When designing a corporate event, laughter is almost always the best medicine to help break the ice and improve teamwork. 

Today we’ll be highlighting the best games and activities you can use in your next corporate event to make sure everyone has a blast. 

Let’s get into it.

What are corporate events and why use games?

Corporate events come in many shapes and sizes, like team-building retreats, annual company meetings, product launches, and holiday parties. When carried out effectively, they bring everyone closer together and celebrate company success.

Having games and activities at your event is a great idea. They give staff a setting where they can loosen up and get to know each other better, leading to better teamwork and communication back in the office.

We’ve got 20 activities and games lined up for you to bring everyone closer together and create lasting bonds between your teams.

Indoor games and activities

More often than not your corporate event is indoors, and these activities require very little setup to run smoothly. Here’s our list of indoor games. 

1. What’s my name?

Here’s a practically guaranteed way to get employees engaging with one another. What’s My Name is a fast-paced ”minute to win it” game, where players place pictures or names of famous people on their backs (or even their foreheads for more fun) and ask yes/no questions to guess who they are.

Set up:

1. Print out celebrity pictures, or write them on sticky notes or name tags.
2. Attach the picture to the participant’s back, or forehead (if the pictures are small enough!)
3. Break down the rules. No looking at the name tag or picture, and only yes/no questions are allowed. 
4. Set the time limit (5 minutes works best), and engage! Award small prizes to the winner.

2. Sneak-a-peak

Sneak-a-peak is a fabulous game for getting everyone involved. The aim of the game is rapid-fire copying of a Lego structure you make. The only prep needed beforehand is to get your Lego set and have a structure in mind that isn’t too easy to replicate.

Set up:

1. Build a simple structure out of Lego pieces. Something not too easily guessable, and keep it hidden!
2. Split everyone into small teams, with one ‘viewer.’ 
3. Allow the ‘viewer’ a short time (about 30 seconds) to come and observe your hidden structure. 
4. Get them to go back to their teams and describe it, in as much detail as they can.
5. Teams are given a 10-minute timer to build the structure. Once complete, compare each team’s attempts.

3. Flip it over!

Here we can bring a little bit of strategic thinking into our corporate teambuilding activities. Flip It Over! It's a hoot of a game where teams stand on a blanket and aim to flip it over without anyone touching the ground.

Set up:

1. Grab a sturdy blanket or tarp big enough for your teams. Think big, up to 10 people.
2. Team everyone up, making groups from 5 to 10 work best.
3. Lay the groundwork, spreading the blanket flat on the ground. Each team hops on, making sure no one’s cheating by sneaking a foot off!
4. Explain the game. Flip the blanket without a single soul touching the ground. Teamwork is the name of the game.
5. Let the flipping begin. Teams will be rapid-fire brainstorming moves to turn the blanket. Flip, flip, hooray!

4. Turn back time

"Turn Back Time" is a heartwarming activity that brings people together through sharing personal memories. It taps into the positive things people remember from the past, sparking nostalgia and curiosity among the listeners.

This is a great way to boost team building without materials, as participants need only their memories. Why is it a hit at corporate events? Well, we spend so much time in the office, but how often do we really get to know our coworkers beyond the water cooler chat?

So, if you're looking to sprinkle a little fun and nostalgia into your next corporate shindig, "Turn Back Time" is your golden ticket. As you uncover the beautiful tapestry of memories that make your team tick, get ready to laugh and reminisce.

5. Office apples to apples

Office Apples to Apples is a hilarious twist on the classic word game, perfect for bringing some shenanigans to a corporate event. Here's how to get the party started.

Set up:

1. Get your cards ready. A spin on the traditional Apples to Apples card game, you need to create cards with office-themed words or phrases, like “coffee break” or “Monday meeting madness”.
2. Lay Down the Law: Explain that one lucky soul plays judge in each round while the others throw down their wackiest associations to the green apple card played. 
3. The judge picks their favorite, and that team scores a point. Set a point limit for winners.
4. Keep the laughs rolling by rotating judges each round.

6. Build a bridge

Have your teams flex their teamwork muscles while experimenting with their engineering skills. Build a bridge uses small, nifty materials to set the stage for a group challenge.

How to set up:

1. Gather Your Gear. You’re going to need specific materials. Raid the supply closet for straws, tape, and popsicle sticks. Also, get them sorted into teams to save the supplies.
2. Rule check time! Explain that teams need to create the strongest free-standing bridge they can, and lay down some time limits to add a sense of urgency.
3. Time to test the strength of each bridge and see if it can handle pressure. Load the bridges up with weights and see which one stands strong at the end.

7. Paperclip chain relay

This activity tests the strength of every link in the chain. In paperclip chain relay, teams compete to craft the longest paperclip chain within a time limit.

Set up:

1. Split everyone into teams of 4 to 6. Enough brains to brainstorm, but not too many cooks to spoil the broth.
2. Hand out equal piles of paper clips to each team. Ready, set, clip!
3. Decide on a time limit. 5 to 10 minutes should do the trick. Start your timer and keep it viewable.
4. Roam the room and cheer teams on as they make the longest chain possible. When time’s up, measure each chain to find the longest. 

8. Wheel of fortune

Everyone knows the classic TV phenomenon of Wheel of Fortune. Add your own corporate twist onto it to bring TV show vibes to the event. Here’s how:

Set up:

1. Wheel it up. You’ve got to get craft and create the biggest, most standout wheel you can. Add workplace pictures to it too.
2. Create your list of winning answers, and make them workplace-themed, or popular mottos among your staff Use some brain teasers for SOS clues.
3. Create teams and get spinning. Your teams can shout out letters to fill in the blank space letters in the answer. 
4. Add the occasional bonus round for double points, and create your finale with a one-on-one showdown. Who will wager big and take home the ultimate prize?

9. Build a tower

Building a tower from limited materials is a quick strategic teambuilding activity used in corporate events. In this building game, bigger is better, and teams have to work together to win.

Set up:

1. Try materials like spaghetti, tape, string, and a trusty marshmallow for each team.
2. Make sure each team has enough room to brainstorm and build without bumping elbows.
3. Explain the rules and any specific goals or limits (like tower height or time constraints).
4. Make teams and let the building begin. Teams will need to put their heads together to craft the tallest tower they can.
5. When time's up, break out the ruler and measure each tower from the base to the top of the marshmallow.

10. Pictures paint 1000 stories

Here’s one to spark your teams’ creative sides. “Pictures paint 1000 stories” morphs random photos into fun and memorable tales. Here’s how to set the game up:

Set up:

1. Have each person bring in their quirkiest photos, and the more random the better. Pets, street art, and even something from grandma’s old photo album will work well. 
2. Create teams of 3 to 5 people. Tell them they’ll receive a handful of random photos, and their job is to create a story that links each photo. 
3. Once the giggles settle, watch as your teams weave their pictures into a seamless story. Embrace the weird and wonderful as they craft their narrative masterpieces.
4. Each team takes center stage to spin their yarn. Let the crowd or a panel of discerning judges decide whose tale tickled their funny bones and crown your winners. 

11. Sci-fi extravaganza

Remember you’re in control of your playbook with corporate events. It doesn’t have to be suited and booted, so why not try out a sci-fi-themed costume party? The aim is not just to make things fun (though there’s plenty of that). It’s a great way to bring out your staff’s creativity with costume designs side and help them bond in a less formal setting.

Create a costume contest to be voted on at the end. Ask staff to dress up as their favorite sci-fi characters or invent their own futuristic personas. Offer prizes for the most creative costumes or best group themes. You can even theme your refreshments with cosmic cocktails, or Martian macrons. Label them with space-themed names for more fun.

12. Guess the office desk

How well do your staff know each other? This activity has players use their observation skills to guess who owns each office desk based solely on its contents. Here’s how you go about it:

Set up:

1. Gather your photos. Take a snapshot of each person’s desk. Don’t worry about tidying anything up, the photos are reflections of the day-to-day.
2. Set up teams and display those photos as clearly as you can. Use the biggest TV in the office to share those snapshots (the photo should be the desk of someone on the opposing team to the guesser!)
3. Reveal and cheers. Unveil the desk owners and celebrate the sleuths with the most spot-on guesses. Prizes for the sharpest eyes are a must!

Outdoor games and activities for outdoors

Not all corporate events are kept to the confines of 4 walls, so here’s a collection of activities that involve the great outdoors.

13. Corporate Olympics

Bring the spirit of the Ancient Greeks to your workforce. This teambuilding event can be modified to be as Herculean as you wish, but simpler physical activities tend to work better. Here’s how to get in the spirit:

Set up:

1. Choose a mix of physical games that’ll get everyone involved. Sack races, tugs-of-war, and three-legged races are fun. Maybe even try a water balloon toss for a splash of excitement.
2. Mix and match your teams with the aim of keeping things balanced.
3. Scatter your game stations around the venue, making sure there's plenty of room designated for each activity. Get your game on! 
4. Explain the rules before each event. Keep things light-hearted, and expect that your rules might actually go out the window in the name of fun.
5. Wrap up the festivities with an award ceremony fit for champions. Medals, podiums, or even just bragging rights. Be sure to cheer your champions!

14. Corporate spartan race

Take your Olympic sports to the next level with higher-intensity spartan races. Use a spartan race as a teambuilding outdoor activity, a lot of space is going to be needed.

Set up: 

1.  The venue here is key. Scout a rugged outdoor area where you can set up an awesome obstacle course.
2. Get creative with the obstacles. Choose from rope swings, mud crawls or even wall climbs, if staff are up for it. Get hearts pumping and spirits soaring.
3. Divide your crew into teams. Mix it up, pairing members up from different departments to really amp up the teamwork.
4. Safety comes first. Before you kick off the race, make sure everyone knows the safety drills in case of anything unforeseen. 
5. Decide if you're racing against the clock or if they’ll be passing the baton relay-style. Whatever you choose, just make sure it's crazy fun. Ready? Set. Go!

15. Interdepartmental socials

Taking your staff for a day out is a fantastic way to connect your different departments. An interdepartmental social aims to create a teambuilding activity that branches out the positive vibes at work, across teams who might not know each other well. 

You’re going to want to think of an activity or theme that’ll get as many people as excited as possible. There are hundreds of go-karting tracks popping up each month, as well as new fun hybrid socials, that mix your regular bar hangout with videogame arcades or crazy golf. 

So, when it's time to plan your next corporate outing, consider making it an interdepartmental social for the best results. It's a great way to bring your teams closer together.

16. Theatre night

An evening spent out at a classic theatre is a fantastic way to add sophistication to any corporate event. Your teams will create lasting memories and strengthen their bonds. It's a chance to laugh, gasp, and maybe even shed a tear together while watching a live performance.

A whole host of genres are available, so you could get belly laughs going with a comedy night or invite discussions after a gripping drama. After the curtains close, conversations flow as freely as the beverages, and staff can connect through fresh perspectives. 

17. AR scavenger hunt

This activity is sure to satisfy the more technologically minded staff at work. An AR scavenger hunt is a spin on the standard scavenger hunt, using augmented reality to turn your event into a real-life gaming zone. 

Set up:

1. First, pick your AR platform. Companies like EventZee and Scavify are available for new users.
2. Then you want to craft your quest. Dream up a list of virtual goodies and clues scattered around your event space, making sure it's a mix of brain-teasers and fun finds.
3. Set the scene by letting everyone know the boundaries of your hunt zone, so they don't wander off too far (or end up in the janitor's closet).
4. Once the rules are given, launch the hunt when the time is right, and keep an eye out to help out if anyone gets stuck.

18. Charity team building

Having your corporate event include team building that makes a difference is a powerful tool in your arsenal. Get involved in projects that give back, like building homes for Habitat for Humanity or packing food boxes for a local food bank.

Set up:

1. Choose a cause close to your team's heart. Reach out to charities that resonate with your company culture.
2. Work with the charity to plan out the details. How many hands are needed? Any training required? Nail down the logistics.
3. Designate teams and set clear goals. How many articles of clothing can be donated? How many food boxes will you pack?
4. Spread the word far and wide to get everyone excited. Highlight the positive impact your team will have on the community, and after the deed is done, take a moment to reflect on your teamwork triumphs. Spirits will soar!

Games and activities for hybrid/remote teams

As workplaces diversify and globalize, we’ve included some small games and activities with those remote and hybrid workers in mind too.

19. Virtual talent show

Here’s an activity for the hidden gems amongst your teams. With a virtual talent show, the unique skills and talents of your staff can shine while having a blast together. 

Set up:

1. Send out a cheerful invite to everyone, urging them to showcase their talents. Let them know it's their time to shine.
2. Encourage a wide range of talents. Singing and dancing, comedy and poetry, there shouldn’t be a limit to the skills showcased. The more diverse, the merrier.
3. Keep things stress-free by setting up a simple way for submitting acts. Whether it's via email or a shared folder, make sure it's a breeze.
4. Fire up the virtual stage and let the fun begin. Host a live event where everyone can tune in and cheer each other on, sharing the love.

20. Virtual bingo

Put a modern twist on the beloved game of Bingo with a virtual setting. 

Set up:

1. Choose your virtual platform. Zoom and MS Teams’ screen share functions will allow a host to do this.
2. Craft your cards using an online bingo card maker to whip up unique cards for each player. Add some flair with themed images or inside jokes!
3. Lay out the rules of ticking squares off as you go. 
4. Let the games begin and watch as everyone gets their dabbers (or digital equivalents) ready to mark off their cards.
5. Hand out goodies to the winners and celebrate your virtual victories. 

Celebrate a corporate event in style with one of our company retreats!

Here at Surf Office, we know that teams work their best when they’re motivated. One of the best ways to give this motivation is with a team-building retreat. So why not try one of these fabulous retreats as your next corporate event location?

Like this idea but not sure how to put it all together? No problem, this is where Surf Office comes in.

We've had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s how what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

‍

Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Work retreats are our specialty, and with all of the wonderful locations on offer, you have the chance to run your corporate event in a location staff will never forget.