build relationships and rapport between team members. When transferred to the office, this can improve results across the board! Plus, the culture of a company is essential, and good working relationships are vital for team success.

4. Engagement, Motivation, Retention

Possibly the most important part of managing a team is ensuring that your team are motivated, engaged, and most of all, want to stay! After all, investing in your current employees is much better for both them and the team! One way to do this is by throwing an In-Person Christmas Party and showing your team just how much they’re appreciated! This will help keep them engaged and motivated to work well for the team, as they’ll feel they have a personal stake in the team’s success.

5. Breaking the Barrier

Often in some teams, there can be a bit of a barrier between the team and management, with some team members even feeling as though they cannot approach management. Throwing a fun and sociable In-Person Christmas Party can help get everyone together in a social setting to strip away the job titles and get everyone talking and engaged! Breaking down the barrier can be important, as working relationships between team members and managers are vital for success!

How to Book an In-Person Christmas Party

Booking an In-Person Festive Event has never been easier! All you have to do is take a look through our Christmas Activities, pick your favourite, let us know and we’ll do the rest! Just make sure you’ve got the basic information such as number of attendees (this can be a rough number!) and the event date you’d like, as well as your location, and you’re good to go! We’ll take over the rest for you and make sure you get your ultimate In-Person Christmas Party booked!

What is a Virtual Christmas Party?

The term Virtual Christmas Party first started appearing in mainstream media in 2020 along with the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a way to boost morale and get the whole team together in a time where we couldn’t see each other in person. However, now that the world has opened back up, some things have stayed the same – include remote or hybrid working! Because of this, Virtual Christmas Parties are back and better than ever, allowing the whole team to get together and celebrate all of their success across the year!

Why Should I Have a Virtual Christmas Party?

1. Get the whole team together!

If there’s one thing a Virtual Christmas Party is good for, it’s getting the whole team together! With lots of companies employing remote or hybrid workings, for a lot of people there isn’t as much chance as there used to be to get the whole team together, especially if they’re dotted around in different areas! With a Virtual Experience, you can make sure that the whole group are able to socialise and get together for a Festive Event without anyone being left out!

2. Increase Engagement

With team members located in different areas and not getting as much chance to connect, this can lead to low engagement. As a team leader, it’s essential that you make sure your team are feeling engaged and their morale is high. What better way to achieve this than by getting everyone together for some Virtual Cocktail Making or a Virtual Murder Mystery! Not only does this allow your team to get to know each other a bit better, but it helps to avoid disengagement that some remote workers may feel!

3. Flexibility

One of the best things about Virtual Experiences is their flexibility! Your team can join no matter where in the world they are, and a lot of the time can even involve sending equipment to your house! All you need to do is log into the online session and everything else is done for you! Additionally, with an online experience, there’s no travel involved, which opens up more times and dates that everyone can do!

4. Budget Friendly

Another huge benefit of a Virtual Christmas Party is they are seriously budget-friendly! Without the addition of venue hire, travel and more, you can treat your team to a Christmas Experience within a smaller budget! This means that no matter what your budget, you can give your team the festive experience that they deserve!

5. Morale Booster

As we said before, when a lot of people are working from home, morale can start to decrease a bit as employees are often working alone. What better way to bring everyone together as a team and boost morale than with a Virtual Christmas Party! At the end of the year, it’s important to get everyone together and celebrate all of their individual and shared success throughout the year! Your team’s mental health and workplace satisfaction is just as important as the work they produce!

Top 5 Virtual Christmas Party Experiences

1. Crimbo Bingo

You snow the drill by the now. Virtual Christmas Bingo is a game of chance in which each player matches their numbers to the ones the host shouts out. However, this is bingo with a twist! Crimbo Bingo doesn’t work with numbers, it works with songs and more specifically, CHRISTMAS SONGS! Sleigh, what?!

2. Save Our Santa: Festive Virtual Escape Room

This year, Santa is NOT coming to town. He has been kidnapped by the evil Sam_X and nobody knows where he is being held! Well, nobody… except YOU!With Christmas morning only an hour away, your team has just one mission: Save Our Santa! Expect Christmas clues, terrible puns and a whole load of laughter in this festive challenge So roll up your stockings and get ready for a very merry adventure!

3. The Big Christmas Gameshow

Our Big Virtual Gameshow is back and better than ever with this special Christmas edition! Give your team the gift of competition this December as 2 teams battle it out head to head in these games inspired by the very best Game Shows! It’s snow joke that Christmas is all about spending quality time together and having some good, old-fashioned fun. Thankfully, the Big Christmas Gameshow specialises in doing just that. Our versatile social activity requires lots of talking, teamwork, tinsel and a tipple might help too!

4. Festive Murder Mystery: Wreath of Death

Local florist Holly Berry has organised a Christmas wreath making evening for a select few locals in the small village of Nether Regions. They were expecting an evening of festive fun but instead, they walked into a murder scene! Poor Holly has been murdered; they may claim it was a shock, but does one of our budding crafters know more than they are letting on?

5. Virtual Cocktail Making

Mr Flavour’s Online Cocktail Masterclass is an online experience to remember! Whether you are celebrating a colleagues birthday, spicing up your monthly meeting or looking to boost your teams morale – we guarantee you’ll team will have a boozy blast!

How Do I Book a Virtual Christmas Party?

It’s simple! When it comes to booking a Virtual Christmas Party, all you have to do is have a look through our Virtual Christmas Experiences and see which you think your team would enjoy the most. Then, enquire with us and we’ll give you all of the information you need and book it for you! We’ll then give you all of the information to pass along to your team, and all you have to do is show up! It really couldn’t be any more simple.

So there you have it! Everything you could possibly need to know about Virtual Christmas Parties. What will you be doing this Christmas? Will you be getting your team together in-person or treating your team to a fun and festive Virtual Experience?

A Quick Look at Virtual and Physical Gameshows

Physical Gameshows have always been a huge success, however, we can’t say we enjoy the first one that was ever brought to screens! The very first gameshow was Spelling Bee, which was broadcast on 31st May 1938. Since then, we have been blessed with Taskmaster, The Cube, Family Fortunes, Countdown and many more!

Virtual Gameshows, on the other hand, are a newer development. Becoming popular during the pandemic, online gameshows provide the excitement and thrill of real Gameshows, with a fun and safe twist of it being delivered via Zoom. They are played entirely online, connecting teams from all over the globe, and create an extremely immersive experience for all.

Side by Side

While physical gameshows are certainly more established than virtual gameshows, they are limited when it comes to connecting teams around the world. In some cases, this can be incredibly convenient, particularly for teams who all live and work in the same area, or for those who have full company meetings in one area. However, those who are on other ends of the planet may struggle with finding the perfect location for both parties.

In-person events are much more expensive to organise, as you need to factor in entertainment, potentially food and drink, a venue, and things like parking/travel if outside of your office. If brought into offices, they can completely transform your boring, old working environment, to the glitz and glamour of the nations-favourite gameshows.

On the other hand, virtual gameshows provide a much more immediate offering. Their accessibility and affordability make them a flexible choice that can conveniently slot into an employees calendar. It can help to connect worldwide employees, without the worry (and extra costs) of flights and accomodation.

Gameshow Events in a Post-Pandemic World

While physical TV-inspired entertainment are slowly returning to business as usual in a post-pandemic world, there is no denying that online gameshows certainly hit their highest during the pandemic. The opportunity to connect distant teams in a virtual space that focussed on different aspects of popular televsion hits and team building was, and still is, a hard thing to pass up. As many teams have adapted to remote and flexible working and have no plans for that to change, the allure of virtual team building activities is attractive to many companies.

This does not mean that physical gameshows are done for though. An increase in in-person events has certainly proved this Summer, and we are expecting the same for the upcoming festive season. We are finally able to get back to socialising like we did before COVID-19 struck in 2020, which we know is something companies are definitely looking to do. Real-time connections can’t always be replicated in the same way through a virtual event, and now that many countried are lifting their restrictions, face-to-face is incredibly valuable.

All in All

Whether you want to looking into a physical or virtual gameshow, do consider what would be best for your team. Both are great fun, and have proved to be our most popular activites – so either way, you’re guaranteed a good time! Our hosts will be ready to welcome you.

Mental health in the workplace is a crucial aspect of overall employee well-being. In this guide, we explore the significance of mental health, the root causes of workplace mental health issues, and effective strategies for supporting employees. By understanding and addressing these factors, employers can create a more supportive and productive work environment. Click on the links below to navigate to specific sections of the guide:

• Statistics around Mental Health in the Workplace
• The Root Causes of Workplace Mental Health Issues
• The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
• How Can You Support Your Employees
• Implementing Mental Health Strategies
• Promoting a Positive Workplace Culture
• Taking Action

Statistics around Mental Health In The Workplace

In a recent study conducted by Mental Health UK in 2024, it was found that nine out of ten people experienced high or extreme levels of stress. In the UK alone, over 825,000 employees suffer from work-related stress according to Spill. Seventeen percent of workers struggle with a diagnosed mental health condition, and 38% without a diagnosed condition still feel burnt out and anxious. As employers, it’s essential to prioritize your employees’ well-being and address mental health proactively.

The Root Causes of Workplace Mental Health Issues

Financial Stress

Our world has changed significantly, with global events contributing to inflation and a cost of living crisis. According to a study by Calm, financial stress is a top mental health stressor. Employees often take on overtime and extra hours because they feel they can’t afford not to, leading to a cycle of overwork and burnout.

Technological Pressures

Technology has also had a profound impact. The rise of an ‘always connected’ culture increases the pressure on employees to be constantly available. This blurs the lines between work and personal life, negatively affecting work-life balance and contributing to mental health challenges.

Workplace Culture and Environment

The culture and environment of a workplace play a crucial role in employees’ mental health. High-pressure environments, lack of support, and poor communication can lead to stress and anxiety. Additionally, issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination can significantly impact mental well-being.

Personal Factors

Employees bring their personal lives into the workplace, and personal issues can affect their mental health. Family problems, health issues, and personal financial struggles can all contribute to stress and anxiety at work.

The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health is as important as physical health. Employees who are mentally healthy are more productive, engaged, and committed to their work. Good mental health leads to better decision-making, improved relationships, and overall job satisfaction. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and higher turnover rates.

How Can You Support Your Employees

Acknowledgement and Support

The most crucial step is to acknowledge employees’ struggles without dismissing them. A supportive manager can significantly improve an employee’s mental health. Enhance mental health training in your workplace, either by bringing in external experts or by revisiting and updating existing initiatives.

Listening and Offering Help

People deal with stress differently. Some need someone to listen, while others may not want to talk at all, and both approaches are valid. If you’re unsure how to help, consider providing a wellness box as a gesture of support. This shows employees that you recognize their feelings and are there for them when they’re ready to talk, while also offering methods of relaxation and de-stressing.

Encouraging Social and Physical Activities

Staying social and active is vital for mental health. Activities like sports days and scavenger hunts. can be inclusive for all abilities, providing a balance of fun and physical exercise. As the NHS website states, “Being physically active can lift your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, encourage the release of endorphins, and improve self-esteem. Exercising can also distract from negative thoughts and improve social interaction.”

If you would like to read more about what the NHS advises in the workplace, please see here

Implementing Mental Health Strategies

Mental Health Policies

Develop clear mental health policies that outline your commitment to supporting employees’ mental well-being. These policies should include procedures for addressing mental health issues, resources available to employees, and guidelines for managers on how to support their teams.

Training and Education

Regularly provide training and education on mental health for all employees. This can include workshops, seminars, and online courses that cover topics such as stress management, resilience, and mental health awareness.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Implement Employee Assistance Programs that offer confidential support for employees facing personal or work-related issues. EAPs can provide counseling, legal advice, financial planning, and more, helping employees navigate difficult situations.

Flexible Work Arrangments

Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, and part-time options. Flexibility can help employees manage their work-life balance better and reduce stress.

Promoting a Positive Workplace Culture

Open Communication

Foster an environment where open communication is encouraged. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of stigma or repercussions. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help create a supportive atmosphere.

Recognition and Rewards

Recognize and reward employees’ hard work and achievements. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivation, contributing to better mental health.

Inclusive and Diverse Environment

Promote an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Diversity can lead to a richer, more creative work environment and reduce feelings of isolation among employees.

Taking Action

To prevent mental health struggles in the workplace, it’s essential to take proactive steps:

1. Provide Mental Health Training: Regularly update and enhance training programs.
2. Encourage Open Communication: Create a culture where employees feel safe to discuss their struggles.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and manage their work hours effectively.
4. Offer Support Resources: Provide access to mental health resources and wellness programs.
5. Regularly Review and Improve Policies: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your mental health strategies and make improvements as needed.

In conclusion, prioritizing mental health in the workplace benefits everyone. Employees spend a significant portion of their lives at work, and ensuring they are happy and healthy can lead to increased productivity and overall well-being. By taking these steps, you can create a supportive and thriving work environment.

2022 Christmas Parties

This year, the world has really opened up again. This means that finally, this is the first year since 2019 that companies will be able to celebrate Christmas in-style and in-person! To see what this might look like, we recently attended the London Christmas Party Show, where event providers and companies come together to get a feel for their 2022 Christmas Party ideas! We exhibited our event, The Office Games: Christmas Gameshow and we received some really positive feedback! However, the main thing that we learnt is what exactly a 2022 Christmas Party will look like!

What will a 2022 Christmas Party Look Like?

Starting off with perhaps the most important thing we learnt, it’s when people book! We found out that 30% of people book their Christmas Party in August and 21% in September. So, with August just around the corner, the time to start planning is right now! After all, you don’t want to start planning in a couple of months only to discover that everything’s booked up! Save the hassle and start now!

Furthermore, we also found out that 45% of people have their Festive Event on a Thursday, and 31% on a Friday. After all, what’s better than an end of week party! You’ll have the whole weekend to recover, maybe even 3 days if your boss is kind enough to give you the Friday off!

In addition to all of this, we also learn that 60% of people have a seated meal at their Holiday Party. This means that mobile events and experiences will be extremely popular this year, so if this is something you’re looking for, you’ll want to get enquiring now! (Psst…our Christmas Comedy Club would go great with a sit-down meal!).

The final thing that we learnt was that the average budget per person this year is between £80-£120. The good news is, this means that the world is your oyster! There’s so many experiences available at these prices that you’ll be able to find something that not only works for you and your team, but also one that will create lasting memories!

Best Activities for a 2022 Christmas Party

1. Wandering Whodunit’s

This Festive Experience is a mixture of a great party with a touch of murder, mystery and intrigue. You will meet lively, costumed characters. They will even pose for some photos, so make sure you get one, as you don’t want to miss out on one of the most Instagrammable events of the year! However, make sure you’re listening carefully to everything they say, as by the end of the evening, you must work out Whodunnit!

2. The Office Games

It’s showtime! If you love a bit of Saturay Night telly, why not bring it to life with The Office Games! With our very own Mr Silver bringing the glitz and glamour of a game show to real life, what’s not to love! Teams will compete head-to-head in a unique variety of gameshow style games with a festive twist! Work hard in teams to take home the coveted ‘Office Games’ Trophy!

3. Christmas Comedy Club

Bring your team together with an entertaining and uplifting bonding experience that will leave them laughing for weeks! Our expert comedians deliver bespoke stand up comedy with artists carefully selected to suit your team! To create a bespoke experience, they can even personalise some of the performance! After all, what better way is there to end the year with a bang!

4. Murder Mystery

Our team of fantastic actors will immerse your guests in a shocking story that will have them leaning closer to hear more. At the beginning of the evening, a murder takes palce! It’s now down to you to learn more about the unique characters adn their background to the crime, with clues being dropped left right and centre. Everything will culminate in a dramatic ending…can you work out who committed the murder?

5. Festive VR Challenge

If you’re looking for an exciting and innovating activity for your team this holiday season, then Festive VR Challenge is the one for you! Get ready to immerse your team in fun and festive environments that will make them feel like they’ve set off on a Christmas Holiday! With the addition of a little bit of competition, these challenges will have teams engaged and laughing all the way to the end!

So there you have it! Christmas Events will be back and better than ever in 2022! And remember, a lot of people will be booking from August, so get planning ASAP! Whatever your 2022 Christmas Party plans, we hope you have the best experience for you and your team!

What is the London Christmas Party Show?

The London Christmas Party Show  is an event for both agents and buyers alike to showcase and view the best venues and inspiration for their Corporate Christmas Events and the rest of their 2022/2023 calendars. You’ll enjoy two whole days of festive fun, what could be better! You’ll even discover and connect with some of London’s finest venues and suppliers. Did we also mention that there are complementary food and drinks as well as free seminars and workshop programmes? It’s truly an event you don’t want to miss out on! Tickets are free, so make sure to register now to avoid missing out!

When is it?

The London Christmas Party Show is taking place on 12-13 July 2022, which means you’ve got two fun-filled days to look forward to!

Where can I find the London Christmas Party Show?

LCPS is located at one of London’s iconic venues, Haberdashers’ Hall. With such a stunning venue, it’s hard to say no to attending!

Who can go to the LCPS?

The LCPS is aimed at event agents and suppliers who provide Corporate Events, and the people who are booking and taking part in these events! After all, you want to make sure you’re getting a good experience before you book it, right?

What will you see from us?

We’ll be showcasing our new and exclusive event, The Office Games, with a festive twist! You’ll learn all about this exciting and competitive event that aims to bring a bit of Saturday Night TV to your office and smiles to everyone’s faces! With an interactive host bringing the buzz of a game show to real life, what’s not to love! You’ll get to ask us as many questions as you like and learn all about this fun and festive event that’s perfect for your 2022/2023 calendar! Make sure to come along and say hi!

Sadly, the place that we all call home is in the process of being destroyed. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the global temperature has been increasing at a rapid rate and it’s cause is us, the human race. By burning fossil fuels and changing how we use land, human activity has become the leading cause of changes to our climate, which ultimately means that we are destroying our own home, Planet Earth.

Check out Ecologi page by clicking here.

London is a truly special place, for both organisations and people alike. What might first appear as as big scary city, soon becomes a hub of humanity, history and culture. Whether you’re walking along the River Thames on a cold December day with a festive designed paper cup cuddled in your cold hands, or sitting inside a vibrant and loud cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Brixton with a freshly served, cold glass of cosmo with your friends – you’ll feel something special in the air. Everytime I get asked ‘why is London the best place to be?’, I simply remind them of that feeling. It’s hard to explain or to describe because ultimately, it is untangible. You can’t touch it, you can’t see it and you can’t even smell it but it’s there, lingering in the background. Londoners will know exactly what I mean but if you aren’t familiar, you soon will be.

Organisations have made it their home for hundreds of years and rightly so, it’s a fabulous place to be with new experiences to be had around every corner. The one downside and I really mean, just the one downside, is the cost associated with the city (££££). The cost of renting and buying far exceeds the likes of Liverpool and Lincoln, the cost of coffee from a much-loved indie seller might set you back a few more quid than in Sheffield and Harrogate and just trying to park as centrally as you can may end up costing the same as your daily wage! We understand this is why not every company flocks to have a capital city office and instead remains happily placed by the coast, in the countryside or just in one of the cheaper cities. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stay outside the capital forever…

Here are our Top 5 Reasons why London is the best place to visit for a team experience:

1. The BEST venues

Team Building Experiences have found unique venues for all of your celebrations. We have many places such as Ballie Ballerson and Navrtar to offer. I mean… a ballpit cocktail bar? Sounds pretty awesome to us! London’s event venues are as varied as they are numerous, so finding the dream space for your delegates is no problem at all. There are an estimated 2000+ venues in the city which cater to events, meaning you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.

2. Food from all cultures

Great food holds a special place in many of hearts; just remembering the aromas and tastes of certain foods are enough to make our mouths water. London is a melting pot of cultures, nationalities, and languages – which is why it’s so attractive to travelers worldwide! Experience the unique settings of Borough Market, Covent Garden and Chinatown and indulge in some seriously good food whilst at it! Our team can help you find the very best restaurants and eateries to delight your team and a few bars for afterwards too…

3. London is where everyone is!

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Most corporate businesses are based near or within London, and not everyone wants to leave the comfort of their office. Yes, we have thought about you guys! Did you know? There’s approx. 1 million businesses here? And 9.3 million people just living there? That’s even more people than living in New York! That’s why we offer mobile experiences. Ever thought about doing some cool cocktail making with the team? We’ve got your back! Or maybe thinking about solving a crime and becoming the next Scooby Doo gang? We’ve got you covered. Not only are there no travelling fees, but these experiences are just as good if they were in their own venue!

4. Great Transport Links

London’s transport system is rightly recognised as one of the best in the world, with a wide variety of options designed to help busy Londoners and visitors alike get around with ease. There are five airports in the city, and a huge number of train stations and Tube stations, as well as buses, taxis and much more. If you need to get somewhere in a hurry, then London is the ideal place to be – and accommodates even the most time-conscious of business travellers. This means, anywhere you go, there will almost certainly be a transport method to get there nice and easily, and sometimes even stop outside the venue!

5. Unique Experiences

London is home to a whole host of experiences, some of which are capital city exclusive! With more people to entertain than any other UK city, they’ve had to ramp up the number of experiences and the quality of them too. From tourist attractions to hidden gems, here’s a quick list of what the city has to offer:

• PuttShack
• Ballie Ballerson
• Madame Tussauds
• London Eye
• London Dungeons
• Comedy Clubs
• Cocktail Masterclasses
• Roller Skating
• Rooftop Bars
• Immersive Theatre

And many, many more! Why not pair up your Team Building event with one of the most famous places in the United Kingdom? Whatever you choose, virtual, gifting, or live, we will be sure to offer you this at Team Building Experiences in London. Anywhere in the outskirts, the central area, or just generally nearby, we cater to all!

Ready to Party:

You snow the drill by the now. Virtual Christmas Bingo is a game of chance in which each player matches their numbers to the ones the host shouts out. However, this is bingo with a twist…

Crimbo Bingo doesn’t work with numbers, it works with songs and more specifically, CHRISTMAS SONGS! Sleigh, what?!

Yes, you heard right. We’ll be playing some of the very best Christmas songs *cue Fairytale of New York* and some of the downright cheesiest! So if you’re looking to party this December, you’ve come to the right place.

Spread over two festive rounds, guests will be playing for one line, two lines and a full house. We have guaranteed prizes to give away to the fastest bingo calls, so it really is all to play for in this Virtual Christmas Bingo.

We’ll share a QR code with guests at the start of the event which will provide them with an interactive bingo card accessible via their Smartphone/Tablet/PC. If you have any problems please view the FAQ’s section at the bottom of this post.

Before Your Event:

Important: Before you join your event please either scan the QR code for Game One on your smartphone (below) or use the computer link to play via your computer. Once you have opened the link or scanned the QR code you will be asked to enter your name please enter the same name as you have entered on Zoom.

Game One:

Your event host will start spinning your tunes no later than five minutes after your event start time so make sure your all set up and ready to go. You will start with game 1 so please use the below QR code or links below first.

Computer: Please follow this link – https://bingobaker.com#0846920ba74356e1

QR Code: Please open up your smart phone and scan the following QR code to start Game 1.

Game Two:

On prompt from your host you will start game 2, please scan or use the below link and provide your name as previous.

Computer: Please follow this link – https://bingobaker.com#1d0b526cbc59610f

QR Code: Please open up your smart phone and scan the following QR code to start Game 2.

How to play?

Your DJ will spin the tunes, if the song is on your card, tick it off.

Each player will have their own unique bingo card with the numbers replaced with songs.

There will be two games of bingo, each consisting of three rounds (Any line, any two lines and a full house) 

To access your bingo card scan using your mobile phone, alternatively there will be links in the meeting chat if you would like to play using your computer.  

When you receive your bingo card, simply enter your name so we can track your card. Your fingers are your dabbers if using a mobile phone, or mouse on a computer.  

To win a game of bingo you must call “Crimbo Bingo” If your songs have been called. You must type this in the chat room, if more than one player calls the fastest person to call wins, unless we decide to have a dance off!  

FAQ’s

I dont have a smart phone or I cant get the QR code to work?

You can play on your computer by selecting the below link, simply enter your name and you will then have access to your bingo card on your computer.

Please follow this link – https://bingobaker.com#1d0b526cbc59610f

What does a single bingo line look like?

A bingo line can be diagonal, horizontal or vertical. Once you have a line make sure you type ‘BINGO’ into the chat.

What does two bingo lines look like?

Two lines can be any combination of two horizontal, two vertical or a combination od vertical and horizontal, you can also have a diagonal line and one horizontal and vertical line. Once you have two lines make sure you type ‘BINGO’ into the chat.

What does a full house look like?

Very simple all you songs are ticked off, at which point you have bingo. When you have a full house make sure you type ‘BINGO’ into the chat.

How to reward your staff at Christmas during a global pandemic.

Did you know that 43% of staff feel undervalued in the workplace? The same percentage also felt that they had a bad manager – someone that isn’t around much, nor do they take much notice of everyone’s hard work. A shocking 40% of workers agreed that they have a lack of recognition.

Don’t let this be your work place! Rewarding staff is heavily important in the workplace because it leads to…

1) Greater employee engagement

Investing in rewards will lead to increased productivity, work quality, and help retain top talent. Employees who are engaged at work are more likely to be productive on a consistent basis – which leads to more revenue.

2) Increased loyalty 

If you want to have harder working employees and retain your staff, you will need to cultivate this trait of loyalty among the employees that you currently have. Encourage them with positive reinforcement, incentives and gifts.

3) A positive workplace

Employees who feel appreciated and part of a successful team will make the working environment golden. Offering rewards is a great way to boost morale and encourage staff to work harder – this often creates a healthier working environment too!

4) Business growth

When you reward your employees for good work, they feel valued and more motivated – which often leads to a boost in productivity and the overall success of your business. You may think rewarding your employees is just too big of a cost but we guarantee the return will be much BIGGER!

5) An edge over competitors

You may not have thought of this one but it’s crucial! Prospective employees take a good look at the benefits of working for a company (discounted gym memberships, free parking, free coffee, etc) and if you offer a more desirable benefit, such as monthly events or gifts, this may swing them in your direction.

“Since Covid-19 hit, people have been craving any sort of social interaction they can get…”

We recently came out of all covid-related restrictions due to more people being jabbed up (thank you all), so now everyone is beginning to think about the next big thing… Christmas! Yes, that’s right, it’s almost here (again). The best gift you can give this year is an experience that connects everyone together. People are craving social interaction so let’s give it to them!

Whether it be a Live event or a Virtual Event you are planning, your employees will be thanking you for months to come. Making memories is such an important part of life… am I right?

As I’ve mentioned above, giving your employees rewards can boost their self esteem and help people realise their worth in the business. After all, why would anyone want to stay at a business and help it grow long-term if they won’t get a reward for their hard-work? Creating a positive atmosphere and happiness within your workplace should always be a top priority if growing your business is the goal. Remember that saying, “people don’t leave jobs, they leave managers”? Well it’s true and if Christmas isn’t the time to start saying thank you, I don’t know when is!

To help our fellow bosses out, we have come up with a list of things you can do to reward everybody:

• Gifts – this could be hampers, treat boxes or even a big present for the team. We’ve known employers to send out wine bottles, meat platters or even an ‘office hamper’ for workers to share! We stock a Gift Box available that you and the team will love! 
• A Virtual Experience – Getting together online is always a positive thing to do. Whether it be a family event (balloon modelling or a magician) or a drinks experiences (strictly adults only), there will be something to suit your staff. Our most popular experiences are The Big Virtual Game Show and Crimbo Bingo. Why not give these a try?
• Gift Vouchers – easy and straight to the point. Think about what your employees will really make use out of, this could be an Amazon gift voucher or a meal voucher?
  
• Early finishes – this guarantees to motivate your team!!!! How about an hour early on a Friday each week? Or maybe even a Monday as this is supposed to be the highest ranked ‘worst day of the week!‘
• Boosting salaries – this is a definite YES from all of us… and we know your workers will love the sound of this too.
• Festive treats – themed activities always go down a treat during the winter months. You could play fun office games such as pin the nose on Rudolph or simply bring in some mince pies… yum!
  

Always remember:

What really matters in the workplace is helping employees feel appreciated. Make their hard-work known to the whole company and give your team an incentive. We hope you enjoy reaping the benefits of Rewarding staff. Success will follow shortly after.

What are the Benefits of Virtual Events?

Although live events may be missed by your companies, there are indeed many benefits of Virtual Events that may not come to mind at first. This is what this blog is here to remind you about!

Is your company big on being Environmentally friendly? Then why not stick with virtual events? They reduce travel from both hosts, equipment, and the participants, which means there are significantly less CO2 emissions and therefore you are doing your part in saving our planet! Along with this, no paper is required from either side! No trees will be cut down for tickets, quotes, invoices, booking confirmations … NOTHING!

Another benefit that can be reaped from Virtual Events is the cost side of things. Online Events cost approximately 75% less than in-person events. Who knew you had been saving so much this whole time? You will be saving money on staff, venues, setup and takedowns, accomodation, meals, travel costs and more. This also saves time for your colleagues. No need to worry about the kids at home. They can join in! No weather worries either!

Online Events are full of variety. They can be fully tailored with little hassle! Do you have a small add-on that you know some of your colleagues will LOVE? Why not add it on for a small cost extra? You can be even more creative with your ideas!

Another Benefit of Virtual Events is that you are not limited to a certain area. Do some of your colleagues want to visit France, America, Sweden? Or some that are just desperate to find out more about any culture? There is an event for you! Play the Around the World Challenge. Its global – with no travel fees – all from the space of your home. If your company is international, you could even explore with them! Cost effective, and even more people can join in on the fun! If you have colleagues, say, with a wheelchair or who have limited travel access; they can be involved on all the fun too. Who wouldn’t love the idea of getting out of the office, while also being able to attend from almost anywhere?

Do you absolutely despise using restrooms aside from your own? Online Events can solve this! You no longer have to worry about germs and also, you know whether your house is COVID-19 free!

Welcome to an introverts’ paradise! Awkward encounters – Begone! Whether it be colleagues who are not on the same wavelength, or who simply haven’t met enough times to be truly comfortable with one another, Virtual Events are for them! Overly Extroverted people who may have a little trouble keeping quiet, you can simply mute them! No loud attendees anymore!

Alongside all of these points, feedback for your event management team is much easier to get! You can now visually see what everybody keeps returning to and talking about, and what they liked best. This may also help you get to know your colleagues alot better. You may even find you have more things in common than you initially realised! You even have the same opportunities to continue networking.

Lessons learned after a year of Lockdowns…

These past 13 months since the first UK lockdown began have been a pretty bumpy ride. Every month has been slightly different to the last and I’m pretty sure the next year will follow the same pattern.

We’re more than happy to put our hands up here at Team Building Experiences and admit that it hasn’t always been a walk in the park. Trying to navigate a new business through these tricky times has been interesting to the say the least but whilst the lows have been very low, the highs have been incredibly high!

Now that we have a nation happy to embark on a range of Virtual Events, I think it’s time we take a look back and tell you ‘What A Year In The Virtual Events Industry Has Taught Us’.

1) Always be ready for technical issues…

Tech troubles can and will happen. Attendees may simply struggle to join the Zoom call, have difficulty accessing the chat or even working their cameras. Hosts may also experience issues during event delivery such as allocating breakout rooms, their microphone not working or even internet cutting out! Our advice for Virtual Events is to be prepared for the unexpected. If you have processes in place for when things go wrong, it will making managing them much easier.

2) No two customers are the same

Customers book Virtual Events for various reasons so be sure to communicate with the customer and find out what it is they want. I’ve worked with people who simply just want to book an activity, do it and leave. Others like to personalise with their own games, speeches and award ceremonies. It’s important to spend a reasonable amount of time with each customer and try to integrate their ideas where possible. Don’t just shut them down because it doesn’t fit into the standard product, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

A guide on Virtual Escape Rooms that will get your team working together even when working from home!

If there is one thing I’ve realised since March 2020, it’s that people love Virtual Escape Rooms. I think it took me by surprise because I’ve never been particularly fond of their physical counterparts. I’ve tried and tested a generous amount of them now (perks of the job) and can easily see why these took the nation by storm! I’ve pretended to be a CIA agent in one, I’ve been immersed in the story by real actors in another and I’ve even had to physically create shapes with my limbs at one point!

If you’re maybe a sceptic like I was, let me tell you why you shouldn’t be…

Why Virtual Escape Rooms Will Benefit Your Team

• They promote teamwork. Virtual Escape Rooms are challenging and so no matter who participants are grouped with, they will undoubtedly have to work together. Most Virtual Escape Rooms are completed in teams of 6-8 people so groups should always have a mixed skill set which is perfect for the varied tasks they need to perform!
• They require brainpower. Nobody has completed a Virtual Escape Room by just sitting back and relaxing. Your team will be expected to decipher clues, collate evidence and unravel cryptic puzzles – I can assure you this requires some form of thinking and using your imagination.
• They’re fun! From time to time your team will need a little pick-me-up, whether that be a lunchtime activity or an after work social. Virtual Escape Rooms are interactive, engaging and 100% fun so your team will definitely feel more motivated as a result.
• They are inclusive. Your whole workforce can take part (as long as they have an internet connection) because Virtual Escape Rooms can be played anywhere at anytime on almost any device. Nobody has to travel to an outer-city venue or even fly to a different country, therefore all participants will feel included and considered.

Why Virtual Escape Rooms Are Better Than Their Live Counterparts

You may ask yourself why on earth would you want to play an Escape Room virtually as opposed to visiting a real life version. That’s a good question as Live Escape Rooms also promote teamwork, brainpower and are also lots of fun.

• First of all, Virtual Escape Rooms are considerably cheaper to run, not just the game itself but the lack of travel means transport costs will be kept to zero.
• Secondly, you don’t have to worry about creating teams or people mixing with just their friends. With the magic of Zoom, we can randomly allocate groups with a click of a button which results in equal sized groups made up of a variety of characters and personalities.
• Thirdly, they are easily accessible. All you will need is the correct Meeting Link to play (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meets, etc). Your attendees can either play at home or at work, sober or with a glass of wine or either in their uniform or in their PJ’s!

A Round-Up Of Our Best Virtual Escape Rooms

CIA Taskforce – If you are a pro at real escape rooms than this activity is the perfect one for you. We’ve taken a real escape room and put it online so you’ll feel as if you are really there. You can move about the room and even put things in your ‘virtual’ pocket to keep for later! This one is also at the lower price point making very accessible for them larger teams, book now for just £19pp+VAT.

Plymouth Point – This virtual experience is a cross between an Escape Game and a Murder Mystery and really, is as lifelike as it’s going to get. Don’t be fooled by the sweet old lady who introduces the story, it will get very dark very quickly! This one is great for teams that are looking for something more unusual or have done lots of virtual activities before. Book now for just £30pp+VAT.

Sherlock Holmes Escape Game – This is our most premium escape room, packed full of flashy animations and even an actor to immerse you in the storyline. Most of us brits know and love Sherlock Holmes so this activity is definitely a firm favourite among our corporate groups. If you want something linear and relatively straightforward, I strongly recommend this one. Book now from just £26pp+VAT plus an additional £250+VAT event fee per 200 participants.

Arctic Survival – It’s simple, straightforward and suprisingly a lot of fun! Teams of 4-8 people will tackle this Virtual Escape Room in Zoom using a specially designed smartphone app (Mobile Adventures). Expect to unravel anagrams, answer unusual questions and even uncover hidden clues with augmented reality! All of this fot just £12pp+VAT plus an additional £250+VAT event fee per 50 participants.

How To Book A Virtual Escape Room

It’s simple, just give us a call on 01235 634744, email us at [email protected] or fill out an enquiry form. We have a fantastic team who will be excited to help you plan your Virtual Event so what are you waiting for?

A guide to Virtual Christmas Parties and Virtual Christmas Party Ideas to get your Christmas Party planning rolling

In 2020, unfortunately for a lot of people, it was looking very likely that Christmas was going to be cancelled. How can Christmas be cancelled you ask?! If you remember, the UK had just entered it’s second lockdown (it wasn’t to be the last). Some areas of the UK were told by the UK Government that they could not mix with family at Christmas. This put a huge dampener on everyone’s Christmas Spirit.

Basically, everything was pretty bleak.

Enter Virtual Christmas Parties, a small shining light in what was a dark time for many! At a time when most people would be looking forward to their Work Christmas Party, companies started to realise drinks and dinner wasn’t going to happen. Although people couldn’t get together in person, Virtual Events provided the next best thing.

How Do You Do A Virtual Christmas Party?

Simply put, you can do a Virtual Event however you like! You might want to arrange some social virtual drinks with your team, arrange for a little bit of entertainment and perhaps an awards ceremony? It might be that you want to have to put in as little effort as possible! In which case, a hosted virtual event is the perfect choice as you can sit back and hand control to your host.

There is no right way to host a Virtual Work Christmas Party. You just need to find the right virtual entertainment for you!

How Does A Virtual Christmas Party Work?

As Virtual Events are done online, as long as everyone has a device and good internet connection, it’s accessible for everyone. Most events are hosted on Zoom. This is due to the fact that you can split groups into Breakout Rooms. This in turn allows for easy interaction, particularly for big groups.

That’s not to say you can have a Virtual Christmas Event on another online platform such as MS Teams, Google Meets, Webex etc. As long as everyone can get into some kind of online meeting, your Virtual Party will be possible!

There are different kinds of Virtual Events that can work for a Christmas Party:-

Hosted Virtual Event – This is where a host will look after you and your group. A host would guide you through whatever virtual activity you are doing. It could be that you have a Virtual Quiz Host or perhaps even some Virtual Murder Mystery actors looking after you. Either way, all you need to do is enjoy it!

Pop-In Virtual Entertainment – This is where an entertainer or performer will come into your Virtual Event and provide entertainment for you. So you may have a group meeting first, perhaps even an awards ceremony. An entertainer such as a Virtual Magician or a Virtual Balloon Modeller can then come in at a specified time to provide some short entertainment to break up the event.

Virtual Gifts / Virtual Hampers – You might already have everything planned out and you just want to give your employees or colleagues a little something to say Merry Christmas! With delivered Christmas gift boxes or Christmas hampers, you’re bound to cheer your employees up for Christmas.

What Are The Benefits Of A Virtual Christmas Party?

You might think “Well, if we can’t have a real Christmas Party then what’s the point”. First of all, just because you can’t do your preferred choice, that doesn’t mean other options aren’t just as good! There are so many benefits to a Virtual Event that may just change your mind –

• Global Virtual Events – If you have a team with employees dotted across the globe, how do you normally get them together? Either you don’t or, you spend a lot of money on travel and accommodation! With a Virtual Party, you don’t have that worry. The only thing to consider is the time difference. Other than that, your Virtual Event can be fully inclusive for all team members, no matter where they are in the world.
• Accessible For Everyone – Not only is it accessible for global team members, it’s also great for those at home who may not be able to make a live event. Some people have commitments at home which can make it difficult to get out in the evenings. With a Virtual Event, they can take part for a short period from the comfort of home.
• Engaging and Interactive – A lot of Virtual Christmas Party Ideas are designed to be interactive. A meal and drinks are nice but once they’re done what’s next? With a Virtual Event, you can watch a Virtual Pantomime, do some Virtual Cocktail Making or try your wits at a Virtual Escape Room! With so many virtual options, you can find something that will keep your team engaged but most importantly, having fun.

What Virtual Options Are There For A Virtual Christmas Party?

The options are endless! You might want more of a Social Event? Or perhaps you’re more interested in something Performance based or even Crafts and Creativity?  Here are our top ten Christmas Party ideas for a Virtual Event –

• The Big Virtual Pub Quiz
• The Big Virtual Game Show – check out the promo video here!
• Virtual Wine and Cheese Tasting
• Virtual Murder Mystery
• Virtual Escape Room
• Virtual Magician
• Virtual Magic and Mind Reading Show
• Virtual Comedy Show

Who Can Take Part In A Virtual Christmas Party?

Well, anyone really. As long as a person has access to the internet and the correct event meeting link, they can take part. It doesn’t matter if attendees are in India, America, Spain or England – all of them will be able to enjoy the virtual festivities. Our activities are also suitable for all ages so we guarantee you’ll be catering for your full workforce.

How Do I Book My Virtual Christmas Party?

It’s really simple, promise. Just give us a call on 01235 634744, email us at [email protected] or fill out an enquiry form on your desired Virtual Christmas Party idea. A member of our dedicated (and Christmas loving) team will be in touch within 24 hours to help you!

The One Where The Team Building Experiences Team Did A Virtual Cocktail Making Class

As Virtual Events were so busy for Christmas, the Team Building Experiences Team had no time for their own Christmas Party! As a result, we decided to do a Virtual Cocktail Making Class in January 2021!

Here’s how it went……

The Cocktail Making Kit

The week of the event, we all received a Cocktail Making Box in the post. The box was really well presented and contained all the ingredients and garnishes we needed to make four Cocktails – The Secret Garden, Pornstar Martini, Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan and the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. There were measured out quantities of spirits like Vodka and Gin as well as mixers such as Apple Juice and Espresso and a sealed mixing jar. It was also a nice surprise to find coffee bean, a lemon and candy floss in the box – we were to find out what these were for a bit later!

The Virtual Cocktail Making Class

We were emailed our meeting link a few days before the event and advised to ensure we had glasses, ice, a knife and a cucumber. Although some of us were confused by the cucumber, it soon became clear what this was for!

We all logged in on a Friday night and were instantly greeted by our Mixologist Ali. Ali was set up in a Cocktail Making Bar studio which almost gave the illusion that we could have been in a real bar! Everyone was excited to get started so once the introductions were done, Ali went straight into our first cocktail.

First up was The Secret Garden, a refreshing gin based drink. Now we realised what the cucumber was for! Our mixologist talked through the ingredients with us and advised us on how to cut the cucumber to get a fresh taste. All ingredients were place and poured into our sealed mixing jars and it was time to shake! Once poured, we had a fresh and delicious cocktail to kick things off.

The Secret Garden

With our tastebuds tingled it was on to our next cocktail – The Pornstar Martini. It became apparent that Pornstar Martinis was one of the things the team missed most about going out! Ali explained which ingredients we needed which included Vanilla Vodka and Passion Fruit liqueur.

With a bit of ice in our sealed mixing jar, we poured our ingredients and shook to our hearts content. Ali explained to us the best way to pour our concoction to get the famous foam top of the Pornstar Martini. The results were mixed but everyone ended up with some form of foam on top!

The Pornstar Martini

Despite only being two cocktails in, it seemed like the cocktails were good value for money judging by everyone’s happy faces! We can safely say, the cocktails definitely aren’t watered down.

On to Cocktail Number Three which was the Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan. A twist on the 90’s favourite made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker (aka Carrie Bradshaw) and the Sex And The City girls. It was here we found out what the Candy Floss was for.

After mixing our ingredients and straining in the mixture to our glasses, we were told to get our Candy Floss. On the count of three, we all dropped the candy floss in our drink and watched as it dissolved before our eyes! After doing a group cheers, the result was a sweet and tasty drink that left us all wanting more.

The Cotton Candy Cosmopolitan

Last up on the Cocktail Menu was another twist on another UK favourite – The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. Now we knew what the coffee beans were for!

Before we started mixing, our mixologist gave us a brief history of how The Espresso Martini. We won’t ruin the story but we can say it all came about because of a certain UK supermodel…….

The good thing about the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is everyone enjoyed it, even those who didn’t normally enjoy coffee. The Salted Caramel mix took the edge off and left us with a sweet but strong concoction.

The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Team Verdict on Virtual Cocktail Making Masterclasses

The whole experience lasted around 60 minutes and by the end of the class, there were definitely some people who were tipsier than others! It even lead to a few staying on to make their own cocktails using ingredients from their cupboards and the knowledge they learnt from the class.

It’s safe to say the Virtual Cocktail Making was a huge hit. We even created a full Cocktails and Quiz experience with our Big Virtual Night In which combines Cocktail Making with our Big Virtual Pub Quiz.

If you want to organise a Virtual Team Building Event, Cocktail Making should definitely be top of your list!

Virtual Experiences have taken 2020 by storm this year. We at Team Building Experiences have had to adapt, like many others, to a huge change in the market.

Since the announcement of the Rule of 6 putting a to stop to any live events, thoughts led to what could we do next? The only answer of course was Virtual Events! Luckily we had been in talks with lots of companies over lockdown and many were already adapting their live products to offer them virtually so we were able to build up a Virtual portfolio.

It did get us thinking though. What if we could create our own Virtual Event which would be unique to us?

We were already working with Dan, a local Videographer / DJ, on other projects and thought he could be the perfect person to combine our skills with. With Dans experiences of hosting pub quizzes, DJing at weddings as well as being a childrens entertainer combined with our wide customer base, product knowledge and sales team, it seemed like the perfect match.

And so it was, the Virtual Big Christmas Quiz was born!

Everyone was skeptical at first because a lot of companies were, in their words, ‘Quizzed Out’ over lockdown! This was something we were aware of so we wanted to make sure this was no ordinary quiz.

We worked with Dan to add unique rounds such as a Scavenger Hunt, video rounds, buzzer rounds and the final DJ Bingo Round. We thought it would also be a nice unique touch to allow some customisation for picture rounds, allowing clients to send in photos of their team for a bit of fun.

We tested the product first with our own Virtual Christmas Quiz and ironed out any snags but the feedback from the rest of the team was brilliant and everyone was excited to sell! Everyone particularly enjoyed the personalised picture rounds and of course the DJ Bingo!

We launched the Quiz in October and it quickly became one of our top selling products. There wasn’t enough of Dan to go around so a second host was drafted in to accommodate more bookings.

Our first events went away at the end of November and the feedback received was exactly what we wanted to hear :-

“Dan and the team did a great job! I didn’t know what to expect with an online Christmas party, but the rounds were exciting and funny. The photo-shopped round was particularly fun, which we used to celebrate a colleagues birthday. My only complaint is that one of the opposition teams got a conveniently high score at the end despite not seeming to do very well throughout…. suspicious!”

Having our own product with our own availability made the world of difference when selling. We have had complete control and flexibility which in turn, has enabled us to provide better customer service.

Of course a Quiz isn’t just for Christmas. When the Christmas period is over, we will be looking to adapt the Quiz again so it can be a universal product suitable for any time of the year.

Overall, after the feedback we’ve received from lots of happy companies, we can safely say it’s definitely Not Just A Christmas Quiz!

After Christmas thoughts will turn to January and we think Virtual Events will definitely be here to stay. We will be looking to expand our Virtual Team Building Experiences including our own Quiz and will continue looking for ways to engage and entertain companies in these crazy times.

Happy Christmas! If you’ve reached us that means you know it’s never too early to start planning.

Virtual Christmas Parties are the new way to meet socially with the popular mix of hybrid working. They are usually held over online video conferencing platforms. The last couple of Christmas’s weren’t quite the Christmas we were expecting however, this Christmas we still have the option to party in the most inclusive way we can…over Zoom!

Those in charge of organising the annual Christmas event may feel they have a hard task. However, do not fear, we have some amazing Virtual Experiences to keep you entertained this Christmas.

List of Virtual Christmas Party Experiences

Reward employees with a virtual Christmas party to thank them for all the wonderful work they have done throughout the year. Christmas is about getting together and sharing experiences so why not try a Virtual Event this year.

In this list, you will find:

• Virtual Party Ideas
• Virtual Christmas Party Experiences
• Remote Party Ideas
• Virtual Christmas Activity Ideas

Without further ado, let’s get to it!

1) The Big Virtual Christmas Gameshow

This is a special Christmas edition of the popular Big Virtual Game Show! Give your team the gift of competition this December as teams battle it out in highly interactive and festive themed games inspired by popular 80’s, 90’s and 00’s TV Game Shows. Think The Generation Game, Family Fortunes and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!

2) Festive Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop

After the catastrophe that has been 2020, why not reward your team with some luxurious chocolate that they get to make themselves! In the Festive Truffle Making Workshop, all participants will be able to make their own mouth watering treats in preperation for the festive season. Led by an experienced Chocolatier, the workshop will teach you how to mix, pipe and craft some Christmas Spices truffles that your guests can enjoy at the end. What more could you want?

3) Virtual Crimbo Bingo

Get into the Christmas spirit with a bit of Crimbo Bingo! This is not your typical bingo. The format is the same, you’re working to tick off what’s on your bingo card but instead of numbers, it’s Christmas songs! Boogie on down with our DJ as they spin the decks on some popular festive hits. Crimbo Bingo will give your a musical Christmas Party to remember.

4) Murder Under The Mistletoe

We may have expected less presents under the tree this year but was anyone expecting two dead bodies? Engage your guests in an interactive Murder Mystery Virtual Event. Professional actors will welcome your team to this ficitonal world, kitted out in the finest costumes and pitted against an extra special virtual background to add to the mystery. This humorous human Cluedo is the perfect addition to your virtual Christmas party.

5) Rogue Agent – Escape Room

If you’ve ever considered yourself a double for James Bond, the Rogue Agent Escape Room is the virtual experience for you. Your team will be tasked with collating evidence to pinpoint and advise the MI5 of the whereabouts of a mole! Will your team be able to expose the Rogue Agent before time runs out and before they are able to escape? This challenge is truly captivating, engaging and will bring out a
competitive streak in all participants!

6) Save Our Santa – Virtual Escape Room

If you want a bit of a brainteaser for your colleagues this Christmas, have a go at the Save Our Santa Virtual Escape Room. In this festive mystery, Santa has been kidnapped and Christmas morning is just an hour away! It’s up to you and your team to follow the clues, solve the puzzles and Save Santa before Christmas comes! Enjoy a 60 minute festive conundrum which will get your colleagues and employees engaging and interacting with each other.

7) Christmas Craft Workshops

Christmas Craft Workshops are becoming extremely popular for Christmas Party events in 2020. We offer various different craft experiences such as Virtual Xmas Decoration Making and Virtual Christmas Cracker Making. With all materials provided, it’s the perfect interactive event to get you and your team talking online and showing of their Christmas creations.

8) Magical Magician

You’ve seen the magicians on Britains Got Talent right? We bet you’ve thought to yourself “it’s all camera trickery, that didn’t really happen”. With a Virtual Magician Experience, you can see everything happen before your very eyes. You can’t perform camera trickery on Zoom can you?! Our professional magician provides an engaging and interactive show that will leave you wanting more.

9) Virtual Pantomime (Oh no it isn’t…..oh yes it is!)

Last but certainly not least is our Virtual Pantomime. Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas Pantomime and with this online show, you won’t be disappointed. Including panto favourites Cinderella and Dick Whittington, before you know it you’ll be sat at home shouting “he’s behind you!” at your computer screen. A fantastic interactive show for all ages.

Virtual Christmas Party FAQs

Why should I do a Virtual Christmas Party?

Although the world is feeling a lot more back to normal now, there is still a place for Virtual Christmas Parties. Not only is it cost effective but it can be fully inclusive no matter where your employees are.

What are the benefits of throwing a Virtual Christmas Party?

Firstly, by organising anything at all it stops you from looking like the biggest Christmas Grinch. More importantly though, if you have employees or colleagues who have been working remotely from home, this could be just what they need to perk them up and show your appreciation for their hard work.

What Virtual Christmas Party Experiences do you recommend?

All of the experiences mentioned in our list above of course! We do have plenty more Virtual Christmas Experiences, just visit our Virtual Christmas Parties page for lots more ideas. With the breakthrough of Virtual Events, we can safely say that Christmas is NOT cancelled!

Shizzoo LTD is an events and entertainment start up that is being launched in the midst of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

This is my blog of our experience setting up and launching a company into the events market during this incredibly difficult time.

So 2020 hasn’t gone as I planned – huge understatement I know. We have moved the launch of the company from June to October and in my last blog things were starting to look positive for the events world.

Well in the last ten days the UK Government has announced the ‘Rule of Six’ that means if more than six friends or family members meet up, irrespective of the location (inside or outside), the gathering could be dispersed by the police with the possibility of a £100 fine, which doubles for each subsequent offence up to £3,200.

There are a number of exceptions to the rules, including workplaces or activity related to work, schools, universities, places of worship and if your household or support bubble (where a household of a single adult is supported by a household of any size) is greater than six. However there is mass confusion about what is allowed and what isnt.

All of the above does not provide companies with confidence to return to live events and unfortunately we have had feedback from many partners that clients are cancelling and re-scheduling all or most of there proposed events that were due to take place from 01st October until the end of the year.

Adapt and Overcome

Our October launch date was decided to coincide with the return of live events and the return of the Christmas party market.

Recent developments however led me to run a poll on Linkedin to find out if Christmas Parties would still happen this year. The results were inconclusive however 25% of those that voted choose a Virtual Christmas Party which was an eye opener.

Over the last six weeks since my last blog we have partnered with some fanastic companies that offer exciting, engaging and innovative products for Virtual Team Building and Virtual Christmas Parties. We are now offering Virtual Experiences like Rogue Agent – where you become a virtual MI5 agent to unearth the mole and other fantastic experiences like Virtual Murder Mystery, Virtual Magic Experiences and Food and Drink experiences all available form the safety and comfort of your own home.

Our Virtual Magic Experience for Christmas is sure to be a hit

After consulting with the team at Red Cactus Events who look after live Christmas party events I have decided that Team Building Experiences focus once launched will for this Christmas be Virtual Christmas Parties.

Virtual Christmas Parties are almost a completely new market. Many Christmas Party traditions like going to a restaurant or an organised event have been thrown out of the window following the rule of six announcement and compounded by local locadowns in the North of England. Today we have had worrying noises of a potential two week national lockdown. Many thousands of companies are no longer sure on what or if they will have any plans for Christmas 2020.

In my next blog I will be reporting on how the business launch has gone alongside the success and I’m sure failures of promoting virtual Christmas parties to the masses as we try to navigate this incredibly difficult time for the events industry.