14 Fun Office & Workplace Activities, Games & Ideas for Employees

Professionals and team leaders know that engaged and happy teams are more productive. One of the best ways to engage employees and strengthen their bonds is by introducing fun team-building activities in the workplace. Not only do these games break up the usual work routine with some laughter, but they also help coworkers connect on a personal level and improve how they work together. In this guide (styled as a playful listicle), we’ll outline a variety of fun activities for employees – from quick icebreakers to creative challenges – that can boost morale, collaboration, and team spirit. The tone is casual yet professional, so feel free to share these ideas in your next team meeting or leadership planning session!

Fun games, ideas and activities for employees

Office activities

These are flexible, everyday or monthly go-tos inside the workplace:

Two Truths and a Lie
Office Bingo
Childhood Photo Guessing Game
Team Trivia Quiz
Board Game Tournament
HIGH5 Personality Test & Team Strengths Session
Office Cook-Off / Bake-Off

Office games

Pictionary or Charades
Jenga/Connect Four mini-tournaments

Virtual office activities

For remote or hybrid teams, all playable on Zoom/Teams.

Virtual Team Games (Trivia, Jackbox, Pictionary, Show & Tell)
Virtual Scavenger Hunt (find items at home, online GIF hunts)
Online Escape Rooms / Murder Mystery
Remote HIGH5 Personality Test Session

Friday office activities

Best for Friday afternoon morale boosters, bigger, high-energy vibes.

Lip Sync Battle / Talent Show
Office Cook-Off / Bake-Off
Trivia Quiz Happy Hour
Casual Board Game Night
Karaoke Jam Session
“Show & Tell” or “3-Minute TED Talks” (fun & fast shares)

Small office games

Quick and simple, ideal for 4–12 people.

Two Truths and a Lie
Childhood Photo Guessing Game
Board Game Tournament (small-scale)
Pictionary / Charades
Mini Wellness Challenge (daily step goal, plank contest)
HIGH5 Team Strengths Discussion (spotlight round)

Large group games

Best for all-hands, offsites, or 20–100 people.

Scavenger Hunt (office or city-wide)
Egg Drop Challenge
Escape Room Adventure (parallel groups)
Team Sports Day / Field Day
Team Volunteer Day
Office Bingo (mega version for all-hands)
HIGH5 Team Strengths Workshop (group fit, grid, watch-outs)

Pro tip: Each of the activities below can be adapted to different team sizes and settings. Mix and match them throughout the year to keep things fresh!)

1. Two Truths and a Lie

This classic icebreaker game is a simple way to get employees laughing and learning about each other. Each person in the group shares two true facts and one false statement about themselves, in any order. The rest of the team then has to guess which statement is the lie.

Why it’s fun: People often reveal surprising or funny stories from their lives, sparking conversations. It’s light-hearted and sometimes downright silly as colleagues try to fool each other.

Team-building benefits: Two Truths and a Lie is extremely easy to set up and works with groups of any size. It’s one of the most uncomplicated games and an effective icebreaker, helping teammates discover common interests or unique hobbies. By the end, everyone knows a little more about each other, which builds empathy and friendship.

How to play: Simply go around in a circle (or in a video call for remote teams) with each person stating their two truths and one lie. Give a minute for others to discuss or consider, then have them vote or guess the lie. You can keep score if you want a competitive angle (e.g., whoever guesses the most lies correctly wins a small prize), or just play casually for laughs.

Tip: Encourage participants to share creative or unexpected truths (“I once bungee-jumped off a bridge”) to make the game more engaging. And of course, keep the tone positive – the goal is to bond over fun facts, not pry into private matters.

2. Office Bingo

Bingo isn’t just for senior centers – it can be transformed into a hilarious office game! Office Bingo involves a bingo card filled with scenarios or traits related to work life (for example, “has a cat,” “drinks black coffee,” “been with the company 5+ years,” “wrote code in the last week,” etc.). Employees mingle and mark off squares by finding coworkers who match the description in each box. The first to complete a row yells “Bingo!” and wins.

Why it’s fun: It gets people talking to each other and discovering random tidbits (Who actually does have a pet tarantula or was a childhood spelling bee champ?). It’s quick, easy, and can be done during a lunch break or at the start of a meeting for a burst of energy. In fact, Bingo is one of the most fun games to play in the office during work celebrations or breaks.

Team-building benefits: Office Bingo acts as a structured mixer – newer team members get to introduce themselves, and even long-time colleagues learn new things about each other. It breaks down cliques since everyone has to talk to everyone to fill their card. The game encourages listening and conversation in a natural way. Plus, it injects some playfulness into the workplace, boosting morale.

How to set it up: Create bingo cards with a mix of work-related and personal prompts. (If you’re short on time, free bingo card generators or templates online can help.) Print out the cards and distribute. Participants must circulate and find a coworker who fits each square to sign it (one person’s name per square to encourage broad interaction). The first to get a full row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) wins a prize. You can play multiple rounds if it’s popular, with different bingo sheets each round.

Example Bingo squares: “Speaks more than 2 languages,” “Has met the CEO,” “Worked here < 1 year,” “Loves Marvel movies,” “Has run a marathon,” etc. Tailor the items to your company culture for extra relevance and laughs.

3. Childhood Photo Guessing Game

Prepare for “aww” moments and laughter with this guess-the-baby-photo game. Ahead of time, ask team members to bring in a cute or funny childhood photo of themselves (or submit digitally). Put all the photos on a board or slideshow, numbered but without names. During the activity, everyone tries to guess which colleague matches each photo.

Why it’s fun: There’s something inherently amusing about seeing your coworkers as little kids – whether they were toothless toddlers or awkward teens. It’s nostalgic and breaks down formal barriers. People love telling the stories behind their old snapshots (“Yes, that was my Halloween costume in third grade…”). Expect lots of good-natured teasing and “I can’t believe that’s you!” moments.

Team-building benefits: The childhood photo game is an excellent icebreaker for office teams. It humanizes colleagues and prompts storytelling, helping team members bond over personal history. Shy employees often come out of their shell to explain a funny haircut or outfit from their past. The game builds empathy and understanding – after all, everyone was a kid once! It’s especially great for cross-department mingling, as it gives people who don’t work together daily a chance to interact in a relaxed way.

How to play: Collect the photos in advance (ensure nobody peeks). In a conference room or via screen-share, display the photos with a number assigned to each. Hand out numbered lists and have each person write down their guesses for who’s who. After 10–15 minutes, reveal the answers one by one and let the owner of each photo share a bit of backstory. Tally scores if you want to declare a winner who guessed the most correctly (and maybe give them a small prize).

Tip: If your team is remote or hybrid, you can do this virtually using a slide deck or a shared document of images. People can submit guesses via a Google Form or simply write them down and then discuss. The game works in-person or online, as long as you gather the pictures.

4. Team Trivia Quiz

Who doesn’t enjoy a good trivia night? Team trivia is a versatile activity that can be done during lunch, after work, or as a meeting energizer. Divide everyone into small teams and have a multi-round trivia contest covering various topics. Questions can range from general knowledge and pop culture to fun facts about your own company or industry.

Why it’s fun: Trivia taps into people’s competitive spirit and love of random facts. There will be moments of intense concentration (“I know this one!”) followed by high-fives when the team gets it right – or groans when everyone is stumped. It’s engaging for all personality types: the brainy folks get to shine, and others get to learn new tidbits. Add some snacks or beverages and it feels like a pub quiz, right in the office.

Team-building benefits: Trivia quizzes encourage friendly competition without high stakes. Team members must communicate and pool their knowledge, which promotes collaboration. Often, different people excel in different categories, so everyone’s strengths are utilized – one person knows sports, another knows movies, etc. This can boost confidence and highlight the value of diverse knowledge on a team. Importantly, trivia is low-cost and easy to organize, meaning it “hardly makes a hole in your pocket” and still lets you witness healthy competition among employees. It’s also adaptable for remote teams using online quiz platforms or video calls.

How to organize: Prepare a list of trivia questions (say, 3–5 rounds of 5 questions each). You can have categories like History, Sports, Tech, Entertainment, or tailor questions to your company (inside jokes and company lore add a special touch). At the event, form teams of 3–5 people. Each team writes answers on a sheet or a Google form. After each round, collect answers and tally scores. Announce the correct answers and do some fun commentary. Continue for all rounds – the team with the most points at the end wins bragging rights (and possibly a prize like gift cards or a trophy).

Tip: Include a lightning round or tie-breaker question for extra excitement. And encourage a festive atmosphere – maybe play background music or have a charismatic “quizmaster” on the mic. Trivia can become a beloved recurring event (monthly or quarterly) that people look forward to.

5. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt gets employees up and moving around the office (or even outside). Create a list of clues or items that teams have to find, collect, or photograph. This could involve locating specific objects in the workplace, solving riddles that lead to a location, or completing fun tasks (e.g., “take a team selfie with the company logo”). The first team to complete all tasks or find all items wins.

Why it’s fun: It turns the workplace into a playground. People love the sense of adventure and competition – you’ll see groups huddled over clue sheets, then dashing off in different directions. There’s also plenty of room for creativity in how clues are designed (they can be themed around your business or just random and goofy). A scavenger hunt can spark childlike excitement, and the energy in the office becomes electric as teams race to finish.

Team-building benefits: Scavenger hunts require teamwork, problem-solving, and communication under time pressure. Colleagues must collaborate closely, which can reveal natural leaders and inventive thinkers. It’s an inclusive activity because there are a variety of tasks (some physical, some mental), allowing different people to contribute. Moreover, it’s a good way for employees to familiarize themselves with the workplace or neighborhood. As one source notes, “a scavenger hunt is a great opportunity for seasoned and new workers to explore the company… when well executed”. It helps break routine and encourages people to see their environment and each other with fresh eyes.

How to organize: Decide on the scope – just inside the office building or extending outdoors? Come up with a list of clues or items. For example, clues can be puzzles that lead to specific desk locations or common areas (“Find the framed award from 2019” or “Locate the meeting room named after a city”). Alternatively, a simple list might be: “Find a stapler with no staples, find someone who has the letter ‘Z’ in their first name and get their signature,” etc. Split everyone into teams of 4–5. Hand out the clue list and say, “Go!”. Set a time limit (like 30 minutes). Teams must either collect the items, take pictures as proof, or check them off with a supervisor, depending on the nature of the hunt. The first team back with all items/clues solved (or the most items if none got all) is the winner.

Variations: For remote teams, try a virtual scavenger hunt where people must find things in their home (“your favorite coffee mug”, “something red on your desk”) or online (find a GIF that represents teamwork). This can be done via video call and is a fun way to bond from afar.

6. Egg Drop Challenge

The Egg Drop is a classic engineering and teamwork challenge that has been popular for decades – because it’s always a hit! The premise: small teams design a protective contraption to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a height (like a second-story window or ladder). Give each team identical materials to work with (e.g., straws, tape, cardboard, plastic wrap, balloons, etc.) and a time limit to build their “egg armor.” Then comes the dramatic (and often messy) moment of truth: drop each egg and see if it survives!

Why it’s fun: It’s hands-on, creative, and just the right amount of ridiculous. Employees get to act like kids for an hour, fiddling with craft materials and “MacGyver-ing” a contraption. There’s suspense and laughter during the drop, especially if an egg splats! Even the failed designs are fun because everyone learns what not to do next time. This activity tends to be loud and energetic, with teams cheering or groaning as each egg is released.

Team-building benefits: The Egg Drop encourages problem-solving through teamwork. Teams must brainstorm ideas, agree on a design, delegate tasks, and manage time – all essential workplace skills, but practiced in a playful context. Creative thinkers and practical builders get to collaborate. Often, team members discover new facets of each other’s skills (maybe that quiet accountant is actually a whiz at creative design, or the marketing intern knows some physics). The challenge emphasizes that the team that plans and works together best will succeed. It’s also great for highlighting the concept of iterative improvement (if an egg breaks, discuss what you would improve and why).

How to run it: Provide each team with a kit of materials. Be clear about the rules – for example: you have 30 minutes to build, you cannot tape the egg itself, the drop height will be X (e.g., 10 feet), and the egg must be raw (not hard-boiled!). Some groups set an egg drop height of 2–3 stories to really test the designs. When time is up, gather everyone and do the drop one team at a time. You can have an impartial judge checking if each egg survived. You might award a prize for any uncracked egg or for the most creative design if all eggs break. Don’t forget to have paper towels on hand for cleanup!

Pro tip: The Egg Drop can be done outdoors or in a lobby/atrium for easier cleanup. Also, consider filming the drops in slow motion for a fun post-event video to share – teams love seeing their “engineering marvels” (or epic fails) in replay.

7. Escape Room Adventure

Take team problem-solving to the next level with an Escape Room challenge. In an escape room (either at a local venue or a DIY version in your office), a group is “locked” in a themed room and must solve a series of puzzles and clues to escape or complete a mission within a time limit (usually 60 minutes). Common themes include escaping a prison, finding a hidden treasure, defusing a bomb, etc. If going offsite isn’t possible, you can even purchase or create an “escape game” kit to set up in a conference room.

Why it’s fun: It’s immersive and thrilling – like being the protagonist of a live-action adventure or mystery. Team members have to channel their inner detectives, and the ticking clock adds excitement. You’ll see colleagues showing off hidden talents: someone with a knack for riddles, another with sharp observation skills, finding hidden keys or codes. The themed setting (whether it’s a spooky haunted house or a spy mission) can make people forget about work for a while and truly bond over the challenge. When the team solves a tough puzzle or escapes with seconds to spare, the rush of shared victory is unbeatable.

Team-building benefits: Escape rooms are often touted as the ultimate team-building activity because they require communication, cooperation, and collective brainpower. To succeed, participants must practice teamwork, task delegation, and critical thinking under pressure. It’s nearly impossible for one person to solve everything alone in time, so collaboration is a must – this teaches trust and leveraging each other’s strengths. As one escape room company notes, working together on such challenges “breaks down social barriers” and leads to stronger communication and cooperation back in the office. Additionally, escape games put people in unusual roles (a quiet person might take charge of organizing clues, for example), which can reveal leadership and group dynamics in a new light. Finally, it’s memorable – teams often reminisce about the puzzles they cracked, which reinforces positive team identity.

How to do it: Easiest is to book a local escape room for groups of ~5–8. If you have a large team, split into multiple rooms (or compete to see which team escapes fastest). Alternatively, bring the escape room to your office: there are vendors that host portable escape games, or you can DIY by setting up puzzles in a room (there are printable kits available online). For a DIY approach, you might set a storyline (e.g., “find the missing prototype from the lab”) and create a chain of clues (hidden passwords, ciphered messages, physical puzzle pieces) leading to the “solution.” Keep the time limit strict to intensify teamwork. Afterward, hold a short debrief to let everyone share what they enjoyed and learned.

Note: Escape rooms can also be done virtually using online escape games or platforms for remote teams. They still encourage teamwork, just via Zoom – proving geography is no barrier to a good team puzzle.

8. Office Cook-Off or Bake-Off

Time to break out the aprons! Hosting an Office Cook-Off (or bake-off for desserts) is a delicious way to bring employees together. The idea is to have individuals or small teams prepare a dish and then have a friendly tasting competition. This could be done potluck style at the office or as a live cooking contest if you have facilities – but the simplest version is a bake-off where everyone brings in their best homemade dessert, or a chili cook-off, etc., and coworkers sample and vote for their favorites.

Why it’s fun: Food has a way of bringing people together. A cook-off introduces healthy competition spiced with yummy treats. People get really into it – you’ll see creative entries from secret family recipes to Pinterest-inspired creations. The tasting and judging process is enjoyable for all, not just participants, because who doesn’t like sampling a bunch of snacks? It turns an ordinary day into an office party. Plus, you might discover your quiet IT guy is a star baker or your boss makes a killer chili.

Team-building benefits: A cooking challenge encourages creativity and teamwork (if done in groups). It’s an equalizer activity – everyone from intern to executive can don a chef’s hat and have fun together. In team-based cook-offs, members must collaborate on planning and executing a dish under time constraints, which fosters leadership and cooperation. Even in an individual bake-off, colleagues bond by sharing recipes, kitchen tips, and culinary stories. As Vantage Circle’s blog noted, “a cooking experience requires team members to pitch in together and be creative,” and it can bring out leadership skills in those who naturally take charge of the kitchen. At the very least, everyone bonds over enjoying food, and that communal experience can improve workplace relationships.

How to organize: Choose a theme (e.g., Chili Cook-Off, Cupcake Bake-Off, International Potluck, where each person brings a dish from a different culture, or even a No-Heat Recipe Challenge for simplicity). If it’s a bake-off/potluck, have participants bring their prepared dish to work by a certain time. Set up a table for entries with labels (ingredients, allergen info, etc.). Give all employees tasting ballots to vote on categories like “Tastiest,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Presentation.” Announce winners and perhaps give out fun awards (a golden spoon trophy or chef hat). If doing a live cooking contest (more logistically complex), you’d need a kitchen space – in that case, perhaps have teams whip up something like a sandwich or salad within 20 minutes using provided ingredients (sort of like Chopped or MasterChef mini-version). Judges (maybe managers or randomly picked employees) can then evaluate the results.

Tip: Turn the cook-off day into a mini-event: play background music, encourage people to wear aprons or chef toques for fun, and make sure to take lots of pictures. You could even compile a little “company cookbook” of all the recipes afterwards as a keepsake.

9. Lip Sync Battle or Talent Show

Ready to see a whole new side of your colleagues? Organize a Lip Sync Battle or a casual Talent Show. For a lip sync battle, small groups or individuals choose an upbeat song, dress up or grab props if they like, and silently perform (lip-sync) the song with as much flair as possible. It’s like karaoke without actual singing (which, trust us, is sometimes a blessing!). If not everyone’s into lip-syncing, a broader “talent show” lets employees showcase any fun talent – singing, dancing, magic tricks, juggling, comedy, you name it.

Why it’s fun: It’s pure, uninhibited hilarity. Imagine your normally reserved finance manager in sunglasses and a feather boa pretending to be a rock star for three minutes! These performances tend to be over-the-top in the best way, prompting lots of laughter and cheering from the audience. The absurdity of a lip sync battle (mouthing lyrics dramatically, possibly some air guitar moves) creates an upbeat, celebratory atmosphere. Even those who don’t perform will have a blast watching colleagues let loose. It’s basically an office variety show – one that people will talk about for weeks.

Team-building benefits: Events like these allow employees to step out of their usual roles and have fun together, breaking down hierarchical barriers. Teams can work together on group performances – planning and practicing a lip sync skit fosters collaboration and creativity (and often some inside jokes). According to one team-building source, dividing the office into groups for a lip sync battle “promises nothing but fun… it’s a great team-building activity with incredible potential for fun!”. Such activities boost confidence and camaraderie; someone who wows the crowd with a hidden talent earns new respect and connection from peers. Importantly, it cultivates a workplace culture where laughter and personality are welcome, which can improve overall communication and ease of working together.

How to do it: Announce the event a couple of weeks in advance so participants can prepare. For a Lip Sync Battle, have people sign up solo or in groups and pick a song (you might set a theme like 80s hits, movie songs, or let it be free choice). On the day, set up a simple stage area or conference room with speakers. Each act performs their lip sync (limit acts to say 2–3 minutes each). You can have judges or do audience voting to award a “Lip Sync Champion.” For a Talent Show, similarly schedule a time (maybe on a Friday afternoon) and have an emcee introduce each act. Encourage a supportive environment – the goal is to cheer each other on. Provide light refreshments to give it a real show vibe.

Tip: If leadership participates with their own funny performance, it sets a great example that everyone can relax and join the fun. Don’t force anyone to perform if they’re not comfortable; they can still participate as enthusiastic audience members (perhaps give departments noise-makers or score cards to hold up to involve them).

10. Board Game Tournament

Sometimes, simple board games or card games can bring a team together brilliantly. Host an office board game tournament or game night where employees play popular games like Chess, Checkers, Jenga, Pictionary, or modern favorites like Codenames, Ticket to Ride, or Uno. You can have multiple games running in stations or focus on one big tournament for a single game (e.g., a company-wide ping-pong bracket can be analogous to a board game bracket, too). If an entire tournament sounds too complex, even an informal board game session during a Friday afternoon can do wonders for relaxation and bonding.

Why it’s fun: Games are inherently engaging, and there’s a board or card game for every interest – strategy, trivia, word play, etc. For the competitive souls, a tournament scratches that itch to win (in a low-stakes way). For others, it’s just a nice break to play and chat. These games often lead to funny moments – silly doodles in Pictionary, dramatic Jenga tower crashes, or bluffing in a card game. Nothing’s worse than a boring board game, so pick crowd-pleasers and you’ll see people getting genuinely into it. Snacks, music, and a casual setting can make it feel like a friendly gathering rather than work.

Team-building benefits: Board games encourage social interaction, strategic thinking, and friendly competition. They often mix employees from different teams or levels who might not normally interact much. For instance, playing on the same Scrabble team can pair a junior developer with the VP of Sales, working together and learning from each other in a relaxed context. Games like charades or Pictionary unleash creativity and require teammates to be in sync. Cooperative board games (like Pandemic or escape-room-in-a-box games) require players to unite against the game itself, highlighting communication and collective problem-solving. Even competitive games teach good sportsmanship and the ability to celebrate colleagues’ wins. Overall, these sessions build rapport and strengthen relationships – as people joke and strategize together, “shared laughter and enjoyment create a positive atmosphere, reinforcing a sense of belonging” on the team.

How to organize: Decide if it’s a come-and-go game afternoon (several games laid out, people choose what to play) or a structured tournament. If the latter, pick a game that’s quick to play and can involve multiple participants over rounds. For example, a chess or poker tournament could be bracket-style. Or a round-robin of foosball or Mario Kart if you have that available. Provide a sign-up for those interested in competing, and create a schedule so everyone knows when they play. If it’s informal, just stock the break room with a selection of board games and maybe facilitate forming groups (“Okay, who wants to play Monopoly? Need 4 people!”). You might be surprised how many employees will stick around after hours if the games are fun and the atmosphere is right.

Tip: Include some easy, quick games (like Uno or a trivia deck) for people who just want to drop in briefly, and some longer games for the enthusiasts. Also, make sure rules are available for newbies or have “gamemasters” who know how to play and can help explain. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable joining in, regardless of skill level.

11. Team Sports Day

Organize a Team Sports Day or Field Day to get employees moving and collaborating outdoors (or in a gym). Depending on your crowd’s interests, this could be anything from a casual company picnic with lawn games (think tug-of-war, sack races, frisbee) to a more structured sports tournament (softball, soccer, volleyball, bowling league – whatever facilities you have access to). You could even do an “Office Olympics” with goofy events like chair racing or paper-wastebasket basketball. The idea is to have teams compete in friendly athletic contests, encouraging team spirit and maybe a bit of playful rivalry between departments.

Why it’s fun: It’s a refreshing change from the office environment – being out in the sun (if the weather permits), running around, and cheering for your colleagues. Sports and games get adrenaline up and create lots of laugh-out-loud moments (especially if you include novelty races or funny relays). Even those who are not super athletic often enjoy the festive, low-pressure competition. It feels like a throwback to school sports days, but with the twist that you know and care about the people on your team. Add some music and maybe a barbecue, and it becomes a mini-company carnival.

Team-building benefits: Physical activities promote teamwork in a visceral way – you literally have to work together to score that goal or win that relay. Communication on the field (strategizing, calling plays, and encouraging each other) translates into better communication off the field. Also, teammates learn to trust each other’s abilities and effort. Participating in sports can reveal leadership and perseverance; someone might shine as a team captain or as the MVP who motivates everyone. Importantly, a sports day can help promote healthy relationships and team dynamics. When employees see how “a team works” in a game setting, they often carry those lessons (like supporting weaker players, or dividing roles according to strengths) back to work projects. Plus, being active together releases endorphins, which is great for morale and bonding.

How to organize: Choose the scale: a simple afternoon at a local park with mixed teams playing a single sport, or a larger multi-event field day. If doing a single sport, consider inclusive options (kickball is popular and easy to learn, for example). If doing multiple events, you can set up stations: e.g., relay races, egg-and-spoon or three-legged races (silly but fun), a mini golf putting challenge, dodgeball, etc. Employees can rotate through or choose what they like. Split people into teams that balance departments or mix people who don’t usually work together, to maximize new interactions. Safety first: ensure activities are moderate and that everyone knows it’s just for fun – no need to get overly competitive or risk injury. Provide water, snacks, and maybe team-colored bandanas or T-shirts to boost spirit. Announce winners for each event or an overall champion team and celebrate them.

Tip: Emphasize inclusion – make sure there are roles for those who might not be able to participate in strenuous activity (like scorekeeper, referee, or cheerleader roles, or having some games that require brain more than brawn). The point is that everyone is involved one way or another. And don’t forget to capture some team photos – nothing says “we’re a team” like a sweaty group high-five shot after a big game!

12. Wellness Challenge or Fitness Activity

Show your team you care about their well-being by incorporating a fun wellness challenge into your routine. This could be a steps challenge (who walks the most steps in a month?), a team weight-loss or exercise challenge, or organizing group fitness activities like a weekly yoga class, a group 5K charity run, or a hiking day. Even something quirky like a “plank contest” or midday stretch breaks can be turned into a friendly competition. The key is to make health and fitness a team effort rather than a solo chore.

Why it’s fun: At first glance, “fitness at work” might not sound fun, but framing it as a game or group activity changes that. Challenges tap into people’s competitive nature and provide mutual encouragement – it’s motivating to see your peers also striving towards a goal. There’s also a lot of camaraderie in suffering together a little (think of the humor in everyone being sore after a group workout, or the shared struggle of resisting donuts in a weight-loss challenge). Activities like a group hike or Zumba class can be genuinely enjoyable social outings where you happen to also be exercising. And for those who love fitness, it’s a chance to shine and help others; for those new to it, the team aspect makes it less intimidating.

Team-building benefits: A wellness challenge can create a supportive team atmosphere where colleagues cheer each other on to personal achievements (be it doing 10,000 steps a day or quitting smoking or learning to meditate). It fosters positive peer pressure – in this case, to develop healthy habits – which can translate into positive work habits too. When done right, fitness activities are inclusive and build empathy: teammates become accountability partners and celebrate each other’s progress. Also, healthier employees are generally happier and more energetic at work. Vantage Circle notes that fitness activities are a perfect way to drive employee engagement and build team bonding, proving you can have fun and be healthy at the same time.

How to implement: There are many possibilities:

Step or Activity Challenge: Use a fitness tracker app or just an honor system to log steps or workout minutes. Set a timeframe (e.g., 4 weeks) and have individuals or departments compete. Post a leaderboard to spark enthusiasm. Reward the winners with something like sports store vouchers or simple bragging rights and a funny “fittest team” trophy.
Group Fitness Events: Partner with local instructors or have a fit employee lead a weekly class (yoga, aerobics, even a walking club during lunch). Or register the company for a charity run/walk and train together. Make these optional but welcoming for all levels.
Healthy Habit Bingo: Create bingo cards with wellness tasks (“Bring a healthy lunch,” “Take a walking meeting,” “Try a 5-minute meditation,” “Drink 8 glasses of water today”). Employees mark off tasks and share when they get bingo. This turns wellness into a collective game.

Pro tip: Keep the tone supportive, not shaming. Celebrate participation over winning. You might have a wrap-up party after a challenge – for example, after a step challenge, host a smoothie bar social or a picnic where you congratulate everyone’s efforts. The message should be “we’re all getting healthier together, and having fun doing it!”.

13. HIGH5 Personality Test & Team Strengths Session

For a deeper team-building experience that’s still engaging, consider using a personality or strengths assessment as a fun activity. One excellent option is the HIGH5 Personality Test for Teams, which is a free strengths-finder test (available online) that identifies each individual’s top five character strengths. Team members take the HIGH5 test, then you hold a group session to share and discuss the results, perhaps via a “strengths sharing” workshop or meeting. You can even get a HIGH5 Team Strengths Report, which compiles everyone’s profiles and provides insight into the team’s collective strengths.

Why it’s fun: People generally love learning about themselves – especially when the results are framed positively (as strengths, not deficits). Taking the HIGH5 assessment is interesting on an individual level, and then the real fun begins when colleagues compare strengths: “Oh, you got Storyteller and I got Analyst – that makes sense given how you present and how I crunch numbers!” There are often some “aha!” moments and lightbulb laughs as teammates recognize each other in the descriptions. It’s also validating and energizing to have one’s positive traits named and appreciated by the group. Turning it into a team game (like bingo: find someone with the same strength as you, etc.) can add a playful twist.

Team-building benefits: This activity goes beyond surface-level fun and can significantly improve team understanding and performance. By “incorporating tools like the HIGH5 strengths test, organizations can unlock a new level of team building effectiveness”. The test provides a common language for teammates to discuss what each person is great at, which enables the team to capitalize on their diverse talents. Instead of generic personality labels, HIGH5 focuses on unique strengths like Problem Solver, Peacekeeper, Coach, etc. Discussing these can help resolve misunderstandings (e.g., why someone likes detailed plans while another improvises – different strengths at play) and improve collaboration. Managers gain a nuanced view of how to leverage each member’s innate talents and tailor tasks accordingly. The shared experience of the workshop itself builds trust and empathy; it’s a positive, supportive setting where everyone’s contributions are recognized. In essence, it’s both a fun bonding exercise and a professional development session. Teams that do this often report better communication and a boost in morale because colleagues learn to appreciate each other’s strengths on a new level.

How to do it: Have all participants complete the HIGH5 test online (it’s typically ~20 minutes of answering prompts). Ensure they get their results (top 5 strengths). Then, gather for a debrief session. Here are a few ideas to make it interactive:

Show-and-tell Strengths: Each person briefly shares their top strength and one example of how they use it at work or outside work. Encourage others to chime in with positive examples (“Yes, you are totally a Coach – you helped me onboard when I was new!”).
Strengths Mapping: If you don’t have the Team Strengths Report, which does this for you, you can draw a quick chart on a whiteboard with all the different strengths and tick who has which. Discuss what the team has in abundance and what might be “rare” on the team. For instance, if only one person has Visionary, they might often be the big-picture thinker; if many have Analytical, you know detail-orientation is a collective asset. The HIGH5 Team Report provides a holistic view of these patterns, helping the team see how each person’s strengths complement the others.
Group Activity: Split into small groups and give a hypothetical project scenario. Ask each group to outline how they would approach it, knowing the strengths present (“With a Strategist, a Philomath, and an Empathizer on our team, how should we tackle this task?”). This is a gamified way to apply the insights.
Follow-up: Encourage team members to keep their strengths in mind. Maybe create a fun display (like a poster or Slack channel) listing everyone’s top 5. HIGH5 even suggests creating a “Strengths Map” visual for the team. Over time, you can refer back to it when delegating (“This plays to Alice’s strength of Deliverer, let’s have her lead that deadline-driven task”).
Group Fit Score: Invite the team to see how each person’s strengths align with the current mission and team composition. Use this exercise to decide where to deploy existing talent, where to develop skills, and where hiring might be most intentional.
Group Strengths Grid: Create a heatmap with strengths as rows and people as columns. Mark the top five strengths with filled circles and, if available, the next five with open circles. As you read the grid, notice the clusters where many people share the same strength and these reveal the team’s cultural gravity and default moves. Pay attention to the gaps, where key strengths have no or very few representations, as these become clear targets for hiring, contracting, or partnering. Watch for balance issues, too, where one person carries many similar themes, since that can signal an overuse risk. To add depth, include a bar count along the side to show how many people hold each strength, and role tags above each column so it’s easy to see distribution across functions like product, engineering, customer success, or operations.
Team Strengths Culture: Turn the data into a handful of “how we win” statements that capture the team’s dominant strengths in action. These statements should be short, actionable, and behavior-driven. For example, a team strong in Analyst, Deliverer, and Philomath might declare that they always test assumptions before committing, they land the plane every time, they learn in public with demos instead of documents, they design decisions with data first and stories second, and they timebox and iterate because speed beats perfection. Once these statements are in place, ritualize them with small habits. You might hold a “Tuesday 20” to share quick experiments, run a “Red Team 10” to pressure-test plans, or create a “Done Definition” wall that reinforces what complete looks like.
Team Strengths Profile: Bring the insights together in a one-page profile that’s easy to share. Include a word cloud that highlights the most common strengths, a coverage wheel that shows how strategic, execution, people, and ideation strengths are spread, and a diversity index that tracks the average number of unique strengths per person. Aim for at least 1.8 unique strengths per individual to keep perspectives broad. Map roles to dominant strengths so it’s clear how each person contributes, and summarize with three strengths the team already leverages and three areas they are actively building. This profile is especially useful for executives, new joiners, and cross-functional partners who need a quick understanding of how the team operates.
Team Watch-Outs: Every pattern has a risk, and every risk needs a guardrail. For example, a team heavy on Deliverer may ship relentlessly but without shaping ideas, so they should add an Explorer or Storyteller checkpoint before building. A team rich in Analysts but light on Empathizers may make cold decisions that create stakeholder friction, so pairing each decision with a “Voice of Customer” buddy helps restore balance. If Visionaries dominate but Planners are scarce, the group may face start-stop chaos, which can be contained with weekly prioritization and limits on work in progress. Where a unique strength lives in only one person, the risk of a single point of failure rises, so shadowing, playbooks, and backup owners provide safety nets. To ground this, ask the team to identify which two watch-outs feel most relevant this quarter and agree on a single guardrail for each.
Team Unique Contributors: Finally, spotlight individuals with personal contributor cards. Each card should state the person’s name and top five strengths, highlight what only they bring in plain language, point to complementary strengths or people they are best paired with, and include prompts like “ask me for” and “please support me with.” Use these cards weekly as tools for pairing, mentoring, recognition, and delegation. They make it easy to appreciate unique value and encourage team members to lean on one another intentionally.

Remember to keep the session upbeat and affirming. The point is celebrating the unique mix of personalities on your team. As a result, you’re likely to see improved empathy and collaboration, and employees feeling seen and appreciated for who they are. (Plus, it’s quite enjoyable – sort of like those BuzzFeed quizzes but actually useful for work!)

14. Team Volunteer Day (Giving Back Together)

Sometimes the best way to bond is by giving back to the community as a team. Organize a volunteer day or charity activity that employees can participate in together. This could involve partnering with a local nonprofit for a day (e.g., building houses with Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up a park, serving at a soup kitchen), a charity walk/run event, or even an in-office philanthropy game (like a charity trivia where winnings go to a cause, or assembling care packages in a team relay). It’s a break from regular work, but with the feel-good bonus of helping others.

Why it’s fun: Working together on a meaningful project brings a special kind of satisfaction and unity. Employees often enjoy the chance to get out of the usual work mindset and do something hands-on and altruistic. You’ll see colleagues joking and supporting each other, whether they’re painting a fence or sorting donation items. There’s often a lot of pride and positivity generated – inside jokes form (“remember when we all tried to paint that mural?”) and people feel collectively accomplished by the end of the day. It’s a different flavor of fun – more wholesome perhaps – but can be very engaging and even refreshing compared to typical office events.

Team-building benefits: Volunteering as a group aligns everyone toward a common, non-work goal, often requiring teamwork in unfamiliar tasks (nobody’s worrying about job titles when you’re all wearing hairnets packing meals, for example). It can boost morale and satisfaction, as employees see their teamwork “directly impacting society positively”, which is a deeper bonding experience. According to team-building experts, combining social responsibility with team activities creates win-win opportunities – it improves team cohesion and also helps the community. Additionally, these activities can highlight values and skills not seen in the office. Someone might emerge as a motivational leader when rallying the team for the charity walk, or teams might practice efficient communication and division of labor while doing a volunteer task. It also sends a message that your organization cares about more than just profit, which can make employees feel proud to be part of the company. Engaging in such meaningful work together can reduce stress and attract a sense of purpose, which strengthens bonds and loyalty among team members.

How to organize: Poll your team for causes they care about, or choose a cause that aligns with your company’s values. Coordinate with a nonprofit for a group volunteer opportunity – many have corporate volunteer programs. Ensure the activity is suitable for the number of people and clearly communicate any prep needed (e.g., wear old clothes for gardening, etc.). It could be a half-day or full-day event. If outside work hours, treat it as an optional outing (but you might be surprised by high turnout). If during work hours, even better – it’s team building on company time for a good cause. On the day, perhaps start with a brief team breakfast or coffee, then volunteer, then conclude with a short reflection or team lunch to share experiences. For instance, teams have done things like charity bake sales, environmental clean-ups, mentoring students, and more – all of which foster engagement and reduce turnover by increasing satisfaction.

Tip: Take a group photo during the volunteer activity and later share it in internal newsletters or on social media (if appropriate) to recognize the team’s effort. This can further bond the team in shared pride. Also, consider making volunteer day a regular tradition (e.g., quarterly or annual “Day of Service”). When employees know that giving back is part of your culture, it creates a strong sense of community within the company as well.

Choosing the right team activity

With so many fun ideas to choose from, how do you decide which activity is best for your team’s current needs? Here’s a quick cheat-sheet to help you match your goals with an appropriate activity:

Team Building Goal	Suggested Activities
Break the uce for new or shy teams	Quick icebreakers like Two Truths and a Lie, Office Bingo, or the Childhood Photo Guessing game. These get people talking and comfortable with each other right away.
Boost communication and trust	Virtual activities include Online Trivia, Virtual Escape Room, Zoom Charades/Pictionary, or a remote Show & Tell. Keeps the team spirit strong across distances.
Encourage creative problem-solving	Problem-solving games like the Egg Drop, Marshmallow Tower Challenge, Mystery Post-It puzzle hunt, or Scavenger Hunt. Great for developing team brainstorming and innovation.
Improve morale and have some laughs	Just-for-fun events such as Lip Sync Battle/Talent Show, Office Cook-Off, or a Board Game Tournament. These relieve stress and let your team’s personalities shine in a playful setting.
Promote health and wellness	Active team activities like Sports Day, a group fitness class, or a Wellness Challenge (step contest, etc.). Ideal for energizing the team and showing you care about work-life balance.
Engage a remote/distributed team	Virtual activities include Online Trivia, Virtual Escape Room, Zoom Charades/Pictionary, or a remote Show & Tell. Keeps the team spirit strong across distances.
Give back and build meaning	Volunteering and charity events, such as a Team Volunteer Day, a fundraising challenge, or a community service project. Bonds the team around shared values and purpose.

Use the goals above to guide your choice. For example, if your team just went through a busy season and seems a bit stressed, a light-hearted morale booster (like a game night or talent show) could be perfect. If you have many new hires, start with icebreakers or a team strengths finder to accelerate familiarity. And remember, you can always ask your employees which types of activities they’d enjoy most – getting input ensures higher enthusiasm and participation.

Related:

Why do fun office activities for employees matter?

Investing time in team games and bonding exercises isn’t just about having a good time; it pays off in a stronger, more cohesive team. According to research, team-building’s impact is magnified when coupled with a strengths-based approach. In general, well-designed team activities can yield benefits such as:

Building friendships and trust: Coworkers get to know each other beyond work roles, often forming quality friendships. This camaraderie increases trust and positively impacts team dynamics.
Creating a positive culture: Fun shared experiences contribute to a more inclusive and positive company culture where people feel valued and connected.
Revealing strengths and potential: Collaborative games often let employees showcase talents or leadership skills that may not emerge in daily work. Team activities can help individuals realize their strengths and how they complement one another.
Improving collaboration and communication: Working together on playful challenges boosts communication skills and cooperation. Teams practice listening, coordinating, and strategizing in a low-stakes setting – skills that transfer back to work projects. For example, an activity like an escape room fosters communication and breaks down social barriers, leading to stronger cooperation when back in the office.
Boosting morale and engagement: Simply put, taking time for fun lifts everyone’s spirits. These activities boost employee morale and happiness, which in turn can increase engagement and even productivity. They also create lifelong memories and inside jokes that enhance employee bonds.
Reducing stress and burnout: Games may seem like a break from “real work,” but that’s the point – breaks and playful activities are excellent for decreasing burnout and lowering stress. A short, fun session can recharge the team for the next big task.
Enhancing problem-solving and creativity: Many team games present puzzles or challenges that require creative thinking. By practicing these skills in a fun context, teams become better problem solvers and more innovative at work.
Mitigating conflicts: As colleagues bond and understand each other more, it can help reduce workplace conflicts. Team-building provides a friendly environment to improve relationships and empathy, making it easier to resolve differences constructively.
Increasing motivation: A team that plays together stays together – and motivated. Friendly competitions and group achievements can energize employees and remind them they’re part of a supportive team working toward common goals.
Improving engagement and retention: When employees enjoy their team environment, they are more engaged and less likely to leave. Regular fun activities signal that leadership cares about employee well-being, which boosts loyalty.

As you can see, there’s a serious purpose behind the fun. Now, let’s dive into some specific ideas. Below is a list of 14 enjoyable team-building activities suitable for various workplaces. For each, we’ll cover what it is and why it’s great for team bonding, along with tips to implement it.

Conclusion

Bringing fun activities into the workplace is one of the best investments you can make in your team. It might seem counterintuitive to take time away from “real work” for games or outings, but the payoff in team cohesion, communication, and motivation is immense. As we’ve seen, a well-chosen mix of team-building exercises can decrease burnout and stress while boosting engagement and productivity.