When was the last time your team had a healthy dose of office adrenaline from team-building activities? And not just any activities, the fun, exciting, laugh until you cry kind. If it's been a while, then it's not too late to start. Here are 20 simple yet effective activities to get rid of that afternoon slump and sprinkle some fun into the office.
Team-Building Activities That Improve Communication
- Emoji Charades
Have you ever imagined how movies would look in emojis? This is a great game to get the team guessing. As each emoji sequence pops up, they get to brainstorm, debate, and occasionally burst into laughter. The real joy is in that spark of realization and the group celebration when they finally crack the code.
- Decoding Hidden Messages
What happens when your corporate digital signage starts speaking in riddles? You can have your digital screens display a cryptic message and let the decoding games begin. As everyone gathers around, heads tilting and theories flying, there's a shared sense of intrigue that encourages collaboration and hearty laughs along the way.
- Interpretative Dance-off
This activity involves challenging a colleague to convey a concept through dance moves. It's an exploration of creativity, a test of interpretation, and let's face it, a real source of employee engagement.
- Blindfolded Story
Give someone a blindfold and a few random things from the office. Then, ask them to make up a story on the spot using those items. It's fun to see where their imagination goes, and everyone else gets a kick out of guessing the next twist in the tale.
- Jargon Jeopardy
Every office has its dictionary, those terms and phrases only insiders understand. But what happens when you challenge your staff to simplify this jargon for someone outside the industry? Set up a fun game where they explain these terms without using the buzzwords. The answers will take a turn from hilarious misinterpretations to spot-on definitions which is a lively exploration of your company's linguistic quirks.
- Sound Off
Imagine a moment of stillness in the office, suddenly broken by an unexpected sound. Maybe it's a distant train horn or the chirping of crickets. Now, ask your teams to jot down or chat about what they think the sound signifies. There is a fascinating mix of answers from everyone, some of which may be right on the mark, while others are sure to be wild and imaginative.
Team-Building Activities That Enhance Social Interactions
- Recipe Swap Day
Gather in the break room, but this time it's about more than just coffee breaks. Everyone brings a dish, preferably a special one from their heritage. It’s a chance to explore the diverse culture of your team by sharing meals and the stories behind each dish.
- Digital Karaoke Duel
Believe it or not, the office is full of hidden talent. You might find out that Dave from IT has some impressive vocal chops. And the best way to do this is to fire up a karaoke track on your office signage. You can make this more fun by having a friendly competition and award prizes for the best performance, most spirited rendition, or even the funniest act.
- Office Fashion Show
Who needs high-end runways when you've got the office corridor? Grab everyday office supplies, think ties, post-its, or even mugs, and then turn them into fashion accessories. As colleagues strut their stuff, it's a celebration of ingenuity, a few chuckles, and some surprisingly stylish get-ups.
- Culture Corner
This is another fun way to experience your coworker's culture, but virtually. Each week, a colleague gets only thirty minutes to come up with a captivating presentation about their homeland. They might share vibrant photos and fun facts, or perhaps even teach a local dance step. If they manage to captivate the audience within the tight timeframe, they get the coveted "Adventurer" award for the week—maybe a special parking spot or the first pick at Friday treats.
Team-Building Activities That Enhance Problem-solving
- Mystery Box Puzzle
Hand each team a box filled with random items—could be a rubber band, a paperclip, or even a coffee cup. The challenge is to create something useful or fun. The real fun lies in seeing the different ways each team uses the same set of items. It's all about thinking outside the box (pun intended).
- Build-a-Boat
This one seems pretty easy on the surface. The task is to build a boat using only straws and tape. As each team starts brainstorming, combining straws, and strategizing, it becomes a test of creativity and engineering. The next step is to place the boats in the water. There’s sure to be a buzz of anticipation and excitement as everyone cheers, celebrates, or consoles each other as they watch their boats either sail smoothly or meet a watery end.
- Shadows & Shapes
Turn off the lights, and grab a flashlight. The mission is to create stories using just shadows. Hands twist and turn to form shapes, and everyone's reminded of their childhood bedtime tales but with a fun office twist. It's all about creativity with a dash of nostalgia.
- Scavenger Snap
The office becomes a game zone with a list of specific items to find. Everyone gets their cameras ready and starts searching. Some items are easy to spot, while others take a bit of detective work. This is a fun way to get new hires acquainted with the office space.
Team-Building Activities That Build Trust
- Blindfolded Obstacle Course
Imagine walking through a maze, blindfolded, with only a teammate's voice to guide you. As you navigate, trying not to bump into things, there are plenty of giggles, unexpected twists, and shouts of "left, no, the other left!".
- Synced Drawing
One person gets a picture, the other gets a blank sheet and a pen. Without showing the image, the first describes it while the second tries to draw it. When comparing both drawings, there are bouts of laughter upon discovering the wild differences or the unexpected similarities. Some interpretations might be spot on, while others take a hilariously creative turn.
- Two-Minute Trust Tales
Everyone has a quirky fact or funny story up their sleeve that most colleagues haven't heard. The task is for each person to step up and share something about themselves. Every revelation leads to a room filled with surprise, laughter, and the occasional “No way?”
- Trust-building Tango
In this activity, team members pair up to dance. One person leads the dance, setting the pace and direction. The other follows, interpreting and responding to their partner's movements. They get to practice coordination and reading subtle cues which require placing trust in their partner's lead.
- Guess My Secret
Ever played Two Truths and a Lie? So, each team presents a few stories about themselves, but there's a catch—only one is true. There are speculative whispers and intrigue as everyone tries to separate fact from fiction. When the truth is finally revealed, there are gasps of surprise, bursts of laughter, and the occasional “I knew it!” from amused colleagues.
- Silent Line-Up
Imagine trying to arrange yourselves in order by birth month, but here's the twist—no talking allowed. Team members can only use gestures and facial expressions to figure out their order. It's a funny scene, with people miming months and comparing shoe sizes without saying a word.
Unlock Team-Building Potential With Digital Signage
Incorporating digital tools in team-building activities adds a whole new dynamic layer to it. Digital signage offers a versatile way to engage staff, from displaying karaoke lyrics to showcasing vibrant presentations about different cultures. At Look Digital Signage, we have the right tools to ensure that you modernize your team-building activities and enhance their impact.
