Show Your Workspace

How to Play

Setup

1. Assign a facilitator to host, timekeep, and keep energy high.
2. Use a video-conferencing tool that supports webcams and spotlighting. Encourage participants to test camera and mic before the session.
3. Timebox: Plan roughly 30 seconds per person, plus 10–15 seconds for transitions. For example, 10 people ≈ 7–8 minutes; add 5 minutes for intro and debrief.
4. Set the prompt in advance so people can prepare 1–2 items to show: desk setup, favorite mug, plant, artwork, helpful tool, pet, or a view.
5. Privacy and comfort: Remind everyone they control what they share. Alternatives include showing a single object, a cropped camera view, a photo, or a virtual background with a story.
6. Large groups: Use breakout rooms of 6–8 people with a room host to timekeep.

How to Play

1. Welcome and purpose (1 minute): The facilitator explains that quick workspace tours help everyone understand the context in which teammates work and build empathy.
2. Model a tour (30 seconds): The facilitator goes first to set the tone, showing 1–3 highlights and demonstrating concise storytelling.
3. Choose an order: Use a randomized list, alphabetical order, or volunteers. Spotlight the speaker’s video if available.
4. Tours (30 seconds each): Each person unmutes, turns on their camera, and shows 1–3 highlights while narrating (e.g., tilt webcam to desk, hold an item to the lens, or briefly pan to a plant/pet). Keep it light, positive, and specific.
5. Quick reactions (10 seconds): After each tour, invite a single emoji reaction or one short question. Keep the cadence brisk.
6. Keep time: The facilitator uses a visible timer and gives a 5-second wrap cue (verbal or sound). If time runs over, gently transition.
7. Debrief (2–4 minutes): Ask 1–2 prompts such as, “What surprised you?” “What commonalities did you notice?” Capture highlights in chat.
8. Optional: With consent, take a screenshot for a team memory or share a summary thread with fun observations.

Rules

1. Respect privacy: Share only what you’re comfortable showing. Alternatives (a single object, photo, or description) are always okay.
2. Be concise: 30 seconds per person; 10-second transition. Avoid multitasking while others share.
3. Be kind and curious: Positive language only. No judgments about space size, quality, or tidiness.
4. Mind security: Do not show confidential documents, screens, or addresses.
5. Tech etiquette: Use headphones if needed; mute when not speaking; stabilize the camera if moving.

Tips

• Seed prompts: “One tool you can’t live without,” “A comfort item,” “Something that inspires focus,” “A small quirk of your setup.”
• Use a gentle chime or on-screen timer to keep pace and energy high.
• Place new hires mid-queue so they can see examples first.
• Encourage reactions via emojis or chat to include quieter voices.
• Collect theme tags (#plant-parent, #book-lover, #pet-cameo) to spark ongoing connections.
• Follow up with a Slack thread or collage of favorite items.

Variations

• Themed rounds: Focus on one theme (mugs, tools, view, inspiration) for a faster, more cohesive round.
• Pair shares: Break into pairs for 45 seconds each, then regroup and introduce your partner’s highlight.
• Asynchronous: Post a 30–45 second clip or two photos with a one-sentence caption in a channel for global teams.
• Light awards: Vote with reactions for “most creative hack,” “coziest corner,” or “best pet cameo” (positive framing; no ranking people).