20 Fun Employee Appreciation Day Games to Boost Morale

National Employee Appreciation Day is coming up in March, so it is an excellent opportunity for organizations to express gratitude towards their employees while fostering team spirit and camaraderie. Playing employee appreciation day games can significantly enhance this experience, making it memorable and fun.  

For instance, scavenger hunts promote teamwork and allow employees to explore their environment creatively, with the added thrill of prizes like company swag or gift cards.  

Another popular choice is the trivia competition, where teams can compete on fun facts about the company or their colleagues, reinforcing bonds and knowledge in a lighthearted setting.  

In this article, we will be sharing 20 employee appreciation day games for companies to create a vibrant atmosphere celebrating their workforce while strengthening interpersonal relationships. But before we dig in to employee appreciation games, let us understand why should we celebrate employee appreciation  day in the first place. 

What is employee appreciation and why should we celebrate it? 

Employee appreciation refers to recognizing and acknowledging employees' contributions, efforts, and intrinsic value within an organization. It plays a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing employee engagement, ultimately leading to improved productivity and retention. We should celebrate it because it: 

• Boosts morale and engagement: When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be motivated, enthusiastic, and engaged in their work. This sense of value can significantly boost team morale and foster a productive work environment. Research indicates that organizations with effective employee recognition programs experience 31% less voluntary turnover and have stronger business outcomes.  
• Creates positive interactions: Employee appreciation contributes to a positive work environment by encouraging positive interactions among team members. Simple gestures such as saying "thank you" or leaving thoughtful notes can profoundly impact employees' feelings of worth. Celebrating milestones through events like Employee Appreciation Day can further enhance this atmosphere. 
• Reinforces company values: Recognizing employees for behaviors aligned with company values reinforces those values within the organization. This can encourage teamwork and promote a strong company culture, increasing employee satisfaction and loyalty. 

Benefits of employee appreciation games 

• Increased productivity: Employees who participate in gamified recognition programs report a significant boost in productivity.  A Forbes study indicates that happy employees are approximately 12% more productive than their less satisfied counterparts. 
• Engagement levels: About 90% of employees say that gamification makes them more productive at work, highlighting the effectiveness of incorporating fun employee appreciation games into the workplace. 
• Retention rates: Organizations that implement gamification and recognition programs experience higher retention rates, as employees feel valued and appreciated, leading to reduced turnover. 
• Team bonding: Forbes also revealed that employee appreciation games foster team spirit and strengthen relationships among team members, which enhances collaboration and communication skills within the workplace. 
• Stress reduction: Engaging in fun employee appreciation games provides a welcome break from work-related stress, promoting mental well-being and leading to a more positive work environment. 
• Recognition impact: According to Forbes, 90% of employees who receive recognition or thanks report higher levels of trust in their employer. It reinforces the importance of employee appreciation in building a positive company culture. 

20 fun employee appreciation games and activities to boost morale and team spirit 

Following is the list of employee appreciation games and activities to boose morale and team spirit. 

1. Mystery appreciation buddy 

This engaging employee appreciation game pairs team members randomly to foster connections. Each participant receives the name of a colleague for whom they will write thoughtful notes or small appreciation gifts throughout the week.  

This not only encourages employees to appreciate one another but also reinforces company values by promoting positive interactions among team members. The reveal session at the end can be a fun event where everyone guesses their mystery buddy, boosting team morale and spirit. 

Empuls enhances the Mystery Appreciation Buddy initiative by facilitating seamless peer-to-peer recognition through its engaging platform. Employees can easily send thoughtful notes and gifts, fostering meaningful connections. The integration with tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams ensures that appreciation messages are shared promptly, reinforcing a culture of recognition within the team. 

2. Scavenger hunt 

Organize a scavenger hunt around the office or a local park, where teams must find items related to company culture or values. This activity encourages teamwork and communication skills while allowing employees to bond in a fun way. Incorporating personalized employee appreciation elements, such as including items that represent each employee's contributions, can make this game even more special. 

3. Office inspired charades game 

A twist on the classic charades, this game involves employees acting out company-related terms, values, or inside jokes. It's a fantastic way to promote laughter and camaraderie among office workers while encouraging creativity. This employee appreciation day game can be held during breaks or as part of a happy hour event, making it an enjoyable addition to any employee appreciation day ideas. 

4. Co-worker trivia competition 

This game requires employees to divide themselves into teams of five and nominate a team leader. Structure it like a quiz night where the MC asks trivia questions about the company or fun facts about employees. Each correct answer earns points, and the team with the highest score wins a prize. 

5. Minute to win it 

Inspired by the popular TV show, this game features 60-second challenges that sound easy but are surprisingly tricky. Teams compete in various tasks using everyday office supplies, such as bouncing a rubber band ball into a target or stacking cups in a pyramid. These quick challenges are perfect for encouraging friendly competition among employees while boosting morale through laughter and teamwork. 

6. Pictionary 

Pictionary is a game that encourages creativity, collaboration, and communication among employees. Players draw a word or phrase on a piece of paper or whiteboard while their team tries to guess what it is. It's a fun and interactive game that promotes teamwork and creativity in a relaxed setting, enhancing communication skills and fostering teamwork. 

7. Online trivia 

Develop an online trivia game that employees can play at their desks. The trivia could focus on your company’s history or industry knowledge, which would help workers gain better insights into the business. Offering prizes for top scorers adds an extra incentive for participation and engagement. 

8. Red carpet recognition 

Transform your employee recognition event into a glamorous affair with a red carpet theme. Employees dress up in formal attire while enjoying music and photo opportunities on the red carpet. Present awards for achievements in various categories, making everyone feel like stars while celebrating their contributions to the company culture. 

9. Happy hour celebration 

Host a monthly happy hour celebration where employees can unwind after work while enjoying refreshments together. This informal setting allows for relaxed conversations that strengthen relationships among team members. Incorporating games or recognition segments during these events can further enhance the experience, ensuring everyone feels appreciated and valued for their hard work. 

10. How well do you know your colleagues? 

This engaging game involves guessing personal facts about colleagues, promoting interaction and camaraderie among team members. Employees take turns sharing interesting tidbits about themselves while others guess whether they are true or false. This activity fosters connections by encouraging participants to share personal stories, enhancing team spirit. 

11. Creative arts workshop 

Conduct a creative arts workshop, such as painting or pottery sessions, allowing employees to explore their artistic sides while bonding with colleagues. These workshops encourage creativity and provide an outlet for self-expression, making them excellent additions to your employee engagement strategy. They also give participants something memorable to take home, reinforcing feelings of appreciation. 

12. Outdoor picnic day 

Plan an outdoor picnic day at a local park where employees can relax, enjoy food together, and participate in games like frisbee or sack races. This casual environment allows for meaningful conversations outside of work tasks and helps strengthen relationships among colleagues. Such events are perfect for celebrating employee appreciation day while boosting overall morale. 

13. Office trivia quiz 

Organize an office trivia quiz where questions revolve around company history, values, and fun facts about employees. This engaging activity promotes teamwork as participants collaborate to answer questions while learning more about each other and the organization itself. It’s an enjoyable way to celebrate employee appreciation day while reinforcing company culture. 

14. Team building relay races 

Set up relay races featuring fun challenges that require teamwork among participants. Teams can compete in various activities such as three-legged races or obstacle courses designed around office themes. These physical activities promote collaboration and boost morale by creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds between colleagues. 

15. Appreciation wall 

Create an "appreciation wall" in the office where employees can leave notes of gratitude for their colleagues. This simple act encourages peer appreciation and allows everyone to see how their contributions are valued by others. It reinforces positive interactions within the workplace and promotes a supportive company culture that enhances overall employee engagement. 

Empuls empowers your "appreciation wall" initiative by providing a digital platform for employees to express gratitude effortlessly. With features for sharing notes and recognizing contributions, it fosters a real-time appreciation culture. This enhances peer connections, boosts morale, and creates a positive work environment, ultimately driving higher employee engagement and satisfaction across the organization. 

16. Ping pong table tournament 

Set up a ping pong table in the break room and organize tournaments among teams or departments. This fun competition can serve as a great icebreaker and promote friendly rivalry while encouraging teamwork. Such events help boost employee morale by providing an outlet for stress relief and fostering connections among office members.  

17. Team spirit challenges 

Introduce team spirit challenges that encourage departments to compete in fun activities throughout the month leading up to employee appreciation day. These could include fitness challenges, creative contests, or volunteer opportunities that align with your company values. Such initiatives not only boost team morale but also foster camaraderie among employees as they work together towards common goals. 

18. Reward programs showcase 

Host an event showcasing your reward programs, highlighting how they recognize outstanding contributions from employees. Invite team members to share their experiences with these programs, which helps others understand how they can benefit from participation.  

Empuls can significantly enhance the showcasing of reward programs through its central feed feature, which allows for public appreciation and sharing of experiences. By inviting team members to share their stories,  

Empuls fosters a culture of recognition, helping others understand the benefits of participation in these programs. Additionally, its customized branding and deep integrations with tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams ensure seamless communication and engagement during the event. 

19. Bring in relevant industry speaker 

Invite a relevant industry speaker to share insights or experiences that resonate with your team's work. This not only provides learning opportunities but also shows that you value your employees’ growth and development. Following the talk, facilitate discussions where team members can share how they relate to the speaker's message, further encouraging positive interactions and reinforcing company values. 

20. Gratitude hot seat 

One unique and engaging employee appreciation activity is the Gratitude Hot Seat. In this game, team members take turns sitting in the "hot seat," where each colleague shares one reason they appreciate the person in the chair. This not only fosters a culture of gratitude but also strengthens interpersonal relationships within the team.   

5 key considerations to mind while deciding employee appreciation day games 

Consider the following factors while deciding your game: 

1. Align with company values 

Incorporate employee appreciation day games that reinforce company values. This alignment not only boosts team morale but also fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. 

2. Encourage teamwork 

Utilize fun employee appreciation games like scavenger hunts or office-inspired charades to promote teamwork. These activities encourage creativity and positive interactions among team members, enhancing their relationships and boosting office morale. 

3. Personalize experiences 

Consider personalized employee appreciation games that cater to individual interests. By acknowledging personal lives and preferences, employees feel appreciated, which can significantly enhance engagement and satisfaction. 

4. Include remote employees 

Ensure that activities are inclusive of remote employees. Virtual options like online trivia or a mystery appreciation buddy can help maintain team spirit and ensure everyone feels part of the celebration. 

5. Plan thoughtful rewards 

Integrate a recognition program that includes thoughtful appreciation gifts or experiences, such as an ice cream party or happy hour. These rewards not only recognize hard work but also contribute to a productive work environment, ultimately boosting employee morale. 

Build a meaningful employee recognition program with Empuls 

Employee Appreciation Day is an excellent opportunity to foster team spirit and recognize employees' hard work. Engaging games can elevate the experience, making it memorable and enjoyable. To enhance these activities, Empuls can significantly improve employee recognition programs during Employee Appreciation Day games.  

• Engagement through interactive features: The platform offers tools like comments, tags, and high-fives, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere for recognition activities. This encourages participation and makes recognition feel more democratic and frequent. 
• Customizable awards and celebrations: Empuls allows organizations to create tailored recognition experiences by offering various award templates and the ability to upload custom certificates. This flexibility ensures that every milestone is celebrated meaningfully.  
• AI-driven reminders and automation: With its AI-powered engagement bot, Empuls can automate reminders for special occasions, ensuring no important event is overlooked. This feature helps maintain momentum in recognition efforts throughout the year, not just on special days. 

By leveraging these capabilities, Empuls can transform Employee Appreciation Day into a memorable event that boosts morale and strengthens workplace culture. Schedule your demo now! 

Pertanyaan Umum