Uncategorized Archives - Utrecht Photo Challenge

Utrecht-based startup Channable has incorporated the Utrecht Photo Challenge into their employee onboarding program, for new employees to get to know each other, the city and the company culture in a fun way.

ONBOARDING AT CHANNABLE

Channable is a fast-growing IT startup based in Utrecht. To develop their business, Channable hires around 5 to 10 new colleagues from all over the world on a monthly basis.

Channable puts a lot of care into integrating new colleagues on a personal level and giving them an onboarding experience they won’t forget. For instance, CEO Rob van Nuenen personally welcomes new employees by telling them the company’s story.

THE FIRST DAY

The first day was always full of presentations and training. Very useful, but a lot of new information to take in!

According to Marloes van Overhagen, HR Manager at Channable:

“We started noticing that the first day was quite intense for new hires and the information that was given at the end of the afternoon didn’t stick too well.”

SHAKING THINGS UP

“We wanted to add a fun element to our new hires’ first day, but we also wanted to use this precious time for them to learn about our company culture” Marloes explains. “That’s how we decided on the Utrecht Photo Challenge, which really ticks all of our boxes.”

THE UTRECHT PHOTO CHALLENGE ONBOARDING GAME

The Utrecht Photo Challenge is a 2-hour city game in the beautiful city center of Utrecht.

The goal? Find the hidden locations and recreate the model pictures with a Polaroid camera.

In the special onboarding version of the game, we added an extra element: for each location, players have to answer a question about the company culture. A fun and engaging way to get to know each other, the city, and the company.

CHANNABLE X UTRECHT PHOTO CHALLENGE

We have partnered up with Channable to add a personalized monthly Photo Challenge to their onboarding day. Thanks to our onboarding package, Channable’s HR team doesn’t need to worry about booking a spot or settling on an exact number of participants. We take all of the planning off of Channable’s hands and provide their new hires with a fun activity to end their first day with a bang!

The challenges in the pictures make it fun for both locals and those who are new to the city. Players get to keep their Polaroids, which make for hilarious office decoration. According to Marloes, the city game has been a great way for new colleagues to bond.

“Months later, I still see colleagues who played the Utrecht Photo Challenge together sit side by side at the lunch table!”

The way that our challenge gets internationals acquainted with their new home town is a huge benefit to Channable.

“We believe that if our colleagues connect with their new city, they’ll be happier here and stay longer,” Marloes explains. “With the Utrecht Photo Challenge, they get to know the city right on their first day.”

WHAT NEW HIRES SAY

According to Jaume, Spanish Software Developer who moved to Utrecht for work:

“Ending the day with the Utrecht Photo Challenge added a lot to my first experience at Channable. Solving the clues was fun, and it was a good opportunity to build memories with my new colleagues. We even laughed so much at our (failed) pictures that our stomachs started hurting!”

“We all came from different departments, with different backgrounds and interests. The time we spent together at the end of the challenge allowed us to get to know each other while enjoying some beers.”

READY TO GIVE YOUR ONBOARDING AN UPGRADE?

We provide Channable with a consistent, reliable, and, most of all, fun team-building activity for their new hires to get to know each other, the city and the company in a spontaneous way.

Do you, too, want to give your new starters an unforgettable first experience?

Any questions or requests? Contact us, we are happy to discuss your needs!

One year into the pandemic, we’re all struggling with Covid fatigue. The virus has completely disrupted our social lives, and our mental health is significantly impacted. To survive this crisis, it is essential to get out of the house and engage in (Corona-proof) activities.

Are you out of ideas for things to do in Utrecht during Corona? In this blog post, we have listed our favorite Corona proof activities in Utrecht. Just remember to make it home before curfew!

1. Go out on the water with the Airbnb for boats

If you ask us, sailing through the canals is definitely one of the best Corona-proof activities in Utrecht. You’re probably familiar with a few companies that rent out boats, but did you know there was a fun alternative? Many Utrechters own their own boat, which they rent out to fellow citizens. Whether you’re into sloops, yachts, or speedboats, you’ll find your pick on Barqo.co

2. Recreate the restaurant experience at home

If we can’t go to the restaurant, then why not bring the dining experience to our homes? Many Utrecht-based restaurants have developed a dedicated ‘stay at home’ menu during Corona. Next to great food, restaurants Blij and Se7en even deliver candles and the QR code to their own Spotify playlist to your doorstep. Grab a good bottle of wine, light the candles, and create a memorable evening with your loved one(s).

3. Walk around the ‘singel’ with ‘Man Man Man de Podcast’

Are you bored with your walking routine? Then it’s time to add ‘Man Man Man de podcast’ to the mix. Bring your headphones and listen to this hilarious Utrecht-made podcast. We dare you to hold back your laughter! Podcasts are a great way to learn a language, so if you’re not fluent in Dutch yet, this could be great for you too.

A walk around the singel takes about 1,5 hours, just long enough for two episodes. Our favorites are ‘eten en drinken’ and ‘vakantie’. But feel free to start at the beginning 😉

4. Go for a BBQ at Wilhelminapark

Utrecht has several beautiful parks, but the Wilhelminapark is THE place to be. When the weather allows for it, locals head up to Wilhelminapark to soak up the sun. Get a few chilled beers and a disposable BBQ at the Albert Heijn around the corner and blend in with small groups of friends and students. Pro tip: if you go to the park in the evening, claim a spot on the East side, where you’ll get the longest time of sunshine.

5. Play the Utrecht Photo Challenge

With summer around the corner, you can’t wait to get out and enjoy the city. But what options are you left with during Corona? With the Utrecht Photo Challenge, you’ll experience the city in a whole new way: by playing a game.

The goal of the challenge? Find the 10 locations, armed with the perfect urban explorer tools: a map and a retro Polaroid camera. For each location, you’ll have one model picture to recreate. Make your team members strike and capture the scene! The extra challenges in the game surely make it exciting for locals too.

The game takes about 2 hours, after which you’ll get to enjoy a drink together with your team. Last but not least, you get to keep your own polaroids.

During Corona, the Utrecht-based city game can be booked for groups that are part of one household. So grab your chance and book this Corona proof activity together with your housemates! Check utrechtphotochallenge.com for more info.

What did you think of our tips on things to do in Utrecht during Corona? Follow us on Instagram for more inspiration!

SUCCESS STORY: CHANNABLE X UTRECHT PHOTO CHALLENGE