Kristin Bassett
The secret to happy, thriving and engaged employees? Showing them that you appreciate them.
You can do this in a variety of creative ways, from connecting with them about something they’re passionate about to supporting them as a whole person – beyond the confines of shared employment. But appreciation doesn’t have to be shown only on a one-to-one basis; it can also be shown to an entire group at once through engaging games, both virtually and in person.
Employee appreciation games and activities are powerful tools to foster connection, gratitude, and motivation among team members. These activities not only emphasize the importance of individual contributions but also help build a positive work culture where everyone feels valued.
By infusing some fun into the workday, you’ll boost team morale and inspire employees to engage more enthusiastically with their work and colleagues.
Why employee appreciation activities matter
Employee appreciation activities are more than just “fun and games.” They’re a critical component of a thriving workplace culture. Appreciation boosts productivity, performance and employee engagement, while also improving motivation and team relationships. Research shows us that employees who feel appreciated are 43% more productive.
By making appreciation a priority, organizations can strengthen their workforce and drive better business outcomes.
These activities foster a sense of camaraderie, creating opportunities for team building beyond the usual work discussions. Whether it's a spontaneous game of trivia or a planned awards ceremony, these moments enrich your company culture and reinforce the value of collective success.
5 employee appreciation games for in-person teams
Whether it’s within the office walls or during an offsite retreat, in-person appreciation activities offer teams the chance to connect face-to-face and revel in moments of shared joy. Here are some creative ideas to get your team engaged:
1. Scavenger hunts
Organize a scavenger hunt around the office, building, or nearby neighborhood. Create a list of clues related to your company culture or team members’ fun quirks.
This activity fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and excitement. Plus, it helps everyone get some fresh air and extra steps for the day.
2. Office charades
Charades never get old! Create a list of work-related or pop-culture phrases for employees to act out. It’s a quick and lighthearted game that allows everyone to unwind while showcasing their dramatic talents. Plus, the team is almost definitely guaranteed a few laughs along the way.
3. Board game tournaments
Host a tournament featuring classic games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, or Jenga. Create brackets and offer small prizes for the winners. It’s an excellent way to promote friendly competition and break the ice among colleagues. Or, if board games aren't your team’s vibe, you could always pull out a puzzle or two.
4. Mystery appreciation buddies
Pair employees up and challenge them to surprise their “buddy” with small acts of kindness over a week. This could range from compliment notes to a favorite snack. At the end of the week, have a reveal moment to celebrate the thoughtfulness. It’s a great way to show each other how well you know and appreciate each other.
5. Minute-to-win-it challenges and relay races
Introduce a lively series of 60-second challenges or team relays. From stacking cups to balancing objects, these games bring high energy, laughs, and a dash of healthy competition. You can mis up the teams after each challenge to ensure everyone gets a chance to work with each other.
5 employee appreciation activities for remote teams
For remote teams, creating a fun and engaging environment may seem challenging, but virtual appreciation efforts are just as meaningful (and don’t have to be overly complicated). Here are a few creative remote-friendly ideas:
1. Online team trivia
Host a themed trivia night featuring pop culture, history, or fun facts about your team members. Use platforms like Kahoot or Quizizz to make the experience dynamic and interactive. If budget allows, you could send everyone a gift card so they can get dinner or snacks delivered during the evening.
2. Virtual talent shows
Encourage team members to showcase their hidden talents, whether it's singing, painting, or telling jokes. The result? Endless laughs and a deeper appreciation of each team member’s individuality. Plus, you may find out that someone has a special skill that they can put to use in their day-to-day job.
3. Zoom award ceremony
Celebrate employees’ contributions during a video call by handing out fun and personalized awards. Categories like “Most Likely to Make Everyone Laugh” or “Zoom MVP” can make recognition more relatable and entertaining. It's an easy way to make everyone feel seen and appreciated for what they bring to the table.
4. Digital escape room
Take your team on an adventure by booking a virtual escape room experience. Solving puzzles together virtually helps foster teamwork while providing an exciting break from routine.
5. Themed dress-up days
Infuse creativity into your next meeting by choosing a fun theme (e.g., 1980s fashion day or favorite movie character costumes). It’s a simple way to add personality to remote work life.
You can let each person (or small groups) pick the theme and rotate through so everyone gets a chance to flex their creative muscles.
Tips to make employee appreciation games impactful
While it’s fun to plan these activities, keeping them impactful requires some strategic considerations:
Know your team’s preferences
Before planning, understand what type of activities your team enjoys. Introverts may prefer more laid-back games, while extroverts might thrive in high-energy ones. By picking games that you know they’ll enjoy, you’ll show your team that you know them well.
Keep it fun and low-pressure
Ensure participation feels optional and enjoyable, not like a forced obligation. The goal is to create smiles, not stress. Giving everyone a chance to show up in a way that feels natural to them will go a long way.
Be inclusive and accessible
Take into account employees’ physical abilities, comfort levels and availability. Aim for activities that are accessible to everyone. No one wants to feel left out because they aren’t able to or comfortable participating. Find a balance between after-hours activities and workday-hours activities.
Incorporate peer recognition
Allow team members to recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions during or after activities. Peer recognition adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience and creates a chance for everyone to spread the love.
Gather feedback
After hosting appreciation activities, ask employees for honest feedback. Use their suggestions to modify and improve future events – show them that you value their opinions.
Support your employee appreciation strategy with Reward Gateway | Edenred
Looking to take your employee appreciation efforts to the next level? Reward Gateway | Edenred can help. We offer an employee experience platform that helps companies build a culture of appreciation with recognition and rewards, wellbeing programs, discounts, communication tools, surveys and more. One of our many appreciation experts can help you and your teams bring appreciation to life.
Ready to get started? Reach out today and let us help you make your corner of the world a better place to work!
