Game On: NERF War Week

By Steve Durko, Manager of Software Engineering

When our Chief Technology Officer John Higginson, asked during a meeting if someone could run a NERF game, my hand sheepishly went up.

“I’ll do it,” I said. Though I can honestly say at that point in time, I had no idea what I was getting into.

What I was getting into was five days of mayhem, as teams of warriors turned the 9th floor into a battleground. The prize was glory — though many felt the reward was in the fight itself.

More than 125 participants from 16 different departments including Analytics, Talent Management, Software Engineering, People Resources, UK & US Marketing, Project Management, IT, TechOps, Creative Services, Quality Assurance, and Business Intelligence joined forces to make this memorable event happen.

Eight teams were created based on an animal name/color to distinguish the competitors in the “arena.” Members of every department were mixed into teams such as: Salamanders, Warthogs, Ferrets, Dingoes, Parrots, Ducks, Badgers and Spiders.

Each day the teams faced a new challenge to test their skill and mettle in the arena. The challenges included:

• Sink the Biz: Find the “biz” among the crowd, win the game
• Capture the Flag: Capture the symbol of honor from your opponent
• Duels: 1-on-1 challenges to test accuracy and resolve disputes
• Manager Target Practice: Win points in a shooting gallery comprised of managers
• King of the Hill: Three teams compete, as two attack and one defends “the hill”
• Armageddon: Freeze tag and “Last Man Standing” (all teams)

The “arena” served us well, as the games took place in the kitchen and the east corridor. A new configuration of decorations, obstacles, lights and office furniture set the tone for the game to be played each day.

Now if you’re currently thinking, “This sounds really cool,” you would be right.

How amazing is any company that lets you play NERF games during the workday to meet new people and blow off some steam? Enova “gets it,” and realizes the importance of stimulating the mind at work. We have fun, are more engaged and have a culture we are proud of.