Scheduled Fun vs. Spontaneous Chats
It seems that every remote team in the universe has ventured into the scheduled fun territory, often with mixed results. On paper, these activities should work. They're engaging, supposedly fun, and different from the usual grind. Yet, when you log into what promises to be a “hilarious” costume party, you’re more likely to find Bob from accounting awkwardly adjusting his pirate hat, wondering if it’s too late to fake a poor internet connection.
There’s something inherently paradoxical about trying to schedule spontaneity. It’s a bit like trying to plan a surprise party for yourself and then acting shocked. Fun, as we all know, is a wild creature that does not take kindly to being micromanaged.
Why the Cringe?
The truth is, these organized fun activities often fall flat because they feel forced. Participation feels less like a choice and more like a mandate from HR. Plus, there’s always that one person who didn’t get the memo or is staunchly anti-costume. As for movie nights on Zoom? Let's just say watching a film in tiny squares on your laptop, with everyone's audio echoing, is about as cinematic as listening to a movie soundtrack on a phone call.
The Case for “No Agenda”
On the flip side, some of the best video calls mimic the old watercooler chats. No pressure, no forced engagement. Just a bunch of people showing up, perhaps with a beverage of choice in hand, ready to talk about anything from the latest TV binges to existential dread (or both). These calls often meander through topics, leading to genuine laughter and deeper connections. It’s the virtual equivalent of a good old-fashioned hangout.
Finding the Middle Ground
Perhaps the best approach isn’t to swing entirely one way or the other but to find a happy medium. Here are a few tips to inject some authentic fun into your next virtual gathering:
1. Keep it optional: Nothing kills fun faster than mandatory attendance. Make sure everyone knows it’s fine to skip if they’re not in the mood.
2. Short and sweet: If you're organizing a themed event or game, keep it brief. A 20-minute trivia game is more digestible than a two-hour saga.
3. Know your audience: Tailor the activity to the interests of the group. If everyone loves books, maybe a short reading from a favorite could spark joy. If your team is full of foodies, a quick recipe share might just be the perfect ingredient.
4. Leave some room: Start with a planned activity but leave time for unscripted conversation. Sometimes, the best moments come from the unplanned chats that follow the structured part of the meeting.
Ultimately, the success of fun on a Zoom (type) call boils down to understanding the group's dynamics and preferences. Sometimes, all you need is to see where the conversation takes you, with no agenda in sight. And remember, it's perfectly okay if the most exciting part of your Zoom call is logging off and going to make a sandwich. After all, isn't that a kind of joy ..
HR Consultant | Experienced Head of HR | Championing Organizational Excellence, Talent Development, and Workplace Culture
3moLooking forward to it!