Virtual work parties: the good, the bad and the plain peculiar

Entertainers prepare for an online work Christmas party organised by events firm Hire Space. Pollard said the surge in demand for online events during the pandemic had forced his company to innovate. — Hire Space/Handout via Reuters

STOCKHOLM: Virtual work parties? You can’t really mingle with colleagues, or dance with them, and it’s tough to get in the disco mood in your home office. On the other hand, you can’t spread disease, you don’t have to traipse home and there’s no chance of an ill-advised amorous encounter.

In the Covid-19 era though, gala options are limited. Companies are turning to events organisers to create virtual social events for staff. And with working-from-home here to stay, some expect demand to continue even after the pandemic.