During our recent leadership development workshop, we discussed Work FUN-damentals: The Science of Work and Play. Having fun in the office is important. It creates a more engaging and motivated atmosphere for both you and your employees. 

At the conclusion of our leadership workshop, we compiled a list of the 13 fun ideas you have to try with your team.

13. HOST A CHARITY EVENT

There is nothing better than having fun while helping those in need! Host a team meeting, pick a charity and find fun ways to raise money. For example, you could all raise money and “Pie Your Boss.”

12. MARCH MADNESS WEEK

It is okay if you do not even know who is playing; the point is, this week is full of FUN. In addition to filling out a bracket, add a “Wear your favorite sports jersey” day or other exciting spirit days to keep the office entertained. 

11. FOOD

You know what they say, “good food is good mood.” Surprise your employees with a biscuits and gravy breakfast or a surprise pizza lunch. People love food, especially when it’s free. 

10. LASER TAG

Nothing beats taking your team out for a good game of laser tag. Chasing each other around and shooting each other with laser beams sounds like a good time to me.

9. AWARDS

Awards in the office are fun because they are inside jokes that everybody understands. Get your team together and give out awards every year. Some superlative ideas could be:

  • Duct Tape Award: For Being Able to Fix Just About Anything
  • Bubbles Award: For Always Having a Bubbly and Enthusiastic Attitude.
  • One More Thing Award: For Most Likely to Extend Meetings

8. MANAGEMENT TREATS

One participant said their office has a week where the managers treat their employees. They will give out gift baskets with candy, fun socks, etc. It is a great way to implement fun and let your employees know that you are always thinking of them.

7. LAKE TRIP

One company told us how their team finds a weekend and rent a houseboat for some team building and hanging out. The lake, your team and a sunny day—you can’t beat it!

6. OFFICE PARTIES

Everyone celebrates—but go above and beyond for the holidays! Whether it’s an Easter egg hunt, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving contest, white elephant exchange, etc., keep your office parties fun and play lots of games. Think outside of the box!

5. UKULELE LUNCH

Springfield Music adapted a new tradition in their office. Their team goes around to local businesses and teaches a quick Ukulele lesson for the office. Not a bad way to spend a lunch break!

4. BOWLING

A classic team bonding outing. Even if you hit the gutter every time, bowling brings out the best in everyone—music, your colleagues and some friendly competition.

3. NERF GUN WAR

If you thought you had friends in the office—you might not after this…just kidding. Nerf gun wars bring out the fun in everyone.

2. ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS TOURNAMENT

This was a great idea for many reasons but here are the main two:

1) EVERYONE knows how to play rock, paper, scissors

2) It goes by FAST, so you can play multiple rounds

1. OFFICE OLYMPICS

During the Winter and Summer Olympics, 417 Magazine hosts the Office Olympics. They split into teams and play fun Office Games like office chair racing, trashcan basketball, etc.

There you have it—the top 13 things you have to try with your employees. Employee engagement is only as good as the time and effort you put into.  Have FUN with your team; the worst that could happen is an increase in productivity and profitability.