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.

OYO to Double Company-Serviced Hotel Revenue Share and Footprint by FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced an ambitious plan to expand its company-serviced hotels in FY26, doubling their booking revenue share from 22% to 44%, reinforcing the brand’s focus on delivering premium guest experiences and boosting profitability in the Indian market.

Currently operating over 1,300 company-serviced hotels across India, OYO’s fastest-growing segment includes Townhouse, Townhouse Oak, Capital O, Palette, and its premium brand SUNDAY—hotels that have consistently proven popular among mid-segment and premium travellers.

The footprint of these company-serviced hotels will grow significantly from 124 cities to over 300 cities. New locations include Mohali, Faridabad, and Jalandhar in the North; Cuttack, Asansol, and Darjeeling in the East; Mangalore, Kollam, Port Blair, and Kasaragod in the South; and Bhilwara, Vapi, Junagarh, and Jalgaon in the West.

Higher Occupancy and Customer Satisfaction

These properties are already performing better than average. With a customer rating of 4.6, compared to OYO’s overall average of 4.0, and an occupancy rate 2.7 times higher than franchisee hotels, the company-serviced model is delivering strong guest loyalty and satisfaction. OYO’s internal data shows that the repeat customer rate is 1.3 times higher for these hotels.

According to Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, OYO,

“The program is in line with OYO’s strategic focus for 2025 for the India market, which aims to drive profitability by enhancing the overall guest experience. The superior ratings reflect better service standards, well-maintained facilities, and a seamless guest experience which results in stronger guest loyalty and repeat stays in our hotels.”

Top Performing Properties

The top five company-serviced hotels based on guest feedback ratings include:

Palette Heritage Scindia Ghat, Varanasi
Super OYO Townhouse Oak Mahadevpura, Bangalore
OYO Townhouse Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad
Palette Patel Nagar, Bhopal
Super OYO Townhouse Oak Alandur, Chennai

Company-Serviced Model: A Growth Engine

OYO first introduced the company-serviced model in FY23, where it contributed under 2% of booking revenue. Since then, it has become the company’s fastest-growing segment globally, supported by standardised operations, enhanced service quality, and a superior guest experience.

These hotels are listed as ‘Company Serviced’ on the OYO app and website, and offer property owners two models: revenue sharing or fixed rentals. With a dedicated on-ground team and channel partner network, OYO has rapidly scaled this segment by leveraging data-driven insights to identify high-demand areas and enhance service delivery.

The expansion will focus on leisure destinations, pilgrimage centres, and business corridors, where demand is strong and property owners are willing to engage in long-term partnerships.

OYO’s renewed focus on this model underlines its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and consistent stays for both business and leisure travellers, shaping the next phase of growth in India’s hospitality space.

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ITDC Celebrates World Environment Day with Tree Plantation Drive Honouring Mothers and Earth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, marked World Environment Day 2025 with a meaningful and symbolic event at The Ashok and Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri.

Centred around the heartfelt campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide call to plant a tree in honour of one’s mother, a tribute that intertwines gratitude with ecological consciousness.

The event was led by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director, ITDC, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from Functional Directors, senior management, and dedicated staff. Notably, ITDC also honoured its gardening personnel and their children — the often-unsung green champions behind the lush surroundings of The Ashok and Hotel Samrat.

This initiative resonated with the United Nations’ 2025 World Environment Day theme — “Beat Plastic Pollution”, as ITDC showcased its strong commitment to a plastic-free, sustainable future.

A symbolic tree plantation drive formed the core of the event, where each participant planted a sapling in their mother’s name, creating a deep emotional and environmental connection with the act of nurturing life.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, shared,

“Planting a tree in the name of a mother is like paying homage to the universal Mother Earth, the nurturing life force that procreates, nurtures, and sustains all of life. Inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister's call of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, on this World Environment Day, ITDC reiterates its commitment towards a circular economy and sustainable environment, free from plastic waste.”

ITDC’s flagship properties, The Ashok and Hotel Samrat, already exemplify climate-responsive architecture, with designs that follow natural contours, preserve existing trees, and minimise heat-island impact. This creates a naturally cooler microclimate and reinforces ITDC’s focus on eco-conscious hospitality.

As the world comes together to celebrate sustainability, ITDC’s tribute to both mothers and Mother Earth stands as a touching and timely reminder of the nurturing power shared by the two.