40 Employee Appreciation Party Ideas To Bring Fun Into The Workplace

40 Employee Appreciation Party Ideas To Bring Fun Into The Workplace

Discover 40 creative employee appreciation party ideas that foster team spirit, boost morale, and bring fun into the workplace.

Tim Kuo

Tim Kuo

Dec 13th 202415 min read

people cheering in a party - Employee Appreciation Party Ideas

Picture this: you're running a company where everyone feels appreciated, heard, and eager to stick around for the long haul. Employee loyalty is the secret sauce to making that happen. One great way to foster it? Throw a killer appreciation party. Everyone loves a good bash, but the real magic is giving your team a moment to shine and feel valued. This article is packed with ideas to help you throw a memorable event that boosts morale and shows your crew you care.

And speaking of showing you care with Giftpack’s company branded swag, it makes a great addition to your recognition toolkit. It’s a tangible way to show appreciation that people love and remember.

What is Employee Appreciation?

employees shaking hand - Employee Appreciation Party Ideas

Employee appreciation is acknowledging employees' hard work, dedication, and contributions. It's about saying “thank you” in a way that resonates and motivates. It’s more than just a feel-good action; it boosts morale and motivation. From verbal praise to rewards, promotions, or public recognition, the ways to show appreciation are as diverse as the employees themselves.

While there's a designated Employee Appreciation Day on the first Friday of March, this isn't a one-and-done deal. It's key to keep appreciation going all year long. Whether a quick nod for a job well done or formal recognition, showing appreciation in meaningful ways is crucial.

Types of Employee Appreciation

Employee appreciation comes in various forms, each with its benefits and uses. Peer-to-peer appreciation promotes camaraderie and teamwork, while manager appreciation reinforces the leadership team's commitment to recognizing and valuing employees.

Event-based appreciation marks milestones and achievements, while regular appreciation acknowledges the daily grind. Formal appreciation is typically part of a company-wide program, while informal appreciation is more spontaneous. By incorporating a mix of these approaches, companies can create a culture of appreciation that fosters loyalty and engagement.

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29 Employee Appreciation Party Ideas To Bring Fun Into The Workplace

office celebrating party - Employee Appreciation Party Ideas

1. The Office Food Party: A Feast for All

Spice up the usual office potluck and make food for the show's star. Assign different departments to bring specific types of dishes to avoid duplicates, and throw in a surprise element by allowing some to get whatever they choose.

Spread the dishes on a large table, let everyone sample, and vote for their favorites. The winning team or individual gets a prize, and everyone can toast the night with champagne. Add ice cream for extra smiles. You can even make it festive if it's the holiday season.

2. Murder Mystery: Who Killed the Boss?

Crank up the excitement with a thrilling murder mystery. Create a storyline and assign roles to employees, including the unsuspecting murderer who must remain undetected.

Scatter clues around the office and encourage creativity to boost involvement. It’s a fun way to build communication and teamwork among colleagues.

3. Disco Flashback: Get Your Groove On

Transform your office party by stepping back in time. Pick a decade, like the ‘80s, and have everyone dress in the period's fashion. Play music from that era and provide food and drinks that fit the theme. It’s a fun way to break the corporate party stereotype and get everyone on the dance floor.

4. The Dad Bod Party: Barbecue and Brews

Sometimes simplicity is best. Set up a barbecue, open some beers, and relax with your colleagues. Contact a local butcher for quality cuts, and enjoy good food and company. It’s a guilt-free way to unwind and indulge a little with colleagues.

5. Be Good Once in a While: Volunteer Together

Volunteering might not be everyone’s idea of a party, but it can be a meaningful break from routine. Find a local nonprofit and offer your services. While visiting an orphanage with gifts and activities can be rewarding, consider offering training or skill-building instead to make a lasting impact.

6. Puppy’s Day Out: Cuteness Overload

Few things are more relaxing than playing with puppies. Contact a local animal shelter and fill your office with furry friends. Just make sure no one has allergies. This event offers a great way to de-stress, and you’ll have plenty of Instagram-worthy moments to capture.

7. Celebrate the Un-Holiday Season: Get Creative

Think outside the box and celebrate unique holidays, like Pi Day with a pie-themed bash or Oreo Day with a cookie buffet. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a fun way to change things up and create a memorable experience.

8. Minute to Win It: Fast-Paced Fun

Recreate the excitement of “Minute to Win It” with a themed office party. Set up quick and easy games using household items, and watch as employees compete to win prizes. It’s a great way to encourage friendly competition and build team spirit.

9. The Sitcom Party: Channel Your Inner TV Star

Throw a party based on your favorite sitcom. Decorate the office, dress up as characters, and serve themed food. Don’t forget a photo booth to capture memories and boost your branding efforts. It’s a fun way to bond over shared interests and boost loyalty to your organization.

10. The Classic Movie Night: Relax and Unwind

Hosting a movie night can be a low-key yet enjoyable way to unwind with colleagues. Choose a lighthearted classic, pick a convenient date and location, and provide some snacks. It’s an easy way to relax and bond without the hassle of organizing a big event.

11. The Holiday Party: Embrace the Festive Spirit

Embrace the holiday season with a festive office party. Serve hot chocolate, exchange gifts, and enjoy the warm camaraderie of celebrating together. It’s a classic for a reason, and the perfect way to strengthen employee bonds.

12. The Stood Up Guy: Laugh the Night Away

Hire a standup comedian to entertain your team. It might be costly, but the laughter and entertainment are worth it. Pair it with food and drinks for a well-rounded event that will inspire employees.

13. Are You Ready to Gamble?: Casino Night

Bring the thrill of a casino to your office with a gambling-themed party. Hire dealers, rent slot machines, and maybe even a roulette table. You can keep it light-hearted with makeshift coins or up the ante with real money. Either way, it’s a surefire way to create excitement and fun.

14. The Field Trip: Adventure Awaits

Take your team on an offsite adventure to relieve stress. A field trip is a great way to encourage bonding and communication among employees. You can tailor the event to your budget, whether a day trip to a nearby spot or a simple picnic in the park.

15. Board Game Bonanza: Friendly Competition

Break out the board games for a night of competitive fun. Choose classic games with simple rules and group employees to play. Ensure snacks and a playlist are ready to keep the energy and laughter flowing.

16. The Price is Right: Guess for Glory

Create a fun, interactive game with a “Price is Right” theme. Gather unique items within your budget, and have employees guess the price. The closest guess wins the item, and everyone can enjoy the suspense and excitement of the game.

17. Office Olympics: Let the Games Begin

Foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork with an Office Olympics event. Mix departments to create teams and organize various fun and unique challenges. You can even host an opening and closing ceremony for added flair.

18. DIY Photo Booth: Capture the Memories

Create a DIY photo booth for your party. Use a simple backdrop, props from party stores, and a camera or smartphone to capture moments. It’s a personalized and cost-effective way to entertain guests and create lasting memories.

19. Gift Exchange: Spread the Cheer

Organize a gift exchange to encourage mingling and new friendships. You can play games like the Danish “Pakkeleg” for added suspense or assign “secret friends” a week before the party for a fun twist.

20. Pub Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Plan a pub quiz with questions that balance challenge and fun. Include personal questions about the office to keep it engaging, and watch teams work together in a competitive spirit.

21. Scavenger Hunt: Adventure Awaits

Plan a scavenger hunt to get employees exploring and working together. Familiarize yourself with the venue, create teams, and craft personalized clues and tasks. It’s a fun way to add a competitive edge to your party.

22. Talent Show: Unleash Hidden Skills

Host a talent show to uncover hidden talents among your colleagues. Encourage everyone to participate, whether serious or silly and enjoy the camaraderie and conversation that will follow.

23. Games Tournament: Let the Games Begin

Set up a games tournament with board or video games, and let employees compete for fun. Provide snacks and drinks to keep the energy up, and let everyone rotate through different games for variety.

24. Escape Room: Break Free Together

Try an escape room with your team for a unique bonding experience. Solve cryptic clues together to escape within an hour, and enjoy food and drinks afterward to celebrate or commiserate.

25. Office Awards: Celebrate the Quirks

Host an office awards ceremony to recognize employees with fun and unique categories. Mix in some serious awards to show appreciation, and go all out with a black-tie dress code and dramatic presentations.

26. Shut Down for Lunch: Surprise Treat

Surprise your team by shutting down for lunch and taking them out for the afternoon. It’s a great way to show appreciation; everyone will enjoy the delicious food and positive vibes.

27. Bowling: Roll for Fun

Plan a bowling night to bring employees together for a fun and easy-going event. Many alleys offer food and drinks, and you can organize team competitions with prizes to add excitement.

28. Cocktail Making: Shake Things Up

Hire a mixologist to lead a cocktail-making class for your team. It’s a great icebreaker; employees will enjoy creating drinks and mingling with colleagues.

29. Obscure Holiday: Celebrate the Unusual

Celebrate obscure holidays with your team for a unique twist. Whether it’s Pickle Day or Ugly Sweater Day, these quirky celebrations can set the tone for a fun and memorable night.

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11 Employee Appreciation Party Ideas For Remote Workers

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1. Virtual Costume Contest: Unleash Creativity

Encourage your team to unleash their creativity by hosting a virtual costume contest. The theme? Anything goes! Whether it’s:

  • Superheroes
  • Movie characters
  • Wacky homemade costumes

The only limit is your team’s imagination. Give everyone the chance to showcase their outfits during a virtual parade, and let the entire team vote for the most creative and vivid ensembles.

2. Virtual Carnival Games: Thrills and Chills

Prepare a lineup of thrilling virtual carnival games to keep your team on the edge. There are plenty of entertaining activities, from virtual ring toss and digital fortune telling to online mini-games with a carnival twist.

Create a point system or leaderboard to add a layer of competition and excitement as your team members show off their skills and compete for glory.

3. Virtual Dance Party: Groove and Move

Crank up the virtual music and get ready to boogie with a high-energy virtual dance party. Create a playlist featuring upbeat carnival tunes, or let a virtual DJ take your team on a musical journey.

Encourage everyone to join in from their living rooms, offices, or wherever they are and showcase their best dance moves. You can even throw in some dance challenges or group choreographies to take the party atmosphere to the next level.

4. DIY Craft Sessions: Hands-On Creativity

Consider incorporating DIY craft sessions into your event for a more hands-on and creative virtual party experience. These interactive activities allow guests to create something unique and foster a sense of accomplishment and collaboration among participants. Some popular craft ideas include:

  • Book page paper flowers
  • Pumpkin decorating
  • Pressed leaves pattern painting
  • Origami workshops

When planning a DIY craft session for your virtual party, consider the following:

  • Choose an activity that uses materials that are readily available or easily sourced by your guests.
  • Provide clear instructions and demonstrations.
  • Consider adding a time limit or optional sharing and storytelling component to keep the session engaging and interactive.

Whether hosting a virtual office party or a family gathering, DIY craft sessions can be a fun and creative way to connect with your guests.

5. Virtual Awards Ceremony: Celebrate Excellence

Roll out the virtual red carpet and prepare for your own awards ceremony. Recognize your team members' exceptional efforts and achievements by presenting virtual awards in various categories, such as:

  • Team Player of the Year
  • Innovator Extraordinaire
  • Customer Champion

Create personalized virtual award certificates and let the winners bask in the spotlight as their colleagues applaud their accomplishments.

6. Virtual Talent Show: Unleash Hidden Talents

Unleash your team's hidden talents with a virtual talent show. Whether:

  • Singing
  • Dancing
  • Playing musical instruments
  • Showcasing other unique skills

Your team members will surely surprise and impress one another.

Allow them to take the stage and share their talents in a supportive and encouraging virtual environment. This will foster a sense of camaraderie and create a fun and memorable team celebration.

7. Virtual Memory Lane: Relive the Good Times

Take a heartwarming journey down memory lane with a virtual team memory-sharing session. Compile a collection of photos, videos, and memorable moments from the past year or project and create a shared virtual space to revisit these highlights.

Encourage team members to share their favorite memories and experiences, and let the nostalgia flow as you relive the triumphs and bonding moments that have made your team special.

8. Virtual Time Capsule: Capture the Moment

Create a virtual time capsule to capture the essence of your company’s anniversary and preserve it for the future. Encourage your team members to contribute digital mementos, such as:

  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Messages
  • Memorabilia

That symbolizes the anniversary's significance. Store these treasures in a digital vault, and set a date in the future to open the time capsule and relive the memories, creating a bridge between the past and the present.

9. Virtual History Showcase: Celebrate the Legacy

Shine a spotlight on your company’s rich history and achievements with a virtual history showcase. Create a multimedia presentation highlighting key milestones, memorable moments, and notable successes throughout the company’s journey.

Share stories of resilience, innovation, and the people who have shaped the company’s identity. This journey through time will not only instill a sense of pride in your team, but also connect them to the company’s heritage.

10. Virtual Charity Campaign: Give Back

Pay it forward and positively impact by launching a virtual charity campaign in honor of your company’s anniversary. Choose a charitable cause that resonates with your company’s values and mission, and invite your team members to make donations or participate in virtual fundraising activities. This initiative will help support a meaningful cause and showcase your company's collective generosity and social responsibility, leaving a positive legacy for the future.

11. Virtual Time Travel Party: Journey Through Time

Embark on a journey through time with a virtual time travel party that transports your team to significant moments in your company’s history. Choose distinct eras or memorable periods in the company’s timeline and encourage your team members to dress up in styles reminiscent of those times.

Dive into each era's culture, music, and trends with themed activities and discussions, creating a fun and educational experience that celebrates your company’s past in a lighthearted way.

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Making Your Employee Appreciation Party Inclusive & Memorable

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Make your employee appreciation party a celebration of cultural diversity by weaving in diverse elements that reflect your team's many backgrounds. Start with a cuisine lineup as varied as your workforce, offering options catering to different cultures and dietary needs. Think beyond typical fare and consider vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free dishes.

Bring cultural performances, such as:

  • Music
  • Dance
  • Storytelling

That showcases global traditions in the mix. And keep an eye on the calendar. Schedule your event to avoid major cultural or religious holidays so everyone can enjoy the fun.

Accessibility for All: No One Left Out

Ensure that your appreciation party is accessible to everyone. Choose a venue that welcomes those with mobility challenges and features ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Go further by providing communication support, like interpreters or assistive technology, for employees with hearing or visual impairments. Plan various activities, from high-energy games to low-key networking spaces, so everyone can find something they enjoy.

Personalize the Praise: Recognition That Resonates

Make your appreciation party unforgettable by personalizing employee recognition. Give shout-outs that highlight specific achievements during the event. Move beyond generic awards and create categories celebrating traits like:

  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Leadership

And provide keepsakes that employees will cherish think engraved tokens or hand-written notes that speak to their unique contributions.

Participation and Feedback: Make It a Team Effort

Engage employees in planning to create an event that reflects their interests and preferences. Form a diverse planning committee that represents different departments and demographics. Run a pre-event survey to gather input on themes, activities, and food choices. Collect feedback to see what worked well and where you can improve.

Opportunities for Connection: Build Belonging

Foster meaningful connections to create a sense of belonging at your appreciation party. Organize interactive activities like team-building games, trivia, or creative workshops that mix employees from different teams.

Choose inclusive themes that appeal to a broad audience, avoiding those that could unintentionally exclude some groups. Think about shared experiences: Consider hosting hybrid events or live streaming for remote employees to join in the celebration.

A Quick Tip

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Why Employee Appreciation Matters In The Workplace

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Organizations with a solid employee appreciation program can expect more engaged employees, better employee morale, improved customer service, and lower employee attrition. Organizations that appreciate and reward employees well can expect 50% higher productivity and a 20% increase in business outcomes.

More Innovation

Where there’s success, there’s usually a substantial amount of failure behind it. The team that doesn’t make mistakes doesn’t make anything. Companies that only recognize success and positive outcomes miss out on the opportunities for engaging with the unpalatable challenges of a project and on making a real human connection by appreciating team members who worked so hard but didn’t quite make it.

Companies that recognize and appreciate employees' efforts have a motivated workforce that will rise above failure, learn from it, exploit unexpected discoveries, and innovate again.

More Productivity

In his TED Talk, “The Power of Appreciation,” Mike Robbins cites research showing that 23% of people who feel recognized are more effective and productive, but 43% of people who feel appreciated are more effective and productive. There’s nothing quite so motivating as giving your all to a task and having that effort appreciated by others. Knowing you’re doing work that is valued and appreciated by others naturally makes you want to contribute more.

More Retention

One study found that the vast majority of people who changed jobs did so because they had experienced either a lack of respect or a lack of autonomy. A bit of appreciation can go a long way to prevent or even reverse those feelings in your valued team members.

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Build A Meaningful Employee Recognition Program With Ease with Giftpack's Client Gifting Service

A new hire walks into the office, anxious about starting a new job. But then they receive a personalized welcome gift. Suddenly, they feel appreciated and connected. This is the magic of an inclusive onboarding process. One tool that can help you create this magic is Giftpack. Giftpack is a company that simplifies the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift. Using a custom AI algorithm, Giftpack creates highly customized scenario swag box options for you.

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Tim Kuo

Tim Kuo

Dec 13th 202415 min read

About Giftpack

Giftpack's AI-powered solution simplifies the corporate gifting process and amplifies the impact of personalized gifts. We're crafting memorable touchpoints by sending personalized gifts selected out of a curated pool of 3 million options with just one click. Our AI technology efficiently analyzes each recipient's social media, cultural background, and digital footprint to customize gift options at scale. We take care of generating, ordering, and shipping gifts worldwide. We're transforming the way people build authentic business relationships by sending smarter gifts faster with gifting CRM.

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