Connection-building activities play an essential role in promoting a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the workplace. These games allow employees to interact with each other in a relaxed and informal environment, facilitating the development of genuine relationships beyond their professional roles. By playing together, coworkers build trust and rapport by participating in activities encouraging sharing, communication, and teamwork, all essential components of a positive and supportive work environment.
Employees can discover common interests, celebrate diversity, and learn from each other's experiences by prioritizing connection-building games, like a workplace scavenger hunt or speed networking over lunch. By implementing connection-building activities as part of the workplace, companies can ensure team members build strong bonds that allow them to feel connected to their colleagues and the overall workplace community.
26 Connection-building activities that boost camaraderie in the workplace
1. Two Truths and a Lie
A simple yet effective icebreaker game, Two Truths, and a Lie, can be played anywhere, in the office, or on the beach during a team building retreat, and works in large and small groups. The game asks individuals to share 3 things about themselves: two are true, and one is now. Other players need to guess which is the "lie" while learning two new things about their colleagues.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages personal sharing and honesty
- Sparks laughter and conversation
- Helps coworkers learn new facts about each other
- Builds trust and camaraderie among team members
Encouraging coworkers to engage in lighthearted banter while discovering commonalities and differences will strengthen their bonds within the workplace.
2. Human Bingo
Playing a game of Human Bingo is a dynamic way for employees to explore each other's backgrounds and hobbies in a relaxed setting. Participants mingle to fill out bingo cards with facts or characteristics about their coworkers; players aim to complete their cards by finding colleagues who match the descriptions provided.
How this activity builds connection:
- Promotes mingling and interaction among coworkers
- Encourages learning about colleagues' interests and experiences
- Fosters teamwork and collaboration
- Provides a fun and engaging way to break the ice
By engaging in conversations to complete their bingo cards, coworkers uncover shared interests and forge connections that transcend their professional roles.
3. Team Trivia
A group-based quiz game where participants work together to answer questions across various topics. Team Trivia encourages teamwork, collaboration, and friendly competition among coworkers while stimulating knowledge-sharing and learning within the team.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages teamwork and collaboration
- Stimulates friendly competition among colleagues
- Promotes knowledge-sharing and learning
- Enhances communication skills and problem-solving abilities
Trivia brings coworkers together to test their collective knowledge and problem-solving skills in a lively atmosphere, allowing them to bond over shared victories and cultivate a workplace camaraderie spirit.
4. The Marshmallow challenge
An active and creative team-building activity, groups compete to build the tallest structure using spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and a marshmallow. The challenge encourages collaboration, quick thinking, and problem-solving skills among team members as they work against the clock to construct a stable and innovative structure.
How this activity builds connection:
- Fosters creativity and innovation
- Encourages teamwork and collaboration
- Promotes strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Builds resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges
Through trial and error, teams build together by communicating effectively, leveraging each other's strengths, and adapting their strategies, ultimately strengthening their connections and collective problem-solving abilities.
5. Desk Wars
With this friendly competition, coworkers decorate their desks or workspaces based on a theme or criteria. Desk Wars fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of fun in the office.
How this activity builds connection:
- Sparks creativity and teamwork
- Encourages friendly competition
- Enhances workplace morale and atmosphere
- Promotes self-expression and individuality
Desk Wars fosters a sense of camaraderie and fun within the workplace by encouraging employees to showcase their creativity through desk decorations.
6. Lunchtime speed networking
A delicious take on networking, this structured event lets employees rotate through short, timed conversations during lunch breaks to meet and connect with colleagues. By providing a casual and efficient platform for building professional relationships, coworkers can expand networks and foster collaboration within the workplace.
How this activity builds connection:
- Facilitates meaningful conversations among coworkers
- Expands professional networks within the workplace
- Promotes collaboration and idea-sharing
- Enhances interpersonal communication skills
By rotating through short, focused conversations during lunch breaks, coworkers can forge new relationships, share insights, and build a stronger sense of community within the workplace.
7. Play the Name Game
Another classic icebreaker activity where participants learn each other's names through introductions and interactions. The Name Game fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging by helping individuals remember and address their colleagues by name.
How this activity builds connection:
- Improves memory and recall of coworkers' names
- Fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging
- Encourages active listening and attention to detail
- Creates a welcoming atmosphere for new employees
Focused on fun and interaction, coworkers learn and remember each other's names. By addressing colleagues by name, employees demonstrate respect and consideration, fostering a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie.
8. Collaborative storytelling
Perfect for a group activity, participants collectively create a narrative by adding to each other's contributions. Encouraging teamwork, creativity, active listening, and collaboration allows individuals to weave a cohesive and imaginative story.
How this activity builds connection:
- Stimulates creativity and imagination
- Encourages active participation from all team members
- Promotes empathy and understanding through shared narratives
- Strengthens communication and teamwork skills
In this collaborative process, employees learn to listen attentively, respect diverse perspectives, and foster deeper connections and a sense of shared purpose within the workplace.
9. Workplace scavenger hunt
There's a reason so many companies reply to the scavenger hunt to bring coworkers together: It's interactive and fun! This game promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration by having employees search for specific items or complete tasks within the office environment.
How this activity builds connection:
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration
- Encourages exploration and discovery within the workplace
- Fosters problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Builds camaraderie and boosts morale
Collaborating on tasks and navigating through various locations within the workplace naturally lets employees bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories, strengthening their connections and sense of unity as a team.
10. "Get to Know You" interviews
Employee interviews are a simple but effective activity that prompts employees to interview their colleagues, promote meaningful conversations, and share personal stories in a structured format.
How this activity builds connection:
- Facilitates deeper understanding and connection among coworkers
- Encourages active listening and empathy
- Provides a platform for sharing personal experiences and insights
- Strengthens trust and camaraderie within teams
By taking the time to interview and learn about each other's backgrounds, interests, and aspirations, employees foster a more profound sense of connection and appreciation for one another, ultimately building stronger relationships within the workplace.
11. Emoji icebreaker
Emojis aren't just for texting in this game! Coworkers use the classic smiley faces and beyond to communicate and express their feelings, experiences, or reactions to various prompts or questions.
How this activity builds connection:
- Provides a fun and creative way to express emotions and experiences
- Encourages open communication and self-expression
- Sparks engaging conversations and shared laughter
- Promotes empathy and understanding among coworkers
Through leveraging visual language, employees engage in this playful icebreaker game to spark meaningful discussions, break down communication barriers, and forge genuine connections based on shared emotions and experiences.
12. Coffee Roulette
A great opportunity to randomly pair coworkers for informal coffee chats, spontaneous interactions provide relationship-building opportunities. Coffee Roulette encourages colleagues to connect personally outside of work tasks, promoting a supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
How this activity builds connection:
- Facilitates serendipitous connections among coworkers
- Encourages spontaneous conversations and idea-sharing
- Promotes a culture of collaboration and camaraderie
- Fosters a sense of belonging and community within the workplace
Coffee Roulette randomly pairs coworkers for informal coffee chats or virtual meetings, allowing individuals to connect outside their immediate teams or departments.
13. Teambuilding escape room
An immersive activity where coworkers collaborate to solve puzzles and challenges to escape a themed room within a time limit. Through team-building, coworkers work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape from a themed room within a set time frame.
How this activity builds connection:
- Promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Fosters collaboration and camaraderie among coworkers
- Provides a fun and immersive shared experience
- Encourages creativity and critical thinking under pressure
By collaborating on complex challenges and leveraging each other's strengths, employees develop a deeper appreciation for teamwork and build trust and camaraderie as they strive towards a common goal.
14. Show and Tell
Team-building Show and Tell is where employees share personal items or stories with their colleagues. Coworkers can bring personal items and memories and even showcase workplace achievements to encourage creativity and self-expression.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages self-expression and creativity
- Provides a platform for sharing personal interests and experiences
- Fosters a sense of community and mutual appreciation
- Strengthens connections and understanding among coworkers
An excellent activity for connecting in the workplace that promotes inclusivity and mutual respect, fostering deeper connections and understanding within the workplace.
15. Office Olympics
The classic Office Olympics provides a series of fun and friendly competitions, like relay races and tabletop football, that can be held in the workplace or at a third space, like a coworking center, if you have a bigger team—promoting employee teamwork, morale, and camaraderie through engaging physical and mental challenges.
How this activity builds connection:
- Promotes teamwork and friendly competition
- Boosts morale and employee engagement
- Encourages creativity and physical activity
- Fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork
Setting aside a day to get into a playful and competitive spirit in the workplace, coworkers can work together to complete physical challenges or games and bond over their collective efforts. At the end of the Office Olympics, set up an award ceremony with prizes, like gift certificates or an extra day of PTO, and certificates honoring the winners and the whole team.
16. Personality Test Discussion
A great in-office activity involves employees taking personality assessments and discussing their results with colleagues. It promotes self-awareness and understanding of others' behaviors and fosters communication and empathy within the workplace.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages self-awareness and understanding
- Facilitates meaningful discussions about personality traits
- Promotes empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives
- Fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment
Sharing insights and reflections on individual strengths and preferences can help employees better understand themselves and their colleagues, fostering mutual respect and empathy within the workplace.
17. Skill swap
Sharing skills encourages colleagues to be open and demonstrate their unique skills or hobbies. Promoting a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, a skill swap can also aid in developing new interests within the workplace community.
How this activity builds connection:
- Promotes learning and professional development
- Fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration
- Builds trust and camaraderie among coworkers
- Encourages appreciation for diverse skills and expertise
One of the best ways to promote workplace connection is to encourage exchanging knowledge, expertise, and experiences in various areas of interest or specialization. Employees enhance their skill sets and forge meaningful connections with colleagues by creating a workplace culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
18. Themed potluck lunch
Colleagues gather for a themed lunch, bringing dishes that align with the chosen theme. It encourages culinary creativity and cultural exchange and strengthens bonds through shared meals and conversations.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages team bonding and social interaction
- Fosters a sense of community and shared experiences
- Promotes cultural awareness and appreciation
- Provides opportunities for creativity and culinary expression
Nothing brings people together like a great meal celebrating diverse cultures and traditions. By sharing homemade dishes and recipes, employees engage in meaningful conversations and cultural exchanges, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the workplace.
19. Office Book Club
Coworkers are encouraged to participate in an office book club, regularly selecting and reading books. The book club should ensure each participant has a chance to choose a book; this activity fosters discussions, expands knowledge, and builds connections among coworkers who share a love for reading.
How this activity builds connection:
- Stimulates intellectual discussions and critical thinking
- Fosters a culture of continuous learning and personal growth
- Promotes empathy and understanding through shared reading experiences
- Builds connections and friendships among coworkers
Employees deepen their connections and broaden their horizons by engaging in thought-provoking discussions and sharing insights, creating a more vibrant and intellectually stimulating workplace community.
20. Focus on appreciation
In an appreciation circle, team members express gratitude and acknowledge each other's contributions and efforts. Demonstrating appreciation cultivates a positive atmosphere, boosts morale, and strengthens bonds within the workplace community.
How this activity builds connection:
- Cultivates a culture of gratitude and appreciation
- Boosts morale and employee satisfaction
- Strengthens team cohesion and morale
- Fosters a positive and supportive work environment
Creating a culture of gratitude is an effective way to allow employees to uplift and inspire one another through positive affirmations related to the workplace. Regularly conducting appreciation circles in the workplace will become second nature for employees as they grow closer.
21. Make a Vision Board together
The team-building vision board activity allows colleagues to collaborate to create visual representations of their personal and professional aspirations. By encouraging reflection, goal-setting, and aligning shared values, coworkers work together to identify a sense of purpose and unity within the team.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages reflection and goal-setting
- Inspires creativity and self-expression
- Fosters a sense of shared purpose and vision
- Strengthens connections through shared aspirations and dreams
An easy and fun creative outlet for coworkers to visualize their aspirations and goals individually and as a team, crafting vision boards helps employees align their efforts and aspirations, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the workplace community.
22. Random acts of kindness challenge
In the workplace, colleagues engage in random acts of kindness by performing thoughtful gestures or actions for one another. This activity cultivates a culture of compassion, fosters positive relationships, and contributes to a supportive and uplifting work environment.
How this activity builds connection:
- Promotes empathy and compassion
- Encourages altruism and generosity
- Fosters a culture of kindness and appreciation
- Strengthens connections through shared acts of goodwill
By spreading positivity and goodwill, employees cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment where acts of kindness become a shared language. Random acts of kindness can also be a part of company outreach, working with charities and volunteer programs to spread kindness and connection throughout the greater community.
23. Role reversal activities
Employees temporarily exchange roles or responsibilities with their colleagues for this team connection activity. It promotes empathy, understanding of different perspectives, and appreciation for the diverse contributions of team members within the workplace community.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages empathy and perspective-taking
- Promotes understanding of different roles within the organization
- Fosters appreciation for diverse contributions
- Strengthens teamwork and collaboration across departments
Swapping roles allows employees to step into each other's shoes, and coworkers develop a deeper appreciation for the challenges and contributions of their teammates, fostering empathy and building stronger connections across teams.
24. Problem-solving workshops
Organize a workshop that focuses on specific issues or general problem-solving, letting employees work together to identify and address challenges or issues within the organization. Participants leverage diverse perspectives, creativity, and critical thinking skills to develop innovative solutions and strengthen teamwork, ultimately enhancing the organization's effectiveness and productivity.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages collaboration and creativity
- Promotes critical thinking and innovation
- Fosters trust and teamwork
- Strengthens bonds through shared problem-solving experiences
These workshops foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, where colleagues feel empowered to contribute their ideas and support one another in overcoming obstacles.
25. Random pairings over coffee
By matching two coworkers randomly, this simple and cozy activity relies on spontaneity to spark informal conversations over coffee or at the watercooler. This activity strengthens connections, fosters collaboration, and cultivates a supportive and inclusive workplace culture by facilitating spontaneous interactions and opportunities for employees to get to know each other personally.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages serendipitous connections and conversations
- Promotes networking and relationship-building
- Fosters a sense of curiosity and openness
- Strengthens bonds by facilitating one-on-one interactions
A great activity to do regularly for both in-office and remote teams, companies should ensure that scheduled coffee chats happen periodically, approximately once per week, so everyone gets a chance to get to know one another.
26. Team-building retreat
Getting out of the office and providing employees with an immersive and rejuvenating experience is a great way to foster connection. Team-building retreats allow coworkers to strengthen their relationships outside of the office environment. Through various activities such as outdoor challenges, team-building exercises, and group discussions, coworkers can collaborate, communicate, and overcome obstacles together.
How this activity builds connection:
- Encourages team bonding and relationship-building
- Provides opportunities for shared experiences and adventure
- Promotes collaboration and problem-solving in a relaxed environment
- Fosters a sense of community and belonging among coworkers
Allowing employees to step away from their daily routines and engage in shared adventures, employees build trust, resilience, and a more profound sense of camaraderie, laying the foundation for enhanced teamwork and collaboration in the workplace.
Stay connected in and out of the office
Building strong connections allows employees to communicate and collaborate better, trust each other more, and generally be more satisfied with their jobs. This leads to increased productivity and performance, as well as a more diverse, creative, and innovative team.
Planning a well organized retreats can benefit organizations seeking to strengthen team connections. At Surf Office, we organize off-site retreats that meet your company's needs and can help design an out-of-office getaway that prioritizes connection-building activities tailored to the needs and dynamics of each team. From collaborative challenges to interactive workshops and outdoor adventures, Surf Office offers diverse options to foster camaraderie and trust among team members, focusing on memorable and engaging experiences outside the traditional work setting.
Ready for a team-building retreat? Contact Surf Office to book a customized off-site experience.
