I am a facilitator in today’s competitive business world, and have noticed several organizations recognizing the significance of employee engagement in achieving business success overall.

Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and likely to stay with the company[1].

To encourage a positive and engaging work environment, companies are implementing various strategies, including fun games and activities that promote employee participation and collaboration.

Disengaged employees typically cost U.S. corporations $350 billion annually according to a recent Gallop poll.

These studies suggest that employees became less productive when they don’t feel valued, have no connection to their peers, lack of transparency, and are not satisfied with the review process.

Highly engaged employees show greater profits and less turnover for any organization.  Question is, what do you do as a leader?

this-blows-minute-to-win-it

Exciting Employee Engagement Games: To Boost Productivity

Managers and supervisors are now incorporating some fun activities that may include games these days.

Employee engagement is a major factor contributing to overall individual performance and long-term survival.

The Importance of Employee Engagement 

Employee engagement refers to the emotional connection and commitment employees have toward their work, team, and/or organization.

Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of employee engagement on productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance[1][2].

Engaged employees are more likely to go the extra mile, contribute innovative ideas, and demonstrate higher levels of job satisfaction.

Engaging employees through games and activities is an effective way to foster a positive work culture.

We’ve listed below, some exciting games that are designed to build a sense of camaraderie,

Everyone in the group is encouraged to participate. The end result of playing these games is used to attract and keep top talent.

The only question is: what does that engagement actually mean?

Part of it is building a team that works well together, trusts each other, and has confidence in those around them to do the right thing.

Family Feud Team Names

Looking for fun team building games to boost morale, click here.

Benefits of Engaging Employees Though Game Play

When employees are actively engaged in game play, they experience increased focus and creativity.  Games provide a structured yet enjoyable environment.

It stimulates problem-solving skills, fosters innovation, and drives individuals to surpass their performance benchmarks.

With the multitude of benefits it offers, incorporating game play into engagement strategies becomes a no-brainier for team leaders seeking to unlock the full potential of their teams and achieve remarkable success.

When employees are actively engaged in game play, they experience increased focus, creativity, and productivity.

Games provide a structured yet enjoyable environment that stimulates problem-solving skills, fosters innovation, and drives individuals to surpass their performance benchmarks.

this approach highlights why team leaders should consider using game play as a tactic for team engagement.

Impact of Employee Engagement Activities and Games

Companies big and small are recognizing the impact of games on their business which increase the demand for such activities.

Games reinforce valuable skills that can be applied to their work, such as collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving.

The impact of playing games ultimately contributes to improved overall work performance.

Its really important getting more employees re-energized and motivated to finish deadlines or last-minute assignments is not an easy task.

Let’s face it, several companies have lost their employees psychologically due to the aftereffects of the pandemic during the last three years.

They checked out mentally for a very long time.  Now that it seems that we are finally coming out of that darkness, you may want to consider a few ways to re-engage your employees.

32 Best Employee Engagement Games to Play | Re-Engage

 1. Trivium

Trivium is a very popular office game for employee engagement that promotes teamwork and collaboration.

It is an excellent game to “break the ice” with new teammates during team-building events, onboarding sessions, or company retreats.

The game is typically played by dividing employees into teams and presenting them with trivia questions and challenges that require employees to think and work together.

The game can be customized to suit the specific needs and preferences of the organization.

Companies can create their own trivia questions or use online platforms and tools that provide pre-made trivia quizzes.

Some organizations even hire professional quizmasters to host and facilitate the trivia game, adding an extra level of excitement and expertise to the event.

2. The Barter Puzzle

This employee engagement game takes a little more setup. You need a couple of different jigsaw puzzles that are all really different (and not too hard).

You want to mix up the pieces a little so a few pieces of each puzzle are sitting with every group.

Next, split your office into teams. Each team gets a puzzle.

The goal is to complete the puzzle. The catch is that each team needs to get pieces from other teams through barter and trade.

It’s a great way to solve complex problems as a small team and as an entire office.

3. Categories Game

This is one of the easiest office games for employee engagement activity that shows how there are lots of solutions to the same problem.

First, gather about 10-20 random items together.

Next, split your office into four teams. All you need to do is get them to categorize the items on the desk into four categories and write them down on a piece of paper. Then, present to the group.

You’ll be amazed at how different the categories can be!

The game creates a fun and interactive environment where employees actively participate, promoting team bonding and a sense of achievement.

Looking for fun team building games to boost morale, click here.

4.  Minesweeper

And no, we’re not talking about the classic Windows game.

For this, you’ll need a big open space and a bunch of cones and blindfolds.

Scatter your cones all over your space, then split your office into teams of two.

Have one stand on one side of the ‘minefield’ of cones and have the other one on the other side. Have them put a blindfold on.

The game is that the non-blindfolded person has to guide the blindfolded across the minefield only using their voice.

The blindfolded person isn’t allowed to talk.

This game is great for building trust and practicing active listening in a group setting.

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5.  Face-2-Face Feud – The Most Exciting Employee Game Of Them All

This interactive and entertaining live game show is great to break up a day.

We can come to a venue of your choice or work location whether it be a conference room or the cafeteria to set up.

We have all props needed, LED lights, sounds, buzzers, and microphones identical to what’s shown on television.

First, have one person assigned to help us coordinate this activity properly.  It is highly recommended that the teams are formed in advance.

Team Captains will be chosen and will then choose the other 4 team members and create a group name.

The recommended 3 rounds of Family Feud style questions will be played for every 2 teams.

The team with the highest score moves on to a final round of Trivia.

This game is ideal for getting staff members who rarely work together to bond and learn a bit more about one another.

6.  Pitch Perfect

In “Pitch Perfect,” groups of 4-6 employees collaborate to brainstorm and develop a new product or service concept, simulating a real-world entrepreneurial experience.

The game typically runs for about 1-2 hours, allowing sufficient time for ideation, development, and final presentations to a panel of judges, mirroring a “Shark Tank” scenario.

This activity is exceptional for enhancing creativity, persuasive communication, and teamwork, while potentially uncovering viable business ideas for the company.

It also serves as a platform for employees to showcase leadership and innovative thinking, crucial skills in any business environment.

 7.  Show and Tell Icebreaker

“Show and Tell” is a heartwarming activity integrated into regular team meetings where each session, one or two employees share something personal, such as hobbies, interests, or memorable stories.

This activity can be 15-30 minute segment is an excellent way for team members to bond on a deeper level and discover common interests.

This promotes a supportive and connected workplace culture.

It highlights the individuality of each team member, promoting inclusivity and more understanding within the team.

8.  Board Games and Puzzles

Setting up a collection of board games and puzzles in communal areas encourages spontaneous team-building moments.

Games can range from quick 15-minute puzzles to more extended strategy games lasting up to an hour.

These activities are perfect for break times, providing a mental break and promoting friendly competition and strategic thinking.

They offer an informal way to strengthen relationships and encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

giant-checkers

Looking for fun team building games to boost morale, click here.

9.  Murder Mystery Dinner

A Murder Mystery Dinner is an elaborate game that can last from 2 to 4 hours, ideal for larger groups of 8-20 employees.

Participants are assigned characters in a scripted story where they must work together to solve a fictional murder.

This immersive experience enhances teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities in a fun and engaging setting.

It’s particularly effective for breaking down barriers between departments and encouraging a sense of unity and collaboration.

10.  Improv Workshop

An Improv Workshop typically runs for about 1-2 hours and is suitable for groups of any size.

Through various improvisational theater exercises, employees learn to adapt quickly, listen actively, and support each other’s ideas.

This dynamic and interactive environment improves communication skills, boosts confidence, and encourages a culture of trust and support.

It’s an innovative way to develop soft skills that are directly transferrable to the workplace.

11.  Photo Scavenger Hunt

The Photo Scavenger Hunt is a flexible game that can be tailored to last from 1 hour to a full day, depending on the complexity and range of items or scenarios to be captured.

Teams of 4-6 are ideal, promoting teamwork, creativity, and exploration.

This activity can be an exciting way to explore the office environment or a nearby outdoor area, encouraging employees to collaborate creatively and think outside the box.

12.  Lip Sync Battle

A Lip Sync Battle can be organized as a one-off event lasting a couple of hours, where individuals or teams perform mimed renditions of the latest popular songs.

This fun and energetic activity encourages employees to step out of their comfort zones, showcasing creativity and performance skills.

It’s a fantastic way to lighten the mood and strengthen team bonds through laughter and shared memories.  Definitely an activity to add on to a fun team meeting or party.

Lip Sync Final Challenge

13.  Minute to Win it Tournaments

“Minute to Win It” Tournaments involve a series of 60-second challenges, based on the popular TV show, that test dexterity, strategy, and teamwork.

This game is most suitable for groups of any size.  You can plan a tournament that can last from 1 to 2 hours, with teams rotating through different challenges.

This fast-paced game promotes a spirit of competition and collaboration, encouraging teams to work together under pressure.

Escape Room Alternative – Live Game Shows for Employee Engagement

Looking for fun team building games to boost morale, click here.

14.  Charity Fundraiser Challenge

In the Charity Fundraiser Challenge, teams spend several weeks planning and executing fundraising activities for their chosen charity.

This long-term engagement not only builds team spirit but also aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR)

goals. It encourages strategic planning, creativity, and community engagement, providing teams with a sense of purpose and achievement beyond the workplace.

15.  Culture Day

16.  Drone Racing

Drone Racing is an exhilarating team-building activity that can last from 2 to 4 hours, ideal for groups of 10-20 participants.

Teams are tasked with navigating drones through a series of obstacles, requiring precision, teamwork, and quick thinking.

This modern and technology-driven competition is perfect for fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration among employees.

It not only introduces employees to cutting-edge technology but also encourages strategic planning and effective communication, as team members must work together to complete the course in the fastest time.

17.  Talent Show

A Talent Show can be an evening event, lasting about 2-3 hours, where employees are invited to showcase their non-work-related talents, from singing and dancing to magic tricks and stand-up comedy.

This event encourages participants to express themselves creatively and supports a culture of openness and respect.

It’s a fantastic way for employees to see a different side of their colleagues, fostering deeper connections and understanding within the team.

Talent shows are inclusive, allowing everyone to participate or support their colleagues, thereby strengthening the workplace community.

18.  Zoom Games 

With the rise of remote work, virtual team-building activities have gained popularity.

Games like “Two Truths and a Lie” or virtual scavenger hunts conducted via Zoom can help team members bond and build relationships despite the physical distance[5].

19.  Virtual Olympics

Creating a virtual Olympics event where teams compete in various challenges and games can bring team spirit and healthy competition to remote teams[6].

Frequently Asked Questions – Employee Engagement Games

frequently asked questions

1. What is employee engagement?

Employee engagement refers to the level of commitment and connection employees have towards their work, organization, and colleagues.

It strives to create a positive and fulfilling work environment where employees feel motivated, valued, and productive.

2. Are there alternative engagement activities besides fun office games?

Yes, Here are some alternative employee engagement games to consider instead of conventional office games:

• Volunteer initiatives – Organize opportunities for employees to volunteer together for a local charity or cause they care about. This brings people together for a shared purpose.
• Wellness activities – Offer things like lunchtime yoga classes, walking meetings, ergonomic workshops, mental health seminars. Supporting employee well being shows you value them.
• Learning and development – Invest in your people’s growth by providing training, workshops, conferences, or online development courses relevant to their roles.
• Social events – Host outings like outdoor picnics or BBQs, bowling nights, escape rooms, karaoke and Fun Fridays.  Having fun together outside work builds camaraderie.
• Peer recognition – Implement a program allowing employees to acknowledge each other’s great work through rewards like trophies, certificates, shout outs, gift cards.
• Cross-department projects – Bring different teams together for collaborative problem solving challenges or presentations to share expertise.
• Feedback channels – Create an anonymous forum for employees to suggest improvements to workplace culture and management. Demonstrate you’re listening.

The key is choosing activities that align with your employees’ interests and make them feel valued, while fostering genuine relationships. Avoid forcing “fun” activities that feel obligatory. Focus on engagement, growth and well being.

3. What are some popular employee engagement activity ideas?

Some of the best ways to engage employees are in-person team-building exercises, and group brainstorming sessions.

As well as virtual show and tell, live quizzes or escape room challenges, murder mystery games, and board games.  The list goes on.

4. How can I engage employees in a fun and productive way?

You can engage employees in a fun and productive way by incorporating a mix of games, activities and initiatives.

This can include group exercises, virtual game tournaments, creative contests, employee recognition programs, training sessions, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

5. What are some popular remote activities?

Popular remote employee engagement activities include virtual scavenger hunts, online games, virtual happy hours, remote talent shows, video competitions, fun challenges, and online workshops.

These activities help foster teamwork, boost morale, and create a sense of camaraderie among remote teams.

6. How can I keep employees engaged without relying solely on fun office games?

Aside from fun office games, you can keep employees engaged by regularly communicating with them, and setting clear goals and expectations,.

Also, you can provide opportunities for professional development.  It’s important to recognize their achievements, involve them in decision-making processes, and promote a healthy work-life balance.

7. What are some other team-building activities that can boost engagement?

There are many team-building activities that can boost engagement.

These may include virtual team challenges, collaborative projects, problem-solving activities, icebreaker exercises, workshops, outdoor activities, and volunteer initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• With an engaged and confident workforce, your organization stands a greater chance of achieving company goals and objectives.
• Fun games and activities can effectively engage employees and foster a positive work environment.
• Facilitating these types of employee games at the workplace ultimately boosts morale and retains top talent
• Office games like Trivium and Face-2-Face Feud and escape rooms promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Virtual team-building activities and Zoom games bridge the gap for remote teams.
• Show and Tell sessions and board games encourage employee interaction and bonding.
• Creative ideas such as murder mysteries and outdoor activities bring excitement to the workplace.
• Gamification and virtual engagement activities enhance employee motivation and participation.
• Employee engagement games and activities yield benefits like increased satisfaction, improved teamwork, and enhanced productivity.
• Remember, an engaged employee is a productive one

you’re never too old to play

If your organization in located in the New York City, Tri-State Area, and is in search of a few games for employee engagement activities that are a lot of fun, get in touch with us today!

Your team may need and extra boost every once in a while to re-calibrate and refocus.