10 Employee Appreciation Games to Boost Team Morale

The Importance of Employee Appreciation

Most HR admins already know that employee appreciation is crucial for fostering a positive workplace culture, improving productivity, and retaining top talent. That's because recognizing employees' efforts not only boosts morale but also enhances their commitment to organizational goals.

So much so, companies with highly engaged employees show 21% greater profitability and experience a 41% reduction in absenteeism, according to a Gallup report.

 

10 Employee Appreciation Game Ideas

1. Interactive Scavenger Hunts

Interactive scavenger hunts are a great way to show employee appreciation. These games promote engagement, teamwork, and collaboration. Setting up a scavenger hunt in the office or a local park allows employees to connect and bond over shared experiences.

Incorporating gifts like accessories or company-branded items can make the scavenger hunt more exciting. Virtual scavenger hunts are a great option for remote employees too, allowing participation from home. Consider adding a time limit too to add urgency and keep everyone engaged.

 

2. Fun Trivia Competitions to Boost Employee Morale

 

Trivia competitions are another fantastic way to bring office workers together in a fun and engaging way. Trivia questions should be fun, thought-provoking, and varied in difficulty to keep interest high.

Office culture themes and humorous jargon in trivia prompts make the game more relatable and enjoyable. Teams creating their own trivia questions can personalize the experience and reflect their unique perspectives.

Prizes for the overall winner and small incentives for round winners can further motivate participation.

 

3. Office-Themed Charades

Office-themed charades boost morale and encourage team building activities. Team members working together in groups can enjoy a break from usual tasks and bond over shared laughter and creative problem-solving. Rules include no speaking, pointing, or writing in the air, testing non-verbal communication.

Using office-related examples and prompts, like past events or industry-specific problems, makes the game more engaging and relevant. This activity boosts morale, reinforces company values, and fosters a sense of community.

 

4. Ping Pong Tournaments

 

 

Ping pong tournaments are a fun, casual way to boost morale and encourage relaxed interactions. A ping pong table in the break room provides a space for lighthearted, enjoyable interactions. This activity breaks up the workday and fosters team bonding.

Noise-canceling earplugs or earphones can help avoid frustration and sensory overload during lively games, ensuring a positive experience for everyone. Regular ping pong tournaments can create an ongoing appreciation event that employees look forward to.

5. Recognition and Rewards Programs

Recognition and rewards programs are vital for incorporating ongoing appreciation into the workplace. Involving the leadership team in personal messages, such as tribute videos and thank-you messages, emphasizes appreciation and unity within the organization. Integrating employee recognition into fun games highlights core values and drives engagement.

A diverse rewards catalog, including name-brand merchandise, experiences, charitable giving, and gift cards, motivates employees and ensures they feel appreciated. Tailoring rewards to individual preferences and offering prizes like custom awards adds motivation and contributes to a culture of appreciation where employees feel appreciated.

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6. Blind Drawing Challenges

Blind drawing challenges enhance communication and team bonding. One participant describes an image while the other draws it, relying solely on verbal instructions. This game fosters teamwork and improves listening and communication skills, making it a valuable team-building activity.

 

7. "How Well Do You Know Your Colleagues?"

 

The “How Well Do You Know Your Colleagues?” game builds communication, teamwork, and connection. Guessing personal facts about colleagues allows employees to score points and learn more about each other. The game encourages sharing interesting personal tidbits, fostering camaraderie and interaction.

Two Truths and a Lie is a popular variant where participants share three statements—two truths and one lie—and others guess the lie. Small personal whiteboards and markers make the game more interactive and enjoyable.

 

8. Red Carpet Recognition

Red carpet employee recognition events offer a classy and exciting way to show employee appreciation. Incorporating jazz music, art deco décor, and formal attire into a red carpet theme elevates the recognition event and makes employees feel like stars. A rolled-out red carpet and theme music enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

Activities can include dressing up, posing for photos at a booth, and presenting employee awards. Awards like funny and applicable gifts or certificates can recognize achievements and show appreciation for hard work.

 

9. Mystery Appreciation Buddies

Mystery Appreciation Buddies involves employees anonymously leaving surprises for a selected co-worker, fostering positive interactions and strengthening bonds. Participants leave thoughtful notes, treats, or surprises for their chosen colleague, creating appreciation and camaraderie.

A reveal session at the end allows the team to discover each other’s identities, adding surprise and excitement. This activity promotes peer-to-peer recognition and creates a supportive and connected environment.

 

10. Personalized Employee Appreciation Games

Personalized appreciation games tailored to employee preferences enhance employee engagement and create memorable experiences. Involving employees in game selection shows their value and encourages participation. Personalized trivia questions or employee appreciation game focused on personal interests strengthen connections and boost morale.

Considering feedback on preferred games leads to greater employee satisfaction and a more inclusive company culture. Personalized gifting fosters meaningful connections and makes employees feel valued.

 

Remote Employee Inclusion

 

Including remote employees in appreciation games is crucial for maintaining a connected and engaged workforce. Employee recognition software like Terryberry's Be Recognized platform can streamline recognition efforts, making it easier for remote employees to be included. Virtual challenges, such as photo contests or home tours, encourage creativity and foster connections among remote team members.

Playing virtual team-building games helps remote teams overcome challenges like lack of visibility and connection, ensuring every team member feels appreciated and part of the company’s success.

 

Incorporating Company Values

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, shared, “What gets rewarded, gets repeated.” By aligning your recognition program with the mission and values of your company, you are internally promoting what your company stands for.

But how exactly do you put this into practice? It’s all in the way you design your recognition program. When you introduce a peer recognition program, collaborate with employees to identify what mindsets and actions reflect your company’s values.

Then, create opportunities for employees to recognize those behaviors in others, whether it’s excellent customer service or unparalleled persistence on a tough project.

 

Summary

Employee appreciation games are more than just fun activities—they're essential tools for boosting team morale, fostering teamwork, and creating a positive work environment. By incorporating various games and activities, companies can ensure that every employee feels valued and appreciated, leading to increased engagement and productivity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions