10 Quick & Fun Office Games to Play at Work

Who says work can't be fun? Bringing a dose of laughter and excitement into the office can do wonders for morale, productivity, and team spirit. Whether you're looking to break the ice, spark creativity, or simply have a good time, these fun games to play at work are sure to liven up your day.

Ready to turn your office into a playground of productivity? Let's dive in!

10 Fun Office Games to Play at Work

1. Two Truths and a Lie

Seat everyone on their office chairs in a circle. Everyone takes turns and says three things about themselves, out of which two are true and one is a lie. The rest of the team must guess which one is the lie.

Example: “I’ve bungee-jumped, I have a black belt in karate, and I once met Beyoncé.”

This game not only helps team members learn more about each other in a fun way, but it also encourages storytelling and sparks interesting conversations that can lead to deeper connections.

2. Office Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of office desk accessories commonly found in the office or simple tasks to be completed. Divide the team into small groups and provide them with the list. Teams must find the items or complete the tasks within a set time limit.

Example List Items: A red pen, a funny mug, a company brochure, a team selfie, or sending a thank-you email to a colleague.

This fun activity in the office promotes teamwork, strategic thinking, and a bit of healthy competition, all while breaking up the routine of the workday.

3. Pictionary

Divide the team into groups and have one person from each group draw a word or phrase related to work while their team guesses what it is. Use an online Pictionary word generator to get random words.

Example Words: “Deadline”, “Teamwork”, “Brainstorm”, “Coffee Break”.

Pictionary encourages creativity, quick thinking, and helps improve communication skills among team members as they try to guess the drawings.

4. Desk Safari

Employees use photo editing apps to take photos of themselves with animals edited into the background. These safari photos are then shared with the team, either in a meeting or through an internal social platform.

Example: A photo of a colleague at their desk with a lion lounging beside them or an elephant peeking over their shoulder.

Desk Safari adds humor and creativity to the work environment, providing a lighthearted break. If you have a sit-stand desk at your workplace, this game can be a lot more fun.

5. Charades

Similar to Pictionary, but instead of drawing, players act out a word or phrase without speaking while their team guesses. Choose work-related themes or general fun topics to keep it relevant and enjoyable.

Example Phrases: “Leading a meeting,” “Catching up on emails,” “Coffee spill,” “Brainstorming session.”

Charades gets people moving and laughing, which can reduce stress and promote a positive atmosphere in the office.

6. Minute to Win It

Participants compete in one-minute challenges using everyday office supplies. Challenges can include tasks like stacking cups, balancing pencils on your nose, standing challenges, or creating paper clip chains.

Example Challenges: “Stack the highest tower of paper cups in one minute,” “Transfer as many cotton balls as you can using a spoon,” “Balance a pencil on your nose for one minute.”

These quick and exhilarating challenges inject energy into the workday, break up monotony, and encourage a playful sense of competition.

7. Trivia Quiz

Host a trivia quiz with questions related to your industry, general knowledge, or fun facts about employees. Use an online quiz tool or create your own set of questions.

Example Questions: “What year was our company founded?” “Which team member once lived in Japan?” “What’s the capital of Australia?”

Trivia quizzes stimulate the brain, encourage learning, and can reveal surprising knowledge among team members, fostering a sense of community.

8. Balloon Pop

Write different tasks or prizes on pieces of paper and insert them into balloons before inflating them. Each participant picks a balloon, pops it, and completes the task inside or receives the prize.

Example Tasks: “Sing a song”, “Do a funny dance", “Tell a joke", or prizes like “Extra coffee break” or “Leave 30 minutes early”.

The element of surprise and excitement in Balloon Pop adds a fun twist to the day, encouraging spontaneity and laughter.

9. Would You Rather

Pose "Would you rather" questions to the group, which can range from funny and lighthearted to thought-provoking. Each person takes turns answering and explaining their choice.

Example Questions: “Would you rather have a constant supply of coffee or a quiet office space?” “Would you rather be able to teleport to work or have Fridays off forever?”

This simple game gets everyone thinking and talking, providing insights into colleagues’ preferences and personalities in a lighthearted way.

10. Emoji Story

Teams are given a set of random emojis and must create a short story that includes all of them. Each group presents their story to the rest of the team.

Example Emoji Set: 🌞🏢👩‍💻🍕🎉. The team might create a story about a sunny day at the office, a project celebration, and a pizza party.

Emoji Story fosters creativity, collaborative storytelling, and provides a fun challenge that encourages team members to think outside the box.

These games are designed to inject fun into the workplace, foster team bonding, and break the monotony of the daily grind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are office games?

Office games are activities designed to be played within a workplace setting. These games are typically aimed at improving team bonding, enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and breaking up the monotony of the workday. They can range from simple icebreakers to more involved team-building games to play at a work party.

What are some office games to play at work?

Here are some popular office games for incorporating employee wellness ideas:

1. Two Truths and a Lie
2. Office Scavenger Hunt
3. Pictionary
4. Desk Safari
5. Charades
6. Minute to Win It
7. Trivia Quiz
8. Balloon Pop
9. Would You Rather
10. Emoji Story

How do you play games in the office?

To play games in the office:

1. Consider the size of your team and the office environment.
2. Prepare any materials needed, such as paper, pens, props, or digital tools.
3. Make sure everyone understands how to play.
4. For team-based games, split the participants into small groups.
5. Conduct the game, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate.
6. After the game, discuss the experience to reinforce the purpose of the activity, whether it’s team bonding, creativity, or stress relief.

What are mind games at work?

Mind games at work are psychological tactics that individuals use to gain an advantage over colleagues. These can include manipulation, passive-aggressive behavior, or playing on someone’s emotions to achieve personal goals.

Unlike the fun games to play at work with coworkers we discussed, mind games can create a toxic work environment and are generally discouraged.

Should employees have fun at work?

Yes, employees should have fun at work. Having fun can:

1. Improve Morale
2. Enhance Creativity
3. Strengthen Team Bonds
4. Reduce Stress
5. Increase Productivity

How to create fun at work?

To create fun at work:

1. Plan regular team-building exercises to do while standing, office games, or social events.
2. Acknowledge and celebrate both small and big successes.
3. Provide a comfortable break area with games, books, and other leisure activities.
4. Allow employees to personalize their workspaces and contribute ideas for fun projects.
5. Promote a supportive and inclusive work environment where fun is part of the company culture.
6. Offer flexible working hours or remote work options to enhance work-life balance.

Conclusion

Who knew that a bit of fun could pack such a powerful punch? From sparking creativity to building stronger team bonds, these games to play at work meetings prove that playtime isn't just for kids. So, gather your colleagues, unleash your inner child, and transform your workplace into a vibrant hub of energy and collaboration.

Remember, a team that plays together, stays together. Now, go ahead and sprinkle some fun into your workday - you've earned it!