28 Fun Office Activities To Inspire Camaraderie (2024)

You found our list of fun fun office activities

Fun office activities are engaging and enjoyable tasks designed to break the monotony of daily work routines. For example, a mug swap and story share, a DIY terrarium workshop, or an office ghost stories night. The purpose of these activities is to enhance team bonding, boost morale, and stimulate creativity in the workplace. These activities are also known as “small fun activities for employees in office” and “team building office activities.”

These fun office activities are similar to office games, work social events, team building activities, and small group games.

This list includes:

• office activities for adults
• small fun activities for employees in office
• unique office activities
• fun office activities to boost morale
• team building office activities

Let’s get to it!

List of fun office activities

From mug swap & story share to mindfulness and meditation corners, here is our list of the best fun activities for the office.

1. Mug Swap & Story Share

In the Mug Swap and Story Share activity, employees bring in special mugs and share the stories behind them. This activity fosters connections and understanding among colleagues and allows employees to show off pieces of their personalities. This simple spin on show and tell celebrates unique backgrounds and experiences, humanizes colleagues, and strengthens communication and storytelling skills, all while creating a more inclusive and vibrant office culture that values relationships.

Pro tip: Conclude the activity by sipping cocoa, coffee, and tea together.

Here is a list of unique office coffee station ideas.

2. Three-Minute Ted Talks

Three-Minute Ted Talks are one of the best office activities for adults. In these brief presentations, employees share insights for three minutes. Simply introduce the idea, then ask for volunteers or use a randomizer to choose employees to give talks. Team members should ideally choose their own topics. Then, gather and listen to the presenters. You can organize an event around the talks, or choose a different team member each meeting.

These talks help improve public speaking skills, encourage knowledge sharing, and initiate discussions. The exercise also strengthens communication, increases confidence, and nurtures creativity. Plus, team members get a chance to show off their specific expertise, skills, interests, and passions to their peers, which helps coworkers gain a better understanding of what each coworker brings to the team.

Check out the best TED talks for team building.

3. Mystery Post-It Challenge

The Mystery Post-It Challenge is one of the best small fun activities for employees in office.

This engaging activity involves using Post-It notes to design puzzles or clues for coworkers to decode. Team members can make riddles, sketches, poems, or word scrambles on the notes. Then, the clue makers will scatter the notes around the office. The gamemaker can use a specific color or design of Post-It to let players know which papers are part of the riddle. Players must gather and decipher these clues.

Collaboratively, players decode the messages and solve the mystery, fostering teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.

4. Sneaky Costume Day

Sneaky Costume Day is a fun and lighthearted office activity where employees wear subtle costumes by incorporating small, creative accessories like quirky socks, headbands, pins, or themed jewelry. The challenge is for coworkers to spot these sneaky additions and guess the costume based on the clues provided by the accessories.

For example, a coworker might wear galaxy-themed socks and a moon-shaped pin, prompting other players to guess they are dressed as an astronaut or the night sky. The game encourages a playful atmosphere, sparks conversations, and adds a bit of mystery and excitement to the workday, all while keeping things low-key and easy to participate in.

Here are more dress up day ideas for office events.

5. Lost & Found Bingo

You can engage your team with a playful round of Lost & Found Bingo, a creative twist on the classic game. Each square on your Bingo cards represents commonly misplaced office items such as pens, chargers, or coffee mugs. As participants find these items around the office, they mark off the corresponding squares. This creative twist not energizes your team while also helping to tidy up the workspace. Fun prizes for winners can include extra break time or a free lunch, or physical gifts like coffee gift cards or cool stationery.

6. Origami Race

The Origami Race is an engaging team building activity where participants compete to make different origami shapes within a set time. This challenge encourages creativity, performance under pressure, and concentration in a high-energy environment. Finishing complex designs under time pressure boosts team spirit and cooperation. You can simply play for fun and see which team creates the most or best origami shapes within the timeframe, or challenge teams to get strategic and devise systems and strategies for folding the most paper in only a few minutes.

7. Office Dioramas

Creating office dioramas can be an imaginative and team building activity. Employees can use everyday office supplies like paper clips, sticky notes, and cardboard to construct miniature scenes of their typical workday or fun themes. Then, provide materials like cardboard, paint, and miscellaneous craft supplies. This activity foster creativity and relaxation, it also strengthens team collaboration as groups negotiate themes, divide tasks, and execute their visions together.

8. Bucket List Board

You can create a vibrant bucket list board in a common area where team members can post their personal and professional goals. There are a few ways to do this activity.

For example:

• Team members post a bucket list item on the board each month, and the visibility of that task promotes accountability for them to accomplish it.
• Coworkers put random bucket list items up for each other, and team members can claim an item to accomplish by taking it off the board, and putting it back up with a photo of them accomplishing it.
• Create a digital whiteboard, shared doc, or Slack thread so that remote team members can enjoy the activity.

This engaging board fosters a sense of community and encourages team support and accountability. Regularly updating achievements and celebrating them as a team can significantly boost morale and provide constant motivation. This space becomes a testament to the team’s growth and achievements over time.

Learn more about office bulletin board ideas

9. DIY Terrarium Workshop

Building terrariums is one of the most fun team building office activities.

A Do-It-Yourself Terrarium Workshop serves as an excellent office activity for coworkers to creatively bond. Participants gain knowledge about plants, soils, and designs to craft miniature ecosystems. This initiative introduces greenery into the office environment and provides each individual with a lovely terrarium to bring home. Furthermore, the workshop encourages relaxation and mindfulness, offering a reprieve from work-related stress while nurturing creativity and teamwork.

10. Office Talent Show with a Twist

You can host a mini talent show during meetings, but introduce a twist that takes some of the pressure off of performing.

For example:

• Departments must perform together
• Performers must incorporate a random object into their act
• Coworkers show off strange or unusual talents

When you host an office talent show with a unique twist, you can inject excitement and creativity into workplace activities.

Learn more about talent show ideas

11. Board Game Tournaments

Board games are not just for family gatherings, and can also spark spirited competition and team bonding in the office. Organizing a board game tournament is a superb way to encourage strategic thinking and collaboration among colleagues. You can choose universally loved games like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride, or opt for quick games like Codenames. Prizes for winners can add an extra layer of excitement to the event!

12. Office Geocaching Adventure

Geocaching uses GPS to locate hidden containers placed by others, encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and outdoor exploration. You can arrange a geocaching adventure around the office, prompting team members to find hidden items in or around the building. This activity promotes camaraderie among colleagues, providing an enjoyable way to liven up the work environment. Finding gems in the workplace to add excitement and form lasting memories with your team.

Pro tip: If you do not want to go the geocaching route, you can hide a picture or symbol around the office for employees to find instead.

13. Desk Décor Competitions with Themes

Competitions for desk decorations can be a fun way to inspire creativity at work and raise office morale. Workers can display their individuality with distinctive decorations that fit specific themes, encouraging teamwork and unity.

Example Themes:

• Vintage Vibes
• Seasonal Splendor
• Employee Hobbies
• Inspirational Quotes
• Around the World

By participating, employees can showcase their imagination and problem-solving skills, creating fun displays that reflect their interpretation of the theme. These contests offer a creative outlet while strengthening connections among coworkers, making workdays more enjoyable and memorable for all team members.

14. Escape Room-in-a-Box

Escape Room-in-a-Box are one of the most unique office activities.

These kits bring the thrilling challenge of an escape room to your office. This game includes all puzzles and materials, allowing teams to solve mysteries right from the comfort room of their break area. This version of the activity is an excellent way for employees to collaboratively use problem-solving skills and boost team spirit in an engaging, interactive way.

Learn more about escape room boxes.

15. Photo Competitions

Organizing a photo competition is a delightful way to foster creativity and break the monotony of daily routines. Employees can submit photos related to specific themes like ‘The Office Life’, ‘After Hours’, or ‘Hidden Talents’. You can choose winners through votes and reward the victors with small, fun prizes like gift cards, swag, or office upgrades. This activity brightens up the work environment but also allows team members to appreciate each other’s creativity and perspective.

Pro tip: If your team is design-savvy, then you can up the ante do a photo-editing contest.

Check out more about work competitions.

16. Office Olympics with Unique Sports

You can organize an Office Olympics with distinctive sports such as paper airplane contests and chair relay races. These unconventional games can improve morale, teamwork, and offer a refreshing respite from work. These activities break up the workday with a dose of friendly competition and encourage employees to connect in a light-hearted, memorable way. An Office Olympics can foster camaraderie across departments, showcase hidden talents, and leave your team feeling re-energized and unified.

Learn more about office olympics.

17. Office Tours

Embarking on office tours is an exciting way to explore different departments and gain insight into how a company operates internally. These tours enable employees to go beyond their own workspaces, promoting collaboration and understanding among teams. By taking part, individuals gain a greater appreciation for the organization’s mission. Exploring various office areas encourages unity and interaction, possibly opening up new career opportunities within the company.

You can also coordinate just-for-fun tours.

For example:

• Holiday decorations tour – admire each area’s entry into a holiday decorating contest
• Art tour – admire the artwork and decorations in each department
• Safari – each employee displays their favorite animal, and you view the wildlife
• Food tour – each employee provides a bite, and you tour the office for a progressive snack
• Trivia tour – give participants a list of trivia questions and tell them that the answers are hidden around the office

Whether serious or silly, office tours provide a valuable opportunity for staff to connect with their work environment and their colleagues more deeply.

18. Coffee Tastings

Arranging coffee tastings can help build connections and foster appreciation among coworkers. Tasting coffee at the office is a pleasant way to bond over different coffee beans, roasts, and brewing methods. You can have a special blend of the week, or sample many different flavors and styles in one sitting.

This activity provides a break from the daily routine, encouraging camaraderie and teamwork in a laid-back setting. This sensory activity boosts morale and improves employee satisfaction by creating a pleasant atmosphere.

You can do virtual coffee tasting too.

19. Quiz Bowl

Quiz Bowl is an engaging office activity in which teams compete in trivia across various categories, demonstrating knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork. To set up the activity, divide employees into teams and prepare a mix of trivia questions covering work-related and fun topics like pop culture or general knowledge. Then set a timer for each question, and award points to the team with the correct answer. For added excitement, include bonus rounds or “lightning questions” for extra points, with the winning team receiving a small prize or office bragging rights.

You can also run an ongoing quiz bowl where teams earn cumulative points throughout the month or quarter.

Here are similar trivia night ideas.

20. Mindfulness and Meditation Corners

Mindfulness and meditation corners in the workplace provide employees with a peaceful sanctuary to rest and regain focus. These designated areas support mindfulness activities such as deep breathing and guided meditation, which help improve mental health and alleviate stress. Taking brief pauses in these locations can boost efficiency and satisfaction at work. These spaces highlight the importance of mental well-being, nurturing a constructive work atmosphere that improves concentration, innovation, and emotional health.

21. Collaborative Mural Painting

Collaborative mural painting is when team members work together to create a shared artwork on a canvas. Each teammate uses their talents to make a visually appealing piece, encouraging creativity and teamwork. This activity lets individuals show their artistic side in a group setting, creating camaraderie and a feeling of achievement. By aiming for a shared objective, employees build stronger connections and learn new skills. Not to mention, the activity results in a lovely piece of art for the office!

You can order giant coloring posters online, print your own design, or simply hang up a large sheet of blank paper and let your team use their imaginations. This idea makes one of the best fun office activities to boost morale.

22. Mystery Lunch Assignments

For Mystery Lunch Assignments, randomly pair teammates to have lunch together. You can use a random pair generator to pick partners, and post the pairs on Monday. The pairs will have the rest of the week to find time to eat lunch or have a coffee break together. This activity encourages team members to engage with unfamiliar coworkers, fostering new connections and teamwork. By stepping out of comfort zones, employees can learn about each other’s interests and backgrounds in a relaxed setting. These assignments promote cross-departmental interactions, strengthening relationships and creating a cohesive workplace culture.

23. Tech-Free Social Hours

Social Hours Without Technology offer a necessary break from technology at work, enabling coworkers to interact in person without interruptions. By promoting these technology-free periods, staff members can improve concentration, communication, and coworker relationships. You can place a basket at the door of the room for phones and smart devices, then encourage team members to chat and enjoy each other’s company. It is wise to provide icebreaker questions or activities to make conversations easier for those coworkers who might find it initially awkward to interact without their digital dependence!

24. Interactive Skill Swaps

Participating in skill exchanges at work includes sharing expertise to acquire new skills and promote teamwork. When employees swap knowledge, they improve collaboration and increase productivity. Skill exchanges expand skill sets and reinforce relationships, resulting in a varied team with valuable expertise. These interactions help create a supportive work atmosphere that fosters ongoing learning. The sharing of knowledge fosters creativity, innovation, and mutual respect among colleagues, ultimately aiding in collective success.

25. Collaborative Playlist Creation

Creating a collaborative playlist in the office is an enjoyable method for team members to bond over music. Each teammate contributes their favorite songs, resulting in a varied and reflective playlist that highlights everyone’s distinct tastes. You can play the soundtrack in the office during the workday, or let the team listen to it on their own time. This simple activity sparks connections and helps folks find common ground (or a new favorite song).

26. Office Ghost Stories or Legends Night

You can invite employees to share eerie tales or local legends at an Office Ghost Stories or Legends Night. You can set the atmosphere with decorations like dim lighting and candles. Team members can take turns narrating their spookiest experiences or favorite ghostly tales. This activity is ideal for Halloween, but can be fun anytime the office could use excitement.

Pro Tip: If you want to make the event extra fun, then you could bring in an artist to draw a quick picture of each ghost story, or invite team members to act out the skit.

27. Pop-Up Art Galleries

You can transform your office into a creative hub by hosting a pop-up art gallery. Simply dedicate a space where employees can display their artistic talents like painting, photography, or sculpture. Then invite the group to view and discuss the artworks over light refreshments. This activity fosters a sense of community and provides a refreshing break from the routine, sparking inspiration and fostering a supportive environment.

Pro tip: If your employees do not want to display their own art, then you could open your space to up-and-coming artists in the community, and still have “gallery openings” to bond with your staff.

28. DIY Mini Golf Course

Creating a do-it-yourself mini golf course at the office is an excellent team building suggestion. By utilizing office supplies such as cups and cardboard, employees can build the course. This activity boosts morale, encourages teamwork, and sparks creativity through friendly competition. Building and playing the course requires problem-solving and communication skills, making teamwork stronger. Mini golf can be a mental respite from work pressure, and designing the game can really spark your group’s creativity and ingenuity. Be sure to snap pictures of the best mini golf holes. You could even award the winning designer a prize.

Final Thoughts

Trying out fun office activities creates a lively workplace where creativity and teamwork grow. Although these fun ideas provide a break from work, in the longterm the culture of fun can increase productivity and make employees happier and more likely to stay. Customizing activities to match your company’s culture can bring even better results. Regularly incorporating fun activities in the workplace can turn an ordinary office into an exciting and enjoyable place to work.

Next, check out our posts on fun at workandoffice party ideas.