Beyond Boardrooms: Game Zones for Corporate Connection

Manpreet Vohra: Why Game Zones are Key for Workplaces

By Manpreet Vohra

Published on June 11, 2025

Ever feel like work is just an endless cycle of presentations, calls, and meetings? Many of us do, and it often leads to burnout. Manpreet Vohra, Managing Partner at BLAAST, a premier family entertainment center in Gurugram, shares that companies are increasingly realizing that for a team to truly thrive, it needs more than just hitting targets. It requires genuine connection, a constant flow of fresh ideas, and a healthy balance between work and play.

This is where game zones come in! These cool, interactive spaces are quickly becoming the go-to for refreshing minds, sparking new ideas, and helping people connect genuinely. Game zones aren't just for playing; they're smart spaces designed to help employees build stronger relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging. Many businesses are now setting up special areas in their offices with fun stuff like video game consoles, ping pong, foosball, golf simulators, VR setups, or even classic board games and puzzles. The main idea is to create a relaxed, welcoming spot where employees can unwind without feeling stuck in a formal office setting.

Why Game Zones Are a Winner for Team Building

Game zones are great at breaking down barriers, reducing stress, and encouraging easy teamwork. While other team-building activities can feel a bit forced, game zones let people bond naturally over shared fun. Games naturally need communication, teamwork, and quick thinking – all skills that are super helpful at work.

When playing, job titles often disappear, putting everyone on the same level. This helps create a more inclusive company culture. Plus, games definitely lift moods, boost motivation, and help people connect. They even help release dopamine, that "feel-good" chemical! As employees enjoy some friendly competition, their morale often gets a boost, which can even show up in their work.

Different Games, Different Strengths

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for game zones. The best part is that these spaces can be made to fit what a company's employees like. For example, video game stations are awesome for improving teamwork, reaction time, and decision-making. Lots of video games even let multiple people play together, encouraging smart thinking and cooperation.

Tabletop and board games, on the other hand, are great for boosting patience, negotiation, and communication skills. They’re often a big hit with folks who prefer a quieter activity. VR and AR games, like team-led battles or escape rooms, are perfect for improving coordination and being able to adapt. And classic games like foosball or air hockey are perfect for quick breaks, helping employees recharge after busy workdays.

Tips for Setting Up Your Own Game Zone

If your organization is thinking about adding game zones, it’s key to know what your employees want. Asking teams or running a trial session to get their ideas is a fantastic way to start. Another important thing is to make sure these spaces are welcoming to everyone. Whether it’s a board game or a fast-paced video game, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Game zones should be placed where employees naturally gather. This encourages people to use them without much thought and makes them a regular part of the workplace. While some basic rules are good, keeping the vibe flexible and light-hearted is just as important. Companies should set simple guidelines for respectful play and time limits, so employees can have fun without overdoing it or interrupting work.

Basically, game zones are a powerful way to make the most of downtime and get to the heart of what makes teams successful: connection, working together, and trust. In a time when we're all spending a lot of time online and working long hours, game zones offer a much-needed break to lift spirits, improve teamwork, and spark new ideas.

As businesses keep changing, the importance of a happy and thriving workplace culture can’t be stressed enough. The corporate world might be full of deadlines and high expectations, but game zones are a cool reminder that work should be both productive and enjoyable. They give companies a chance to discover lots of new ways for teams to bond and, in turn, find greater success.

Tek-Innovate Redefines Hospitality Experiences with Technology and Design

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 22, 2025

In today’s hospitality landscape, guest expectations are rapidly evolving. Travellers are no longer seeking just a stay, they want a holistic experience that blends comfort, technology, and design. From fine audio-visual systems and immersive acoustics to elegant lighting and advanced automation, hotels are finding new ways to elevate guest satisfaction while building strong operational cultures.

At the forefront of this transformation is Tek-Innovate Consulting Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-headquartered consultancy with 25 years of expertise and a portfolio of over 700 successfully delivered projects. The company has emerged as a trusted partner for the hospitality industry, offering integrated design and consultancy services across acoustics, audio-visual solutions, architectural lighting, stage lighting, automation, and security systems.

Chandrashekar NaiK. S, CTS-D & CTS-I, Founder, Managing Director, and Principal Consultant

Under the leadership of Mr. Chandrashekar Naik S., Managing Director & Principal Consultant (CTS-D, CTS-I), Tek-Innovate continues to set new benchmarks in the industry. With 25 years of experience spanning corporate, hospitality, education, retail, museums, experience centres, houses of worship, and residential projects, he has shaped Tek-Innovate into a pioneer in design consultancy. Notably, he became the first professional in India to achieve Dual CTS certification (CTS-D and CTS-I) within just five working days, marking a milestone in the AV industry.

Tek-Innovate’s philosophy is rooted in simplicity and user-centric design. Their mantra is clear:

● Technology should be intuitive and enhance user experiences.

● Functionality takes precedence over technology for its own sake.

● Solutions are designed to be forward-looking, open for upgrades, and adaptable.

● Systems must be maintainable in real-world environments and add value to the user journey.

● Committed to providing right-sized and technology-relevant solutions to meet the Client’s functional, operational, and budgetary requirements

This approach ensures that every project is not just technically sound but also future-ready. The consultancy’s in-house technical team enables them to take on complex, time-bound projects, monitor execution during construction, and deliver finely tuned systems that exceed client expectations.

Their recent contribution to Fairmont Udaipur stands as a shining example. Tek-Innovate provided audio-visual and acoustic design consultancy services, enhancing the property’s elegance and ensuring that every corner reflects refined design and immersive experiences.

From luxury hotels and retail outlets to educational, corporate spaces and cultural centres, Tek-Innovate continues to shape environments that go beyond beauty and functionality, offering experiences that resonate with both guests and staff alike.

Tek Innovate’s clientele includes some of the most prestigious names in the global hospitality industry, such as the Taj Group, ITC Hotels, Hilton, Fairmont, Oberoi, Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson, and IHG. Their association with these leading brands reflects the company’s expertise in delivering world-class audio-visual and acoustic solutions, trusted by luxury hotels, resorts, and premium developers across key destinations. Currently, they are offering design consulting services across India, Africa, Asia-Pacific Region and planning expansion to the UAE and UK.

For business enquiries, visit tekinnovate-consulting.com or email info@tekinnovate-consulting.com

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Skal International India National Congress 2025 Concludes with Record Participation

By Hariharan U

Published on September 21, 2025

The Skal International India National Congress 2025 successfully concluded at the Sahara Star Hotel, Mumbai, on September 14, 2025, marking a milestone gathering with record participation. The three-day event brought together more than 200 delegates from India and abroad, all paying full congress fees, underlining the growing relevance of Skal’s mission in the country.

The congress was graced by distinguished personalities including Maneka Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Pooja Bedi, Subhash Ghai, and Zayed Khan, who lent prestige and inspiration to the occasion.

At the heart of the event, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the fiscal year 2024–2025 was held on Day 1, preceded by the national board meeting. President Sanjeev Mehra and Treasurer Monik Dharamshi presented transparent reports on finances and activities, earning appreciation from delegates. The roadmap for Vision 2025–2030 was also unveiled, outlining strategies to strengthen Skal’s footprint in India and enhance global engagement.

“This congress is not just about numbers; it is about values, vision, and vitality. We are proud to host Skålleagues from across India and abroad in Mumbai, to celebrate the true spirit of friendship, collaboration, and business networking that Skal stands for,” said Mukesh Batra, President, Skal International Mumbai South, the host club.

One of the key highlights was the launch of the Skal International Indian Excellence Awards 2025, designed to recognise outstanding contributions from clubs, individuals, and Friends of Skal.

Skal International Indian Excellence Awards 2025 – Winners

Best Performing Indian Skal Club of the Year 2025: Skal International Chennai

Best Active Indian Skal Club of the Year 2025: Skal International Goa

Fastest Growing Indian Skal Club of the Year 2025: Skal International Bangalore

Best Indian Skal Club Event of the Year 2025: Skal International Kolkata & Skal International Jammu & Kashmir (joint winners)

Best Indian Skal Club CSR of the Year 2025: Skal International Coimbatore

Recognition as a Reckoning Force: Skal International Kochi

Outstanding Young Skal Engagement: Raja Gopal Iyer, Skal International Trivandrum

Indian Skalleague of the Year 2025: Kamleshwaran P.S., Skal International Chennai

Recognition for Global Outreach, N.S.N. Mohan, Deputy Vice President & Director, Region 10, Skal International

“The Excellence Awards are not merely trophies; they are a tribute to dedication, creativity, and the unwavering spirit of Skålleagues who are driving this movement forward. Our board’s vision for 2025–2030 is rooted in collective growth: more clubs, stronger retention, deeper engagement, and a unified Indian presence on the world stage,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International India.

The Skal International India National Congress 2025 concluded with renewed energy and commitment, setting the stage for Skal’s ambitious growth and deeper global collaborations in the years ahead.