Manpreet Vohra: Why Game Zones are Key for Workplaces

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.


FitsAir Highlights Ahmedabad Colombo Connectivity Through Travel Trade Webinar

FitsAir Highlights Ahmedabad Colombo Connectivity Through Travel Trade Webinar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 26, 2026

FitsAir and Red Dot Representations recently brought the travel trade closer to Sri Lanka through an exclusive webinar focused on the airline’s new direct connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo.

Held on 21st August 2026, the webinar introduced travel partners to the new Ahmedabad–Colombo route and highlighted how the direct connection can make Sri Lanka easier to access for travellers from Gujarat, without the need for layovers.

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The session also explored Sri Lanka’s wider tourism offerings and its appeal across different traveller segments, including families, honeymooners and MICE groups. The destination’s beaches, cultural attractions, wildlife, hospitality and local experiences were among the key highlights.

The webinar went beyond the traditional beach holiday experience, showcasing the different ways Indian travellers can explore Sri Lanka. From spending time along its tropical coastline and discovering its cultural heritage to experiencing its wildlife, local cuisine and hospitality, the session presented the island as a destination with varied experiences.

FitsAir currently operates the Ahmedabad–Colombo service three times a week, giving travellers from Gujarat a more convenient direct option for reaching Sri Lanka. The improved connectivity is expected to support leisure travel, experiential holidays, MICE and destination celebrations, while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as an accessible short-haul international destination for the Gujarat market.


IIHM Launches First Egg Bank in India to Support Underprivileged Communities

IIHM Launches First Egg Bank in India to Support Underprivileged Communities

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2026

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has launched its first Egg Bank in India in Bengaluru, introducing a sustained student-led initiative aimed at providing nutritional support to underprivileged and vulnerable communities.

As part of the launch, IIHM's students, known as Food Soldiers, distributed more than 700 eggs to visually impaired children at Sri Rakum School for the Blind. The initiative has been undertaken in association with the Valmiki Foundation and is designed to move beyond one-time food donations by creating an ongoing nutrition programme.

The IIHM Egg Bank will initially support identified beneficiary institutions in Bengaluru, with plans to progressively extend the programme to old-age homes, orphanages and other organisations serving underprivileged communities. The initiative will subsequently be expanded across IIHM campuses in India, with individual campuses identifying beneficiaries in their respective communities.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder & Chairman, IIHM, said, "As a leading hospitality education institution, our responsibility goes beyond creating successful professionals. Hospitality is fundamentally about caring for people. Through the IIHM Egg Bank, our Food Soldiers will help address nutritional deficiencies through meaningful action. We want our students to see CSR not as a one-time activity, but as a sustained responsibility towards the underprivileged."

Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bengaluru & Head-South Operations, said the initiative encourages students to contribute beyond the classroom and become active participants in community service. She described “One Child, One Egg, One Smile” as a reflection of IIHM's belief in sustained and empathetic community engagement.

The programme has been designed around regular distribution rather than a single donation drive. Since eggs are perishable, IIHM's Food Soldiers will undertake distributions twice every month, providing the required quantity for each fortnight. This approach is intended to ensure continuity while giving students an opportunity to engage directly with the communities they support.

The initiative also aligns with IIHM's broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 – Zero Hunger. Through its Food Soldiers programme, the institute has previously engaged students in activities focused on providing food and essential support to communities in need.

Dr. Valmiki Hari Kishan, Founder of the Egg Bank Project and Co-Founder & Project Director, Valmiki Foundation, said the Bengaluru initiative marks the 177th Egg Bank overall and the first under IIHM. He noted that the programme's expansion across IIHM campuses could help extend nutritional support to vulnerable communities in multiple cities.

The launch was attended by Mr. P. K. Mohan Kumar, Independent Director, Prestige Hospitality Ventures Limited, as Chief Guest. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the role of initiatives such as the Egg Bank in extending the spirit of hospitality into wider community service.

By combining the Valmiki Foundation's experience with IIHM's institutional network and student participation, the initiative aims to create a sustained model for nutritional support. Beginning with visually impaired children at Sri Rakum School for the Blind, the programme is expected to reach more underserved communities across Bengaluru and, subsequently, other cities through IIHM's campus network.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Eros Hotel New Delhi is reinforcing its commitment to responsible water management during World Water Week 2026 by highlighting a range of initiatives focused on reducing water consumption, promoting mindful usage and recycling wastewater across its operations.

Organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), World Water Week brings global attention to water-related challenges and the importance of responsible water management. The 2026 edition is being held from 23 to 27 August.

At Eros Hotel New Delhi, water conservation has been integrated across guest areas, kitchens, back-of-house operations and public facilities through a combination of water-efficient infrastructure and awareness initiatives.

The hotel has installed water-saving aerators across taps in guest room washrooms, kitchens and back-of-house areas to regulate water flow and improve consumption efficiency. Public washrooms feature sensor-operated taps, helping reduce unnecessary water usage, while guest rooms are equipped with dual-flush WC cisterns that allow guests to use water according to requirements.

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The hotel's sustainability approach also focuses on creating greater awareness among guests and employees. Water conservation tent cards placed in guest rooms encourage visitors to adopt mindful water-use practices during their stay. Awareness posters across kitchens and back-of-house areas further reinforce responsible water consumption among employees and operational teams.

A key element of Eros Hotel New Delhi's water management strategy is the 100% recycling of wastewater. Treated recycled water is utilised for horticulture and cooling towers, reducing the hotel's dependence on fresh water for selected operational requirements while ensuring wastewater is put to productive use.

By combining water-efficient fixtures, wastewater recycling and awareness programmes, Eros Hotel New Delhi continues to integrate resource-conscious practices into its daily operations.

The initiatives reflect the hotel's broader approach to making water conservation a shared responsibility among guests, employees and operational teams while strengthening its ongoing sustainability efforts.

About Eros Hotel New Delhi:

Eros Hotel New Delhi is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality facilities for leisure and business travellers.

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