We've got the only ever curated list you need for fun at work— 25 office games that guarantee entertainment and team building for your team anytime.
We've got a list of quick icebreakers to more elaborate challenges. These games are designed to break the monotony, spark creativity, and strengthen team bonds.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Office games don't always seem like a company priority, but there are so many studies and facts that show they help teams thrive and employees stay productive and engaged.
- We share 25+ office game ideas to break the monotony. Each idea comes with careful instructions and considerations. You can try two or three and see what difference they make at work!
- We also share some frequently asked questions about playing office games at work and best practices to make team games more lively and still have a hint of professionalism.
If you're looking for a lively break during a meeting or an engaging activity for team-building events, these fun office games are great options to try. Let's dive in.
What are Office Games?
Simply put, office games are fun activities, events, and games you can play with your co-workers. They're SFW (Safe for Work) and great for team building. Most of the options on this list also keep busy offices in mind, thus they're games that can take very little time but maximize the fun and camaraderie-building.
Some reasons why companies play office games include boosting employee morale, improving team communication, and giving everyone the chance to relax and have a little fun at work. It's not just great for the employees. It could be good for the company too. Figures indicate that fun and engagement in the workplace can grow the company. Take a look at these compelling statistics to start:
- 79% of graduates believe having fun at work is important. This means your company will more likely to hire fresh talent if you have a fun culture.
- 62% of employees didn't take any sick days in the previous 3 months also said they had fun at work.
- 81% of respondents who described their workplace as "great" described the company as "fun."
Office Games to Play at Work
If you're looking for one simple game for a holiday party or a string of team building activities that could break the ice, we've got some great options for you.
Check out our list of 25 fun office games to play at work!
1) Icebreaker Quizzes
Icebreaker quizzes are great and fun ways to engage your teams. These games prompt participants to share interesting facts about themselves that prompt connections based on shared experiences and interests. This is perfect for new employees who want to learn more about their co-workers and for sharing your company culture with them.
If you're looking for a way to break the ice, you should check out our platform, Quizbreaker. It runs asynchronous icebreaker quizzes based on facts about your team members. That way, everyone gets to know one another more with every question. Moreover, it gamifies team-building, which makes getting to know one another more fun.
To test out our icebreaker quizzes for free, sign up for a 21-day trial today!
What We Like About This Game
Icebreaker quizzes are an exceptional way to kick off team events or meetings, encouraging an inclusive and energized atmosphere. What makes this game stand out is its versatility—suitable for both large and small groups, it effortlessly breaks down barriers and encourages camaraderie among team members.
The simplicity of the icebreaker ensures that participants feel comfortable, creating an ideal platform for communication and collaboration.
2) Trivia Games
Trivia games are fun activities to hold with the team. It also brings new learnings, especially when you go through educational categories like general knowledge, history, people, and so on.
Divide the team into groups and present a series of trivia questions covering pop culture, history, or industry-related topics. Use online platforms or create a personalized set of questions. You can use our multiplayer trivia feature on Quizbreaker, which has:
- Over 100,000 ready trivia questions;
- A custom and AI-powered trivia builder;
- Interactive gameplay;
- Sound effects;
- Leaderboards to determine winning teams; and
- So much more!
Alternatively, you should also check out platforms like the following:
What We Like About This Game
Trivia Games add excitement and friendly competition into the office environment. The appeal lies in the diverse range of topics, catering to various interests within the team. It stimulates the mind and provides a platform for team members to showcase their knowledge, giving a sense of accomplishment. The adaptability of trivia games allows for quick icebreakers or more extended sessions, making them suitable for various occasions.
3) Online Escape Rooms
Escape rooms help build strategy and critical thinking. They can also be absolutely fun! To play this office game, look for an online escape room and select a theme that resonates with your team. Participants work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges within a set timeframe, aiming to "escape" the virtual room.
One we recommend is Modern Genius, where you assist billionaire Ilan Tusk, who's in trouble after his major scientific discovery backfires, requiring your team's help to resolve the crisis.
If you need some escape room ideas, check out this list of the most fun online escape rooms we've found. Also, we have five extremely engaging escape room challenges available for your team to play anytime on Quizbreaker:
- Black Noir: Play as Mr. Jones, a private investigator in 1920s New York City, tracking a murderer across various locations.
- Modern Genius: More on the escape game's storyline above.
- Lost in the Arctic: Embark on a mission to the Arctic to locate and rescue a missing crew that lost radio contact from their outpost.
- The Redemption Games: Participate in the Tribute Games as a punishment from The Capital, with survival dependent on winning these challenging games.
- Grand Theft Escape: Engage in a wager set by Ralph Gautheri of the National Bank, where you, William P Fogg, must outsmart a local inventor and his groundbreaking travel gadget for a substantial reward.
The game's interactive nature enhances team dynamics, requiring effective communication and collaboration to succeed.
What We Like About This Game
Online Escape Rooms offer a thrilling virtual adventure, seamlessly blending problem-solving with teamwork. The immersive experience promotes collaboration, communication, and creative thinking, providing an engaging escape from routine tasks.
The variety of themes ensures that every participant finds the challenge intriguing, and the online format allows remote teams to participate seamlessly.
4) Murder Mystery Challenges
An online murder mystery game is another fun office game we love playing at work. Here's how to play murder mystery games— Assign roles to team members, each playing a character in the murder mystery. Distribute clues and information while setting the stage for the challenge.
One of our personal favorites is Blood Gold and A Night of Jazz, a murder mystery game that's perfect for groups of up to 25 players.
Participants interact, share information, and work collectively to unveil the mystery by identifying the "killer." The game concludes with a revelation and discussion, reinforcing the importance of effective communication and problem-solving.
Suggested Post: The TOP 14 Online Murder Mystery Games Ranked (2024 List)
What We Like About This Game
Murder Mystery Challenges bring an element of suspense and intrigue to team-building activities. This activity prompts participants to critically think, analyze clues, and work together to unravel a fictional mystery.
The immersive narrative generates an enthralling experience that encourages teamwork, encourages creative approaches, and stimulates thinking beyond conventional boundaries.
5) Chess Tournament
Another great idea is organizing a chess tournament within the office, either online or on a physical chessboard. Encourage participants to sign up, creating a bracket for head-to-head matches. The tournament can span multiple rounds, leading to a showdown.
The strategic nature of chess promotes critical thinking and strategic planning, making it an ideal game for honing mental acuity within the team.
What We Like About This Game
A Chess Tournament offers a classic and intellectually stimulating option for office games. This timeless game promotes strategic thinking, concentration, and healthy competition.
It provides a platform for employees to showcase their analytical skills and sportsmanship, nurturing a competitive yet respectful atmosphere.
6) Human Snakes
Human Snakes is another fun office game you should try out. Participants form a line and hold onto the waist of the person in front of them, creating a "snake."
The challenge is to navigate through obstacles or follow a designated path without breaking the chain. It's a lively activity that encourages communication, teamwork, and a bit of laughter.
What We Like About This Game
Human Snakes brings a dose of physical activity into the office atmosphere, promoting movement and camaraderie. It's an excellent icebreaker that encourages teamwork and coordination.
Its flexibility means it can work well for different team sizes and environments, making it a versatile pick for lifting energy and building connections.
7) The Story Game
The Story Game is a team activity where everyone gathers in a circle, and one individual initiates a story with a few sentences. The next person continues the tale, and so on. The objective is to create a coherent and engaging story as each participant contributes a segment. It's a great way to enhance communication, creativity, and teamwork.
What We Like About This Game
The Story Game is a creative and collaborative endeavor that stimulates imagination and communication skills. It provides an excellent opportunity for team members to elaborate on each other's ideas, cultivating an unexpectedly entertaining collective narrative.
8) Human Knot
In Human Knot, participants stand in a circle and reach across to grab the hands of two different people across from them, creating a "human knot." The challenge is to untangle the knot without letting go of hands. This type of activity is a great game because it can promote teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking.
What We Like About This Game
Human Knot is a simple yet effective team-building exercise that encourages problem-solving and cooperation. It's an ideal icebreaker for promoting communication and camaraderie, requiring participants to work together closely to untangle the human knot.
9) Tower Building Challenge
Teams each get a set to play the Tower Building Challenge, including some uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows. They then try to build the highest tower they can with these materials. This hands-on activity encourages creative construction as teams strategize to build the tallest tower.
It's a fun and engaging way to boost the group's problem-solving skills, teamwork, and creativity. Let the imaginative construction unfold for a dynamic team-building experience.
What We Like About This Game
The Tower Building Challenge is a lively team-building exercise that encourages strategic thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
This interactive activity improves problem-solving and communication skills within the team, providing an enjoyable and dynamic approach to skill enhancement. It's an ideal choice for teams seeking a fun and constructive way to strengthen collaboration and creativity.
10) Charades
Charades is a classic game where players silently act out words or phrases while teammates guess the correct answer. This straightforward yet impactful game catalyzes communication, sparking creativity and fostering a robust sense of teamwork.
It promotes an interactive and engaging environment where shared laughter contributes to a positive and cohesive team dynamic.
What We Like About This Game
Charades bring a classic and versatile form of entertainment into the workplace, fostering a lively atmosphere. Ideal for lightening the mood, the game encourages creativity and strengthens team bonds through shared laughter.
Participants act out words or phrases silently, creating memorable moments that enhance communication, spark creativity, and promote a strong sense of teamwork.
11) Do Not Smile Challenge
Here's a fun game that encourages you not to laugh but still gets giggles every time! Participants take turns attempting to make others smile in a circle without using props or jokes. The goal is to maintain a serious expression despite humorous attempts.
This game serves as a delightful icebreaker, encouraging genuine connections through the universal language of laughter.
What We Like About This Game
The Do Not Smile Challenge is great for a dose of laughter and spontaneity into the workplace, fostering an environment where colleagues can unwind and share smiles.
Its simplicity allows everyone to participate, breaking down professional barriers and fostering a relaxed atmosphere. The challenge showcases the lighter side of the team, promoting bonding through shared joy and amusement.
12) Paper Plane Race
Do you want a game that involves flying paper planes at work? Here's a good idea: Participants craft their paper planes using standard sheets. Once ready, a simultaneous launch occurs, and the game objective is to see whose plane travels the farthest.
A Paper Plane Race encourages creativity and fosters teamwork as colleagues cheer for each other's airborne creations.
What We Like About This Game
The Paper Plane Race transforms a mundane office setting into an exciting arena of creativity and friendly competition. It stands out for its ability to engage participants in a hands-on, imaginative activity that sparks friendly rivalries, promoting a positive team spirit and camaraderie.
13) Never Have I Ever
When playing Never Have I Ever, participants make statements beginning with "Never have I ever..." If someone in the group has done the mentioned activity, they share a brief story. This game promotes openness, empathy, and connection, making it an ideal activity for building stronger team relationships.
Looking for fun Never Have I Ever questions to ask? Check out this list from Teambuilding.com, which includes over 257 clean Never Have I Ever questions perfect for the work setting.
What We Like About This Game
This game serves as a captivating icebreaker that unveils team members' diverse experiences and backgrounds. It fosters a sense of inclusivity by encouraging sharing personal anecdotes, creating a deeper understanding among colleagues. This game celebrates individuality and emphasizes the richness of unique stories within the team.
14) Protect the Egg
Let's get cracking! With Protect the Egg, teams receive limited materials to construct a protective structure for a raw egg. The objective is to prevent the egg from breaking when dropped from a designated height. This hands-on activity enhances teamwork and instills a culture of innovation and adaptability within the team.
What We Like About This Game
The Protect the Egg challenge includes an element of creativity and problem-solving into team dynamics. It requires participants to collaborate and think strategically to safeguard a delicate egg. This game promotes resourcefulness, resilience, and a collective effort to overcome challenges.
15) Guess the Picture
Display images or illustrations related to workplace themes, and teams compete to identify the pictures correctly. This activity sparks creativity, stimulates discussion, and provides a welcome respite from the typical work routine.
You can make Guess the Picture more fun by sharing personal images like baby pictures or collections and having the team guess who that photo belongs to.
What We Like About This Game
This is a visually stimulating game that enhances communication and observation skills. It is a dynamic break, encouraging participants to think quickly and collaborate while deciphering images.
This game seamlessly integrates entertainment with team-building, creating memorable and engaging moments.
16) Office Bingo
Who won't love a round of office bingo? Distribute customized bingo cards featuring typical office scenarios or phrases. As these situations unfold, participants mark off the corresponding spaces.
The first to complete a row or pattern calls out "Bingo!" This game not only adds a touch of fun to the work routine but also encourages colleagues to connect over shared workplace nuances.
What We Like About This Game
Icebreaker Bingo creates surprise and camaraderie into the daily grind. It promotes attentiveness to workplace occurrences and shared laughter as team members mark off their bingo cards.
This game is a unique way to celebrate office culture, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences.
17) Drunk History
Playing Drunk History is an interactive way to get to know your team members. Participants narrate a historical event as if they were inebriated. They can infuse humor into their storytelling. The challenge lies in maintaining coherence while delivering a comedic performance.
Drunk History showcases individual talents and brings the team together through laughter and imaginative storytelling. Just be cautious about playing this game if you have team members who have had bouts of alcoholism in the past.
What We Like About This Game
Drunk History offers a humorous twist to team-building, blending laughter and historical anecdotes. It encourages creativity and storytelling skills, providing an entertaining platform for team members to showcase their comedic prowess.
This game creates a lighthearted atmosphere that fosters genuine connections and shared enjoyment.
18) Hungry, Hungry Ninjas
This game is a great excuse for your team to dress up like ninjas! In Hungry, Hungry Ninjas, Teams compete to collect as many balls as possible using designated tools. The "ninjas" with the most balls at the end of the game emerge victorious.
This unique and entertaining game can boost office morale and build a playful and active work environment.
What We Like About This Game
Hungry, Hungry Ninjas transforms a classic game into a ninja-themed adventure, adding an element of creativity and physical activity to the workplace. It stands out for its ability to engage participants in a lively and energetic competition, promoting teamwork, agility, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry.
19) Emoji Pictionary
When playing emoji pictionary, you look at a series of emoji combinations representing common phrases, movies, or office-related terms.
Teams compete to interpret the emojis within a time limit correctly. Emoji Pictionary promotes collaboration and laughter, making it an engaging and contemporary addition to office game sessions.
What We Like About This Game
Emoji Pictionary brings a modern and visually appealing twist to the classic drawing and guessing game. It stimulates creativity, communication, and quick thinking as participants decipher emoji-based clues.
This game combines technology with team-building, offering a delightful break from routine tasks.
20) Convince the Sharks
Convince the Sharks is like the popular game show Shark Tank. Teams develop and present creative pitches for fictional products or services to a panel of "sharks." The goal is to convince the sharks that their idea is the most viable.
This activity enhances presentation skills and encourages a collaborative and inventive approach to problem-solving in a playful setting.
What We Like About This Game
Convince the Sharks to transform the boardroom into a thrilling pitch session, promoting strategic thinking and persuasive skills.
It provides an exceptional mix of creativity and competition, enabling participants to display their inventive concepts in a lively and captivating environment. This activity cultivates a culture that emphasizes innovation and teamwork among team members.
21) Create For a Cause
In Create For a Cause, teams unleash their creativity, crafting items with artistic flair and practical utility. These creations are not just expressions of talent; they become instruments of positive change.
The items are sold, and the proceeds are dedicated to a chosen charity, aligning creativity with compassion. This unique synergy of artistic expression and philanthropy showcases individual talents and cultivates a collective spirit of making a meaningful difference.
What We Like About This Game
Create For a Cause elevates the workplace by blending creativity with philanthropy. Encouraging inventive thinking, this game transcends the boundaries of conventional team activities.
Not only does it stimulate creativity, but it also instills a sense of social responsibility. Teams brainstorm and craft items, transforming their talents into a force for good as the proceeds are donated to a chosen charity. This unique fusion of creativity and compassion fosters a workplace culture rooted in positive impact.
22) Sneak a Peek
Sneak a Peek pairs participants. One briefly studies an object and describes it to their partner without revealing its identity.
This clever challenge tests communication and comprehension and creates amusing moments and fostering camaraderie. The game can create surprise and laughter into the workday, providing a refreshing break that strengthens team connections in a lighthearted manner.
What We Like About This Game
Sneak a Peek injects a burst of spontaneity into the workday, transforming it into a source of unexpected joy. This hilarious game unfolds as participants pair up, with one catching a brief glimpse of an object.
The challenge lies in describing it to their partner without giving away the identity. This clever test of communication and comprehension creates moments of laughter and camaraderie, offering a delightful break from the routine.
23) Desk Decoration Contest
Looking for a game that involves some office decorations? Try launching a desk decoration contest.
Employees decorate their workstations based on a theme or personal preference. Colleagues can then vote for the most creative or themed setup. It's a fantastic way to infuse a sense of fun and individuality into the workplace.
What We Like About This Game
The Desk Decoration Contest transforms the office space into a vibrant and personalized haven. It sparks creativity, enhances the work environment, and allows employees to showcase their unique personalities.
24) Minute to Win It Challenges
Set up a series of one-minute challenges using everyday items. From stacking cups to cookie face challenges, these activities are a great way to break the monotony and encourage friendly competition among team members.
What We Like About This Game
Minute to Win It Challenges are a series of fast-paced, entertaining activities that require skill and speed. These quick games boost energy levels and foster healthy competition and team spirit.
25) Virtual Taboo
Teams take turns describing a word without using specific "taboo" terms. It's a race against the clock and the opposing team's scrutiny. This virtual adaptation adds a playful twist to the traditional game, fostering collaboration and laughter.
What We Like About This Game
Virtual Taboo brings the classic word-guessing game to the virtual realm, promoting communication, quick thinking, and a bit of suspense. It's an engaging way to connect remote teams and have virtual fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good office party games?
Office parties can be lively with games like Create For a Cause, encouraging creativity and philanthropy. Sneak a Peek adds surprise, fostering quick thinking and camaraderie.
The Desk Decoration Contest brings a personalized touch, boosting creativity. Minute to Win It Challenges offer fast-paced fun, enhancing team spirit. Virtual Taboo adapts a classic game for remote teams, promoting communication and laughter.
These diverse games ensure a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere, infusing office parties with shared enjoyment and team building.
How can I make my office party fun?
Organizing a fun office doesn't stop with finding fun games. You also need to organize the rest of the party, including a mix of activities, food, and ambiance that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas to make your office party enjoyable:
- Select a Fun Theme. Choose a creative theme for your party. It could be a retro theme, a futuristic theme, or even a TV show-themed party. This sets a fun tone and encourages people to dress up.
- Interactive Activities: Plan interactive games and activities. This could include trivia quizzes about the company or colleagues, team-building games, or even a talent show where employees can showcase their hidden talents.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props related to your theme. It’s a great way for people to break the ice and create memorable pictures.
- Diverse Food and Drink Options: Cater to different dietary preferences with various food options. Include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. A mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages should be available.
- Music and Dance Floor: Create a playlist that caters to different musical tastes or hire a DJ. Having a dance floor can liven up the party.
- Relaxation Zones: Not everyone may want to dance or play games. Set up a quiet area where people can relax, chat, or play board games.
- Awards or Recognitions: Incorporate a fun awards ceremony where employees are recognized for unique and humorous categories.
- Gift Exchange: If it's around the holiday season, consider a Secret Santa or a white elephant gift exchange.
- Workshops or Classes: Offer something unique, like a cocktail-making class, a painting workshop, or a cooking demonstration.
- Charity Component: Include a charity drive or a volunteering component to bring a sense of purpose and team bonding.
How do you throw a good office party?
Organizing a successful office party can greatly boost morale and foster a positive work environment. Here are seven tips to help you throw a memorable event:
1. Plan Ahead
Start planning early to ensure that you have enough time to organize everything. Choose a date and time that works for most employees, and book a suitable venue if you're not having the party in the office. Early planning also allows you to send invitations in advance, giving your colleagues ample time to RSVP.
2. Set a Budget
Determine a budget for the party. This will guide your decisions on the venue, food, drinks, entertainment, and decorations. Make sure to allocate funds wisely to cover all aspects of the party.
3. Choose a Theme
Selecting a theme can make your party more exciting and memorable. It could be seasonal (like a Christmas or Halloween theme), based on a popular movie, or something creative and unique to your workplace. A theme will also guide your choices for decorations, activities, and perhaps even the dress code.
4. Arrange for Food and Drinks
Provide various food and drink options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Consider hiring a catering service if your budget allows. If the party is more casual, a potluck style where everyone brings a dish can also be a great way to involve everyone.
5. Organize Entertainment
Entertainment is key to a successful party. This could include music, a DJ, live bands, or even fun activities like karaoke or a photo booth. Games and team-building activities can also be a great way to break the ice and encourage mingling.
6. Communicate Clearly
Keep everyone informed about the party details. Send out reminders as the date approaches, and provide information about any planned dress codes, themes, or special activities. Clear communication will ensure everyone knows what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
7. Include Everyone
Make sure the party is inclusive and appeals to the diverse interests of your office staff. Consider different age groups, cultures, and personalities in your planning. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy themselves.
What is a teamwork game?
The "Tower Building Challenge" is a perfect teamwork game from the provided list. It promotes strategic thinking, creativity, and collaboration. In this hands-on activity, teams construct towers using materials like spaghetti and marshmallows, fostering problem-solving and communication.
It's an ideal game to strengthen teamwork, providing an enjoyable way for team members to work together, showcase their skills, and enhance overall collaboration in a fun and interactive setting.
Are these games suitable for all team sizes?
Yes, the highlighted office games are designed for versatility and can be adapted for various team sizes, making them suitable for large and small groups. If you have a sizable team or a more intimate setting, these games are crafted to foster inclusivity, break down barriers, and encourage camaraderie among team members.
Their flexibility ensures an engaging experience, regardless of the team's size, promoting teamwork and shared enjoyment in diverse workplace environments.
Can these games be played in virtual or remote settings?
Absolutely! Many of these office games are adaptable to virtual or remote settings, offering a seamless way to foster employee engagement and collaboration. Online escape rooms, virtual taboos, and emoji pictionary, among others, cater to remote teams, providing an immersive experience through digital platforms.
These virtual options ensure that teams working from different locations or in a hybrid setup can still enjoy the benefits of team-building activities and shared moments of fun and laughter.
We also encourage you to check out Quizbreaker for remote team-building and icebreaker activities. Our platform has all sorts of employee engagement and connection features, such as:
- Virtual icebreaker quizzes
- Trivia games
- Escape room challenges
- Personality tests
- Pulse surveys
- And more!
What are the advantages of playing office games?
Integrating office games into the workplace provides various advantages. These games foster team unity, boost communication abilities, and spark creativity. They effectively alleviate stress, cultivating a positive work atmosphere and elevating employee morale.
Office games disrupt the monotony of daily work, instilling a sense of camaraderie and leading to increased productivity and a more enjoyable work setting.
Final Words
Integrating fun and team-building is essential to have a fun workplace. Sure, they're not the only ways to engage your team, but most games are easy to do and require very little motivation to get people involved.
These office games offer a dynamic mix of creativity, laughter, and collaboration. Adding these moments of play into the work routine will enhance communication and problem-solving and create a positive and engaging environment. These games turn the workplace into an environment where productivity and camaraderie effortlessly exist.
