By: Patricia Raña, May Mercado, and Matthew Escosia

We are all at a challenging period wherein we have to rapidly adapt new practices in approaching everyday tasks in a quarantine economy. For many companies, having a work-from-home set-up becomes an essential duty that must be done to their employees rather than an option.

But this arrangement can enable many limitations that a “work-on-an-office” can provide – distance becoming the most challenging hindrance. Video-sharing applications such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet are the go-to platforms to connect, mostly used for remote conferences and meetings.

Embracing the Quarantine Economy or what most people call as “The New Normal” must also allow us to cultivate our company culture while apart from one another. ComCo Southeast Asia, a trailblazing public relations and social media agency, allowed itself to go agile and creatively stay relevant amidst the COVID-19 crisis – coming up with new innovative ways to further strengthen its team growth and dynamics.

This innovation was able to give birth to the “Virtual ComColodeon,” ComCo SEA’s virtual spin on their team-building sessions, held recently.

Organized by the Agency’s Culture and Team Development team, “Virtual ComColodeon” was a night filled with games, laughter, and catch-ups.

This is the first time the Squadron held their ComColodeon remotely. Previous editions of ComColodeon include Badminton Playoffs, a Halloween party called “ComColloween”, Escape Room Challenge at Breakout and Mystery Manila, board game activities, movie nights, watch parties, potluck get-togethers, Desk Wars or contest for the best-designed work stations and bowling, among others.

 

 

In the “Virtual ComColodeon,” the ComCo Squadron, also known as the All-Stars, gleefully participated in every game wherein we are also grouped according to their respective houses (House Bearcat, House Hawksbill, House Flyingfox, House Whaleshark). The event commenced with Cyber Charades, a Charades game powered by Zoom’s video-sharing functions. It continued with a Digital Quiz Show, the trivia game where everyone tests their knowledge about pop culture and our practice, before finally, ending with a Bring Me – Show Me Challenge, a bring me competition with an online twist.

The winning teams, awarded with special prizes, are House Bearcat (for Cyber Charades and Digital Quiz Show) and House Flyingfox (for Show Me Challenge).

House Flyingfox was also recognized with the “Best Zoom Background” award for their creative Zoom backgrounds throughout the event.

After the fun games, “Virtual ComColodeon” concluded with a toast of messages, wherein everyone shared their prayers and thoughtful wishes for the safety of all during these challenging times. This portion also served as a ceremonial toast to celebrate the fourth anniversary and kick off the fifth year of ComCo Southeast Asia since it was formed in 2016. Since gatherings and group celebrations are still prohibited at this point due to quarantine restrictions, this virtual party was the best possible way to gather and commemorate ComCo SEA and its Squadron.

“The pandemic brings a lot of challenges into the workforce but this is the best time for companies to take care of their teams, as they much needed it now, more than ever. We want to let them know that we’re all in this together and we’ll do our best to overcome the challenges. We will go agile, we will find ways, if there’s a need to tighten the belt, everyone will carry the load, especially the management, so we can take care of each one. No one will be left behind. And the Virtual ComColodeon is one way to further strengthen our team, continue our agency culture even if we’re physically away from each other, and communicate in a fun and engaging way what we want to tell to the team, by letting them experience it. As they say, action speaks louder than words,” said Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy, Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of ComCo Southeast Asia.

The “Virtual ComColodeon” is just the first of many initiatives ComCo Southeast Asia will be putting out in this crucial period. The Squadron is now ready and fully-armed to be agile amidst the difficult conditions for everyone.