You found our list of unique work social event ideas.
Work social event ideas are activities that allow team members to relax and socialize with one another in a setting other than the workplace. Examples include desk pet days, cooking showdowns, and awards nights. The purpose of these events is to boost employee morale and create a friendly and respectful atmosphere for interaction.
These ideas are similar to conference entertainment ideas, corporate party entertainment ideas, and fun social committee ideas for work.
This article includes:
- corporate social event ideas (paid and hosted)
- free social event ideas
- large work social event ideas
- workplace social event ideas
- social event ideas for adults
- office social event ideas
- team social ideas for work
This post also includes examples of social events and expert insights.
Here we go!
Corporate social event ideas (paid and hosted)
Here are top facilitated corporate social events.
1. The Great Guac Off
The Great Guac Off is one of the most creative social event ideas for adults. In this 90-minute event,teams compete to create the best guacamole.
The game starts with trivia and mini-challenges where teams earn points towards secret ingredients. Then, teams whip up their dips and present their recipes. Finally, folks taste and vote on their favorites, and the winning team emerges victorious.
A highly engaging host keeps energy and interactions high, as well as handling setup and cleanup.
Learn more about the Great Guac Off.
2. Mix n Mingle
Mix n Mingle is the perfect way to help coworkers get social without feeling awkward. A charming host leads participants through a series of interactive exercises, group discussions, and team challenges designed to spark meaningful conversations and uncover common ground.
This experience helps teams expand their social circles at work and is the perfect addition to any office event.
Learn more about Mix n Mingle.
Free work social event ideas
Here are ideas for low-cost and DIY social events.
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- icebreaker games
- bingo cards
- DIY guides
by teams at FedEx, Amazon, Deloitte and 73,930+ others
3. Office Tech-Free Hour
Office tech-free hour is a designated period during the workday when the focus shifts away from digital devices like computers and phones. This hour allows employees to take a break from screens and interact face-to-face with their colleagues.
By temporarily disconnecting from technology, individuals can engage in meaningful conversations, discuss projects, or simply share experiences.
You can provide snacks or icebreaker activities to encourage socializing during this time.
4. Desk Theater
Desk theater is an imaginative game that lets professionals tap into their creative sides. In this collaborative activity, colleagues team up to create and perform brief skits or improv acts. The twist is that everyday office supplies serve as props, adding a unique and light-hearted element to the performances. This game encourages teams to step away from their tasks and engage in a bit of shared fun.
Check out improv activities.
Large work social event ideas
Here are social event ideas for big groups.
5. Annual Awards Night
One of the most fun social event ideas for adults is to host a company awards ceremony.
You can get branded trophies or medals, and come up with a list of awards.
For example:
- team spirit award
- innovation champion
- culture ambassador
- leadership excellence award
- community impact award
- wellness warrior
- mentorship marvel
- positive energy award
- problem-solving pro
You can also tie awards into performance or company values.
Awards ceremonies do not have to be expensive to be impactful. You could host awards on Zoom or at a company picnic, for a low-cost option.
These events make employees feel appreciated and strengthen team bonds, as well as giving team members visibility in front of their peers.
Check out more employee recognition program ideas.
6. Movie Day
Hosting a movie day is an ideal way to unwind and have fun at work. You can rent a projector screen, clear out a space, and bring in refreshments, bean bags, and the staff’s favorite movies.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for your staff to relax and chat between scenes. You can also take short intermission breaks to play games.
Here is how to throw an office movie night.
Workplace social event ideas
7. Cooking Showdown
Cooking showdowns are a tasty way to bond as a group while giving every team member a chance to flaunt their cooking skills. Developing original recipes together will test the team’s resourcefulness and ability to work together and take the lead.
You should divide the team into subgroups, assign each group a different kind of food, and see what culinary masterpieces they can create.
Another twist is to select a single ingredient, such as maple syrup or Oreos, that all groups must utilize. Or, have them be inventive with their menus, for instance, by making imaginatively shaped pizzas.
Here is a guide to doing cook-offs at the office.
8. Team Wellness Event
An employee wellness event can increase employee satisfaction and positively affect retention rates.
Examples:
- laughter yoga session
- plant terrarium workshop
- silent disco meditation
- mindful coloring session
- chair massage day
- gratitude wall creation
- diy stress ball station
With this event, you can provide the groundwork for a supportive work environment where workers are encouraged to take care of their mental and physical well-being and to ask for assistance if they need it.
Check out this list of employee wellness ideas.
Social event ideas for adults
Here are more creative social event ideas for adults.
9. Mystery Lunch
During this activity, individuals draw names to pair up with colleagues. Then, participants will make secret dishes for each other or buy each other a surprise meal from a favorite restaurant. The event is like a Secret Santa, only with tasty food.
The gifter does not have to be anonymous, but the dish should be a surprise.
During the exchange, the pairs will meet up and eat together.
Pro tip: Be sure to ask team members about any food allergies or aversions before making them a dish.
10. Board Game Competition
This in-office activity is perfect for bringing out the competitive spirit of your staff. You can choose a single game and have each team member sign up for specified periods when they can leave their workstations and spend some time playing the game. Boggle, Jenga, and even traditional card games are all fantastic options that players can finish in a fair amount of time. You can also reward first-, second-, and third-place finishers with gifts.
Here is a list of the best team building board games.
Office social event ideas
Here are ideas for office socials for employees.
11. Desk Pet Day
Desk Pet Day is a fun workplace activity that invites a touch of personal expression and creativity to the day. During this event, professionals bring in small stuffed animals or figurines to decorate their desks.
Each animal should connect to a deeper story, for instance, an elephant that represents a semester abroad in India or a horse because your coworker used to ride competitively.
Teams can tour the office on a safari to see their coworkers’ critters, helping them learn more about each other and adding a touch of playfulness to the work environment.
12. Themed Office Parties
Office parties are the most common work socials. Many parties happen around the holidays, but you can build a fun work culture by regularly hosting office gatherings with fun themes.
For example:
- ugly sweater
- tropical escape
- masquerade
- disco fever
- pajamas
- carnival
A few more fun office party themes::
- Throw a party for a national food day (there are several every month)
- Every quarter, pick a random coworker and throw a surprise party
- Throw parties for lesser-celebrated cultural holidays, especially if you have teammates who observe them
More ideas:
- Ask your employees to curate an oldies playlist and bring in some of their fun or embarrassing family vacation photos.
- Use disposable cameras or an Instax to snap memorable group photographs, or set up a DIY photobooth.
- Plan an icebreaker activity to encourage mingling.
Check out more office party ideas.
13. Runway Show
One of the most exciting office social event ideas is to host a runway show. Your employees will walk along as models on the runway to show off their carefully chosen outfits.
You should create an area for costumes, props, and makeup. Manicures, pedicures, new dos, cosmetics, and temporary tats can be part of the festivities as a treat, too.
You should encourage your team members to go wild with the concept and get creative. You can give awards for the most ridiculous, authentic, or creative outfit. Be sure to take plenty of pictures!
Team social ideas for work
Here are ideas for team socials to promote bonding and camaraderie.
Sports Day
A sports day at the office is a fun way to promote healthy habits and collaboration. Workers in a traditional workplace may spend eight or more hours behind a desk daily. Therefore, spending a whole workday outdoors, even if your employees dislike sports, is sure to excite them.
You can visit the local park and play a few fast games. Activities like five-a-side football, wheelbarrow races, and the good old egg-and-spoon relay fall under this category. You can divide the group into two and order new t-shirts for each team. The victorious group might get rewards like a half-day vacation or a free meal at a nice restaurant.
Here is a guide to doing team field days.
14. Sales Practice
Sale practice is one of the team social ideas for work that lets your colleagues hone their selling skills and have fun. Even if your team is not in marketing, every participant may benefit from this exercise in creative problem-solving.
Each team gets an item, ranging from the commonplace to the outlandish, to participate in this building activity. Then, each group has five minutes to devise an innovative advertisement to sell the item. The team with the most original advert wins in each round.
More Examples of Unique Work Social Events
Here are examples of out-of-the-wordinary office socials real companies have run, that employees loved.
“We held a Drag Murder Mystery. Everyone dressed up and had a great laugh!”
-Darcy E, Hero Brands
“Laughter yoga was a hit.”
-Megan T, Greystar
“We hosted a fun and funny lecture in the office. The person that gave it was very good and people loved the unusual topic.”
-Liran C, qSpark
“Our teams had fun with in-person easter egg hunts or Bingo. These events included the full company and employees could win desirable prizes!”
-Jessica W, Cupertino Electric, Inc
Example Office Social Calendar
Here’s an example office social calendar that includes a mix of easy, free events and social outings.
January
New Year’s Resolution Board (Free)
Employees post their resolutions on a shared board, with weekly check-ins.
Hot Chocolate Bar (Low-Cost)
Set up a station with different types of hot chocolate and toppings.
Winter Wellness Workshop (Outing)
Invite a wellness coach to give tips on staying healthy during winter or go on an afternoon meditation retreat.
February
Random Acts of Kindness Day (Free)
Encourage employees to do small acts of kindness for each other.
Valentine’s Day Card Exchange (Low-Cost)
Set up a station with supplies for employees to make and exchange cards and treats.
Cultural Potluck (Outing)
Have employees bring dishes representing their cultural backgrounds.
March
March Madness Bracket Challenge (Free)
Organize a friendly competition around the NCAA basketball tournament.
Spring Cleaning Office Swap (Low-cost)
Employees bring in items they no longer need for a swap.
DIY Terrarium Workshop (Outing)
Host a workshop where employees can create their own mini terrariums.
April
Lunchtime Walking Club (Free)
Start a daily walking group to enjoy spring weather.
Office Picnic in the Park (Low-Cost)
Organize a picnic during lunch at a nearby park.
Escape Room Team Building (Outing)
Take teams to a local escape room for a fun challenge.
May
Plant a Tree Day (Free)
Organize a volunteer event to plant trees in the community.
Outdoor Movie Night (Low-Cost)
Host a movie screening in the parking lot or nearby park.
Wine and Paint Night (Outing)
Bring in an instructor for an after-hours painting session with wine.
June
Beach Clean-Up Day (Free)
Organize a volunteer day to clean up a local beach.
Ice Cream Social (Low-Cost)
Set up an ice cream bar for employees to enjoy during a break.
Summer BBQ Cook-Off (Outing)
Employees compete in a BBQ contest with colleagues as judges.
July
Patriotic Office Decorating Contest (Free)
Employees decorate their desks in a patriotic theme for Independence Day.
Outdoor Yoga Session (Low-Cost)
Bring in a yoga instructor for a morning session outdoors.
Company Carnival (Outing)
Set up carnival games and food trucks for a fun afternoon event.
August
Board Game Tournament (Free)
Organize a tournament with various board games during lunch breaks.
DIY Smoothie Bar (Low-Cost)
Employees can mix their own smoothies with provided ingredients.
Day at the Amusement Park (Outing)
Organize a company outing to a local amusement park.
September
Office Book Exchange (Free)
Employees bring in books they’ve read for others to take and enjoy.
International Food Day (Low-Cost)
Employees bring in dishes from around the world for a shared lunch.
Murder Mystery Dinner (Outing)
Host a themed dinner where employees participate in solving a mystery.
October
Impromptu Halloween Costume Contest (Free)
Have employees create costumes from things found around the office.
Pumpkin Carving Contest (Low-Cost)
Employees carve pumpkins, with prizes for the best designs.
Haunted House Tour (Outing)
Arrange a visit to a local haunted house as a spooky team activity.
November
Gratitude Wall (Free)
Set up a wall where employees can post notes of gratitude.
Friendsgiving Potluck (Low-Cost)
Organize a potluck where employees bring in their favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Volunteer Day at a Soup Kitchen (Outing)
Spend a day volunteering at a local soup kitchen as a team.
December
Holiday Card Crafting (Free)
Set up a station with supplies for making holiday cards for colleagues or charity.
Ugly Sweater Day (Low-Cost)
Employees wear their best ugly sweaters, with a prize for the ugliest.
Holiday Gala (Outing)
Host a formal holiday party with dinner, dancing, and entertainment.
This calendar balances easy and free activities with more elaborate, special events to keep employees engaged throughout the year.
Expert Tips for Work Socials
Beyond cranking out ideas about team building and employee engagement in the team building blog, I also worked for years as a community event organizer with Yelp and ran dozens of monthly socials. Drawing on that experience, here are my best tips for creating impactful socials where participants have fun and genuinely connect.
1. Don’t force attendance, but do encourage RSVPs
Employees enjoy social events more when they are not mandatory. Be sure to hold a mix of on-the-clock and off-the-clock socials, and make attendance optional.
However, still encourage RSVPs to help you prepare accordingly with food and materials. Signing up will also cause employees to commit the event to the calendar, making it more likely that team members will make time and actually attend.
2. Location, location, location
I like to say that “the area is the best icebreaker.” Where you hold your social can greatly impact the success of the event.
It is important to choose a room just the right size for the gathering. Obviously, there should be enough room to accommodate a crowd without feeling cramped. However, if you pick a room that is too big, employees will spread out and mingle less. Proximity prompts social interaction.
Also, choose a space that’s visible from high-traffic areas, to make coworkers curious and inspire FOMO, thereby encouraging more folks to attend.
3. Small events can have big impact
Attendance numbers are not the only markers of event success. Quality of connections are important, not just quantity of employees attended.
You should not be afraid to hold more intimate and niche social gatherings in your workspace occasionally. Though fewer employees may attend, you are likely to attract and engage different team members. The impact and sense of belonging on those teammates can be massive.
Conclusion
Having fun corporate team-building activities and social events is crucial to the health of any organization, but coming up with ideas may be challenging. If you want your workers to be engaged and productive, then giving them a break from the workplace and encouraging them to socialize with one another in a lighthearted setting is essential.
To succeed, your company needs a solid employee engagement plan since research reveals that highly engaged teams are more profitable. The activities highlighted can help your staff members get to know one another and build camaraderie.
Next, check out these lists of corporate event management companies.
