Imagine it's Employee Appreciation Day, and you want to go beyond the usual messages and gifts. While Employee Appreciation Day Messages are thoughtful, you want to create a memorable experience that boosts morale and fosters a sense of camaraderie. Team building games can do just that, transforming the day into a fun and engaging event that makes everyone feel appreciated. This article will guide you through some exciting team-building activities perfect for marking Employee Appreciation Day, adding a dynamic twist to the usual celebration.
As you explore these ideas, consider complementing them with company-branded swag from Giftpack to enhance the experience. This thoughtful touch can make your appreciation efforts even more memorable.
What is Employee Appreciation Day?
Employee Appreciation Day, born in 1995, is a special day for businesses to recognize their teams. Originally a North American tradition, it’s now a global observance. Celebrated on the first Friday in March, it gives organizations a chance to lift spirits and kick-start recognition efforts just after the holiday season. This timing is perfect for energizing teams and setting the year's tone.
Understanding why employee appreciation matters is key to making the day meaningful. Employees who feel valued are likelier to remain loyal, productive, and motivated. According to a Gallup survey, employees who feel recognized are 69% less likely to search for a new job and are five times more likely to advocate for their organization.
Additional data highlights the impact of appreciation: Nearly 84% of employees feel that recognition affects their motivation to succeed at work, and 71% would be less likely to leave their organization if they were recognized more frequently 28% of employees said that the most memorable recognition came from their direct manager, while 24% said it was from a high-level leader or CEO 46% of U.S. workers reported that they left a job because they felt underappreciated Well-recognized employees were 45% less likely to have changed organizations two years later
These statistics underscore the tangible benefits of showing appreciation, which translates into higher productivity and stronger organizational loyalty.
Related Reading
• Remote Employee Appreciation Day • Employee Appreciation Day Gratitude
30 Team Building Games To Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day
1. Mobile Paint & Sip Workshops: Unleash Creativity in the Office
Transform your office into an art studio with mobile Paint & Sip workshops. These sessions provide a relaxed environment for employees to express themselves creatively, fostering camaraderie and reducing stress. Book a meeting room, and we'll handle the rest:
- Supplies
- Setup
- Cleanup
It’s a fantastic way to unwind after a morning of corporate training or a long workweek.
2. Host Your Office Olympics: Fun and Games at Work
Office Olympics turns everyday activities into hilarious competitions. Organize events like chair races and paper airplane javelin for a quick morale boost.
These lighthearted contests promote teamwork and enhance communication skills. It’s a great way to get everyone laughing and bonding over shared experiences.
3. Break Out of the Office…Literally: Escape Room Challenges
Bring the excitement of an escape room to your office with themed challenges. These activities require strategic thinking and collaboration, which are perfect for team building. Whether you choose a spy mission or a wizarding adventure, your team will enjoy the thrill of solving puzzles under pressure.
4. Unlimited Fun with a Games Night: Bond Over Friendly Competition
Host a games night featuring board games, card games, and even video games. These activities encourage employees to relax and connect in a low-pressure setting. Whether flexing brainpower in a board game or teaming up in a video game, these sessions transform colleagues into teammates and make work feel more like play.
5. Master the Art of the Gab: Communication Workshops
Invest in communication workshops to improve your team’s skills. Experts like speech therapists and theater coaches can help even the shyest employees become confident communicators. These sessions focus on listening, clarity, and owning conversations, making them invaluable for sales pitches, conference talks, and internal meetings.
6. Office Trivia for Bragging Rights: Test Knowledge and Have Fun
Bring pub trivia vibes to your office with a personalized quiz. Categories can include:
- Baby photos
- Team chat quotes
- Industry trivia
These activities spark laughter and friendly competition, helping teams bond over shared knowledge and inside jokes.
7. Have a Movie Marathon: Relax and Connect
Set up a cozy movie marathon in your office with popcorn and blankets. Allow each team member to choose a film, creating a relaxing environment for employees to unwind and bond. Sharing laughs and debates over movie choices strengthens connections and fosters a sense of community.
8. Find a Great Escape at an Escape Room: Teamwork in Action
Take your team to a local escape room for a thrilling adventure. These activities require:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving skills
Making them perfect for corporate events. The excitement of racing against the clock adds extra adrenaline, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
9. Putt to Glory with a Mini Golf Tournament: Fun and Friendly Competition
Organize a mini golf tournament for a day of friendly competition and laughter. These quick team-building activities blend leisure with teamwork, helping employees learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Navigating obstacles and aiming for a hole-in-one fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
10. Go to Battle with Laser Tag: Thrilling Team Building
Suit up for a game of laser tag and experience teamwork in a futuristic battlefield. These activities are all about strategy, communication, and friendly rivalry. Engaging in thrilling battles ensures everyone gets their excitement while strengthening team bonds.
11. Axe Away the Work Stress: Friendly Competition and Fun
Try axe throwing for a unique team-building experience. These events combine friendly competition with fun, helping employees improve their morale and focus. Whether participating in team games or solo challenges, axe throwing offers a chance to unwind and show off a little muscle.
12. Go to a Brewery, Winery or Distillery for a Tasting: Socialize and Connect
Take your team to a local brewery, winery, or distillery for a tasting. These activities encourage employees to socialize and develop relationships while enjoying a fine drink. Connect with the community, learn about the drink-making process, and enjoy some liquid courage in a relaxed setting.
13. Hit the Bullseye with Social Darts: Friendly Competition and Laughter
Organize a social darts event for friendly competition and team bonding. These activities are about strategy, skill, and fun, bringing the team together like never before. Social darts can strengthen team connections, whether you're a sharpshooter or just in it for the laughs.
14. Traditional Pub Quiz Night: Test Knowledge and Bond
Head to a local pub for a quiz night and allow your team to flex their brainpower. These events combine entertainment, competition, and culture, making them ideal for team bonding. Answering trivia questions on various topics helps strengthen connections and build trust among team members.
15. Get a Lucky Break with Boozy Bingo: Nostalgic Fun and Prizes
Organize a boozy bingo night for a nostalgic team-building experience. These activities cut through awkwardness and bring team bonding vibes, especially when work-related prizes are on the line. Consider a month off tea-making duty or a ‘no-meeting Monday’ pass to up the stakes.
16. Shuffle Things Up: Low-Key Competition and Fun
Try shuffleboard for a laid-back team-building night. These activities are simple to play and impossible not to love, stirring up low-key competition and laughter. Add drinks and high-fives, and you have a memorable team event that everyone will enjoy.
17. Mix, Muddle and Bond with a Cocktail Making Class: Creative Fun
Host a cocktail-making class for a fun and creative team-building experience. These activities bring out unexpected skills, big laughs, and “cheers.” Employees will leave with newfound connections and a little buzz, whether in it for the booze or bonding.
18. Pass the Mic for a Karaoke Showdown: Laughter and Solidarity
Organize a karaoke night for a fun and memorable team-building experience. These activities involve laughter and solidarity, helping employees bond over shared embarrassment. Singing popular tunes, even off-key, ensures a night of fun and connection.
19. Whodunnit with the Team: Sharpen Strategy and Boost Morale
Plan an interactive murder mystery event and watch your team transform into detectives. These activities require strategy, quick thinking, and collaboration, boosting trust and morale. Solving crimes together fosters critical thinking and strengthens team connections.
20. Laugh it out with Team Improv: Build Real-World Skills
Book an improv workshop and watch your team learn to embrace ideas and support each other. These activities build real-world skills like quick thinking, adaptability, and confidence. Plus, they’re a no-brainer for any team that wants to loosen up and level up.
21. Two Truths and a Lie: Virtual Icebreaker and Trust Builder
Organize a virtual session of Two Truths and a Lie to get to know remote teammates. These activities encourage trust and connection by revealing surprising facts about each other. It’s always fun to see who can pull off the best fib.
22. Nerd Out with a Book Club: Shared Stories and Fresh Perspectives
Start a virtual book club for a creative and engaging way to bond with remote teammates. These activities encourage discussion and connection, fostering a sense of community. Whether swapping stories or debating plot twists, a book club can strengthen team bonds.
23. Raise Your Glass and Connect with Your Crew: Virtual Happy Hour
Host a virtual happy hour to unwind and connect with remote team members. These low-effort, high-impact activities build trust and boost morale, making teamwork flow more smoothly. They’re a great way to show you care beyond the inbox.
24. Go Unique with a Scavenger Hunt: Adventure and Teamwork
Organize a scavenger hunt for a unique and memorable team-building experience. These activities require collaboration, communication, and creativity and foster a sense of camaraderie. The shared chaos and inside jokes make scavenger hunts a powerful tool.
25. Stay Afloat with a Thames Kayaking Challenge: Trust and Collaboration
Try kayaking down the Thames for a trust-building adventure. These activities require teamwork and communication, helping employees connect more deeply. Plus, they’re a great excuse to leave the office and enjoy fresh air.
26. Trust in Personal Timeline Presentations: Connect Beyond Job Roles
Encourage employees to share personal presentations to connect on a human level. These activities foster empathy and trust, allowing teammates to learn more about each other’s lives and passions. When employees connect beyond job roles, collaboration naturally follows.
27. Unwind with a Mindfulness and Yoga Retreat: Recharge and Rewire
Organize a mindfulness and yoga retreat to invest in your team’s well-being. These activities create a calm, intentional space for employees to recharge and connect. Through shared mindfulness, team members learn to listen and support each other, building deeper connections.
28. Survive the Wild with Your Team: Adventure and Teamwork
Try a forest survival experience for a unique team-building challenge. These activities require quick thinking, real collaboration, and having each other’s backs, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Plus, the shared challenge is unlike anything a conference room could replicate.
29. Master the Map with Orienteering: Collaboration in Nature
Organize an orienteering day for a collaborative outdoor adventure. These activities require teamwork, communication, and navigation skills, helping employees rediscover the power of collaboration. Plus, they’re a great way to enjoy the beauty of the British countryside.
30. Reach New Heights with a High Ropes Course: Adventure and Connection
Try a high ropes course for an adventurous team-building experience. These activities require trust, communication, and support, strengthening team bonds. Plus, cheering on colleagues fosters a sense of camaraderie that lasts long after the activity ends.
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Related Reading
• Ideas for Employee Appreciation Day • Employee Appreciation Day Games
Other Ideas to Mark Employee Appreciation Day
Meaningful Gifts That Speak Volumes
Giving gifts is great, but giving the right kind of gift can make a huge difference. Instead of generic tokens, consider personalized gifts or awards that reflect your employees' achievements and contributions.
A personal touch shows you care. Using a digital recognition and rewards platform like Inspirus Connects can make it easy to automate employee gift-giving.
A Day Off? Yes, Please!
Let’s face it, everyone loves a day off. Why not offer your employees the chance to take a day off with pay to relax and recharge? Employee Appreciation Day is on a Friday, so it’s the perfect opportunity to give your team a three-day weekend.
Delicious Lunch? Count Us In
Organize a catered lunch with food trucks or provide gift cards to your employees’ favorite restaurants or food delivery apps. Sharing a delicious meal can be a great way to show your team you care and appreciate their hard work.
Send a Special Message from the Top
A message from management expressing gratitude and highlighting individual and team accomplishments can mean a lot. Make the message extra meaningful by including a video from the leadership team. It can be a great way to show your appreciation and make your team feel valued.
Company Swag Is Always a Hit
Who doesn’t love swag? Distribute company-branded merchandise like T-shirts, hats, water bottles, or mugs to employees. This simple gesture can be a great way to show appreciation for your team’s dedication.
Cheers to Team Bonding
Host a virtual or in-person happy hour where employees can unwind and socialize with colleagues and supervisors. This can be a great way to encourage team bonding and strengthen employee relationships.
Give Back to the Community
Allow your team to volunteer for a cause they care about during work hours. This can be a great way to give back to the community and promote a sense of giving back.
Rent Out an Event Space for Fun
Consider renting an entertainment venue like a bowling alley, arcade, or movie theater. This can be a great way to thank your employees while strengthening team bonds.
Personalized Gift Packages
Create personalized gift packages tailored to individual preferences or needs. These packages can include self-care items, company swag, and a water bottle. This thoughtful gesture can show your employees you care about their well-being.
Surprise Them with a Sweet Treat
Surprise your staff with a sweet treat during the day, whether it’s a selection of chocolates, cupcakes, or a dessert bar. If you have remote employees, you can send them a gift card instead.
Offer a Floating Holiday
Reward your team with an additional floating holiday. This can be a great way to show appreciation and allow employees to take extra days to care for their well-being and mental health.
Spa Day for Relaxation
Host a spa day to treat your employees to relaxation and rejuvenation. Set up massage stations and create a serene atmosphere with soothing music and aromatherapy. This event can be perfect for de-stressing and showing your team that their well-being is valued.
Points-Based Recognition
If your organization uses a points-based employee recognition and rewards platform, send your employees points and a thoughtful digital message. To make it extra meaningful, include a video from your leadership team.
Donate to a Charity on Their Behalf
Show appreciation by making a meaningful impact. Select a range of charities and allow employees to choose where a donation will be made in their name. This can be a great way to acknowledge your employees and support causes they care about.
Handwritten Notes Show You Care
Take the time to write a unique message for each employee, highlighting their contributions and thanking them for their hard work. This simple, thoughtful gesture can make employees feel valued and recognized.
Capture Memories with a Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props and backgrounds, or offer professional headshot sessions for employees. This can be a fun and memorable way to capture the day.
Certificates That Celebrate Achievements
Present your team members with personalized certificates highlighting individual accomplishments, milestones, or specific talents. This can be a great way to make your team feel genuinely valued.
Excitement with a Raffle
Create excitement with a company raffle. Offer prizes such as extra vacation days, gift cards, gadgets, or a prime parking spot. This can be a fun way to add excitement to the day.
Caricature Artist for a Fun Time
Bring in a caricature artist to entertain your employees. This can be a fun way to capture the day and provide a memorable keepsake for your team.
4 Best Practices to Make The Most of Employee Appreciation Day
1. Make Recognition Personal with a Manager's Touch
Recognition should feel personal and meaningful. While team-wide shout-outs have their place, they can sometimes gloss over the quiet, impactful work that matters most to employees.
Encourage managers to ask their team members, “What are you most proud of?” This opens up insightful conversations and ensures that recognition is genuine and specific to the person’s achievements, rather than a generic pat on the back.
2. Think Outside the Box with Creative Rewards
You don't need a massive budget to show appreciation. While financial rewards are nice, employees often value thoughtful gestures just as much.
Consider non-monetary options like nominating a team member for a development course, giving them extra time off, or arranging a lunch with a senior leader. These actions show long-term investment in the person’s growth and signal that their contribution is recognized beyond numbers.
3. Celebrate What Makes Your Culture Unique
Your company’s values should be more than just words; they should be lived out every day. Employee Appreciation Day offers a chance to spotlight those values in action.
Facilitate peer-to-peer recognition, host team-building games, or set up a digital culture wall for messages and photos. Ensure your celebrations include hybrid and remote staff, fostering a sense of belonging no matter where they work.
4. Equip Managers with the Right Tools
Managers are key to employee appreciation, but many don’t feel adequately supported. Refresh your manager training to go beyond policies. Teach them how to have meaningful check-ins, use wellbeing resources, and champion team recognition. Even the best initiatives can fall flat if managers aren’t confident in promoting available tools.
Related Reading
• Employee Appreciation Day Ideas for Large Companies • Employee Appreciation Day Ideas for Small Companies
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