After years of remote and hybrid work, a growing tech company in Etobicoke noticed a shift in team dynamics. Productivity remained strong, but informal conversations were rare, new hires felt disconnected, and collaboration across departments started to feel more transactional than human.
The leadership team wanted something that felt natural, inclusive and genuinely enjoyable, not a forced workshop or a full-day retreat. That’s when they reached out to GAMEYARD.
The Challenge: Reconnecting a Post-Remote Team
The company had expanded during remote work, which meant many employees had never met in person. Traditional team-building ideas felt risky. Management worried about low participation, awkward energy, or activities that might feel overly competitive.
Their goal was simple: create a shared experience that helps people reconnect without lectures, long retreats or anything that feels scripted.
The Solution: A Cafeteria Celebration + Mission-Based Laser Tag
Instead of taking employees off-site, the company hosted the event inside their own cafeteria (canteen).
They cleared tables and desks to create an open play space, then began with a short team celebration. After that, laser tag ran as a complementary activity.
GAMEYARD transformed the space into a structured play area with:
- Clear boundaries
- No-fire Base Zones
- Coach-led, mission-based games using eye-safe infrared taggers and no-contact rules
Because the group included approximately 35 people, GAMEYARD used structured rotations:
- Up to 20 players can play at one time
- 16 active players is generally recommended for clearer movement and event flow
- The remaining participants rotate through scheduled rounds
- Round timing depends on the group, space, objectives and transitions
This format was used for this specific event and does not guarantee equal playing time or the same timing for every group.
Client-Reported Observations After This Event
During this event, employees communicated during missions, planned together and mixed across departments. Between rotations, participants watched, talked and supported the active teams.
Following this event, the client reported more casual interaction among employees, smoother collaboration during meetings, positive participant feedback and interest in another event. These are documented observations from this organization and should not be presented as guaranteed outcomes for every team.
What the HR Team Had to Say
“We were honestly unsure how people would react, especially after so much time working remotely. The response exceeded our expectations. The missions created real interaction without pressure, and the energy afterward carried into the following weeks. It felt like our team finally relaxed and reconnected.”
— HR Manager, Etobicoke Tech Company
How This Event Was Structured
For this Etobicoke event, the client used its cafeteria or canteen as the approved play area. GAMEYARD provided the equipment, setup, briefing, objective-based rounds, rotations and event flow.
The organizer provided the location and event information, while GAMEYARD adjusted the round plan around the approximately 35 participants, available space and event schedule.
Plan a Similar On-Site Team Event
GAMEYARD can review your proposed space, group size, available time and event objectives to recommend an on-site format.
Call or text 289-627-7744 to plan an on-site event that fits your space, schedule, and team size.
Beyond the Game. Together.
Review GAMEYARD corporate event options and the guide to hosting an on-site laser tag team event.
When you are ready, request a corporate quote with your date, proposed space, group size and event objectives.
Reviewed for operational accuracy by Farhad Shiri, Founder of GAMEYARD.