For an ongoing game that will add some fun to the daily routine, start a cold calling point system. Take five minutes out of each day and have employees record their cold calls. It can be really fun to see points add up over time and learn from each other. Keep a whiteboard or other points-tracking system in view so everyone can get a status.
For an ongoing game that will add some fun to the daily routine, start a cold calling point system. Take five minutes out of each day and have employees record their cold calls. It can be really fun to see points add up over time and learn from each other. Keep a whiteboard or other points-tracking system in view so everyone can get a status. Here are some options for tracking points:
Body language is a big deal when it comes to active listening. It's like the unsung hero of effective communication. Think about it – when you're really listening, you naturally make eye contact, nod along, and maybe even lean in a bit. These little gestures show the speaker that you're engaged and tuned in. Plus, mirroring their body language can create a connection.
Body language is a big deal when it comes to active listening. It's like the unsung hero of effective communication. Think about it – when you're really listening, you naturally make eye contact, nod along, and maybe even lean in a bit. These little gestures show the speaker that you're engaged and tuned in. Plus, mirroring their body language can create a connection.
So, it got us at Surf Office thinking; What game could incorporate body language and active listening?
*Lightbulb ping moment*
Introducing Body Language Detective, a Surf Office exclusive!
Comic craze is a creative and collaborative activity where teams build a comic strip together. Each person draws a panel, passing it along to the next person to continue the story. It’s a fun way to let imaginations run wild and see how a simple idea can evolve into something hilarious.This game is ideal for encouraging creativity and team bonding, with lots of room for unexpected twists in the storyline.
Comic craze is a creative and collaborative activity where teams build a comic strip together. Each person draws a panel, passing it along to the next person to continue the story. It’s a fun way to let imaginations run wild and see how a simple idea can evolve into something hilarious.
This game is ideal for encouraging creativity and team bonding, with lots of room for unexpected twists in the storyline.
Explore more team building ideas to spark creativity and collaboration within your team.
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.
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.

Volleyball’s always fun to play with friends. However, this version of the game adds a memorable twist that makes it even better! Rather than playing with an ordinary net you can see through, you place a cover over the top that stops you from seeing the team on the other side. This simple change completely alters the volleyball experience! It becomes something like Battleships. You have to guess where the opposition is so you can place the ball where you hope they aren’t. In essence, you’re playing blind. Assuming you can find a volleyball net and ball, this Field Day game for adults is nice and easy to organize as well. The rules are exactly the same as normal, other than the cover you’ll put over the net (an old bed sheet does the trick nicely). Just be conscious of hitting the ball too hard! You don’t know where people are on the court, so smashing it over the net is asking for trouble.
Volleyball’s always fun to play with friends. However, this version of the game adds a memorable twist that makes it even better! Rather than playing with an ordinary net you can see through, you place a cover over the top that stops you from seeing the team on the other side.
This simple change completely alters the volleyball experience! It becomes something like Battleships. You have to guess where the opposition is so you can place the ball where you hope they aren’t. In essence, you’re playing blind.
Assuming you can find a volleyball net and ball, this Field Day game for adults is nice and easy to organize as well. The rules are exactly the same as normal, other than the cover you’ll put over the net (an old bed sheet does the trick nicely). Just be conscious of hitting the ball too hard! You don’t know where people are on the court, so smashing it over the net is asking for trouble.

Challenge your team to think on their feet as they make up a story on the spot! In Swedish Story, the storyteller must make decisions quickly as they’re bombarded with random words.
Challenge your team to think on their feet as they make up a story on the spot! In Swedish Story, the storyteller must make decisions quickly as they’re bombarded with random words.
Great for: Public speaking, decision-making
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Players: 4+
You’ll need: Nothing
Setup: Divide your group into teams of about 4-5 players then ask each team to pick one person to be the storyteller.
To play: The storytellers are given a topic to talk about. As they start to tell their made-up story, the other members of the team chip in with random words that the storyteller must incorporate into their story. For example, if the storyteller is talking about a hurricane, the other players might call out words like “cow,” “combine harvester,” or “Elvis Presley!” The aim is for the storyteller to maintain their composure as they incorporate irrelevant words and phrases. When the time runs out, you can end the game or play again with a different topic and storyteller.
Perhaps you got some practice at this game whilst procrastinating in school. The team will be divided into two teams. The two teams will be racing each other to land on the ‘destination topic’ fastest.
Perhaps you got some practice at this game whilst procrastinating in school.
The team will be divided into two teams. The two teams will be racing each other to land on the ‘destination topic’ fastest.
For example, a member from each team both need to load the same Wikipedia page, let’s take “The Grand Canyon” for example. When the starter pistol fires, the two competitors need to race each other to land on the page ‘Manicure’ by clicking through links on Wikipedia. The first person to reach the ‘destination page’ is the winner.
Two people have a conversation in “gibberish” (essentially made-up, nonsense language), and each person must try to understand what the other is saying.
Two people have a conversation in “gibberish” (essentially made-up, nonsense language), and each person must try to understand what the other is saying.

As open office plans became more popular, more companies started setting up breakout rooms where employees could decompress by grabbing a coffee or playing ping pong. If you already have a ping pong table in the office, this is an ideal game to add to the Office Olympic games—a ping pong competition works well with individual players and teams. While there is the classic two-person setup for table tennis, there are numerous games, like playing with two balls at a time or a group game that gets smaller as people must step out if they miss their turn to hit the ball.
As open office plans became more popular, more companies started setting up breakout rooms where employees could decompress by grabbing a coffee or playing ping pong. If you already have a ping pong table in the office, this is an ideal game to add to the Office Olympic games—a ping pong competition works well with individual players and teams.
While there is the classic two-person setup for table tennis, there are numerous games, like playing with two balls at a time or a group game that gets smaller as people must step out if they miss their turn to hit the ball.

Teams are given a random office scenario—like a virtual meeting gone wrong—and have to respond using only GIFs. The most creative and funny response wins the round.Whether you’re in the office or working remotely, everyone can join in on GIF Wars. Teams are given a relatable scenario (like dealing with a tech glitch during a big meeting), and each person responds with their best GIF via chat or on a video call. Remote workers and in-office folks can jump in together, and everyone votes on the funniest or most fitting GIF. It’s a quick, entertaining way to add some humor to the day!
Explanation:
Teams are given a random office scenario—like a virtual meeting gone wrong—and have to respond using only GIFs. The most creative and funny response wins the round.
Whether you’re in the office or working remotely, everyone can join in on GIF Wars. Teams are given a relatable scenario (like dealing with a tech glitch during a big meeting), and each person responds with their best GIF via chat or on a video call. Remote workers and in-office folks can jump in together, and everyone votes on the funniest or most fitting GIF. It’s a quick, entertaining way to add some humor to the day!
Going back to the schoolyard days. This exercise is playful and gets people moving and communicating non-verbally.
Going back to the schoolyard days. This exercise is playful and gets people moving and communicating non-verbally.
People start walking slowly around the yard or where the game takes place. A person in the crowd is designated to start moving, and the rest must follow suit. They let people meander for a while and then shout “freeze” randomly. A designated person in the group starts walking again, and other players follow suit; players that are last to move to leave the game.
The last person standing is the winner.
Materials you’ll need: Just your team and enough space
How many people: Small to mid-sized teams (8-16 people)
While not a group activity per se, this technique is great for allowing employees to practice goal setting in their own working time. The Pomodoro Technique is a disciplined time management method that encourages working in focused, concentrated bursts, separated by short breaks. Here's how it works: Choose a task you want to work on. Set a timer for 25 minutes (this is one "Pomodoro"). Focus solely on the task at hand until the timer rings. Avoid any distractions or interruptions during this time. After 25 minutes, take a short break of 5 minutes. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or do something enjoyable. Repeat the process. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. The Pomodoro Technique is like your best friend for productivity and discipline. It can start to feel like a game, especially when you’re racing against the clock, meaning that it may not even feel like work sometimes. Plus, it’s a game that gives rewards! Those short breaks are vacations for your brain and great incentive to get work done. So, if you're aiming for setting and reaching goals at work, Pomodoro is the technique for you!
While not a group activity per se, this technique is great for allowing employees to practice goal setting in their own working time. The Pomodoro Technique is a disciplined time management method that encourages working in focused, concentrated bursts, separated by short breaks. Here's how it works:
The Pomodoro Technique is like your best friend for productivity and discipline. It can start to feel like a game, especially when you’re racing against the clock, meaning that it may not even feel like work sometimes. Plus, it’s a game that gives rewards! Those short breaks are vacations for your brain and great incentive to get work done. So, if you're aiming for setting and reaching goals at work, Pomodoro is the technique for you!
This is another game focused on group wordplay, and one that can be done virtually as well as in person. It’s also really fun, so a great exercise for boosting team morale. To begin, let each person know they’ll take a turn as the story-teller. They should grab an object around them - like a pen or pad of paper - and spend one minute telling the most exaggerated story they can come up with around the object. For example, if their object is a pen, they might talk about how this was the pen used to sign a deal for the most famous athlete in their city. It’s also a game that puts people on the spot and makes them come up with something under pressure, so it’s an especially helpful activity for management level team members.
This is another game focused on group wordplay, and one that can be done virtually as well as in person. It’s also really fun, so a great exercise for boosting team morale. To begin, let each person know they’ll take a turn as the story-teller. They should grab an object around them - like a pen or pad of paper - and spend one minute telling the most exaggerated story they can come up with around the object.
For example, if their object is a pen, they might talk about how this was the pen used to sign a deal for the most famous athlete in their city. It’s also a game that puts people on the spot and makes them come up with something under pressure, so it’s an especially helpful activity for management level team members.
Some of the best energizers are also the simplest. Case in point? Exercise. Well-known to perk you up, improve your mood, and make you feel more alert, getting the body moving can work wonders in the workplace.
Some of the best energizers are also the simplest. Case in point? Exercise. Well-known to perk you up, improve your mood, and make you feel more alert, getting the body moving can work wonders in the workplace. There are all sorts of ways to use exercise to your advantage too.
However you incorporate exercise into the workday, it’s almost guaranteed to have positive effects on people’s energy levels. Stress relief, improved physical health, and stronger social ties are a few other benefits to look forward to.

This game is sort of like hot potato without a ball. Start with everyone in a circle. The first player should clap their hands, point to another player in the circle, and say “zip”. The pointed-to player must immediately clap, point to another person, and say “zap”. The third player says “zop” and continues the pattern. The process should repeat with everyone saying “zip, zap, zop” until each person has had a turn. For a little extra challenge, try to increase your speed as you go through second or third rounds of the game.
This game is sort of like hot potato without a ball. Start with everyone in a circle. The first player should clap their hands, point to another player in the circle, and say “zip”. The pointed-to player must immediately clap, point to another person, and say “zap”. The third player says “zop” and continues the pattern. The process should repeat with everyone saying “zip, zap, zop” until each person has had a turn. For a little extra challenge, try to increase your speed as you go through second or third rounds of the game.

If you work in a progressive environment, then chances are you’ve completed some form of personality assessment before, maybe even the Myers-Briggs version. In this popular personality test, you are assigned a four-letter personality type that gives insight into your behavior in relationships, at work, etc. Have everyone complete the test in advance, and then start your meeting by having everyone discuss the results.
If you work in a progressive environment, then chances are you’ve completed some form of personality assessment before, maybe even the Myers-Briggs version. In this popular personality test, you are assigned a four-letter personality type that gives insight into your behavior in relationships, at work, etc. Have everyone complete the test in advance, and then start your meeting by having everyone discuss the results.
Teams work together to create a custom soundtrack using a digital music app. Each person adds their own section—whether it’s a beat, melody, or harmony.Remote and in-office employees can use a digital music app to collaborate on a unique team soundtrack. The process is simple: one person starts by adding a beat or melody, then passes it along to the next team member (whether they’re remote or in the office) to layer in their musical twist. The song builds up as it moves from person to person, combining everyone’s creativity. At the end, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind soundtrack made by the whole team. It’s a fun way to make something together, no matter where you are.
Teams work together to create a custom soundtrack using a digital music app. Each person adds their own section—whether it’s a beat, melody, or harmony.
Remote and in-office employees can use a digital music app to collaborate on a unique team soundtrack. The process is simple: one person starts by adding a beat or melody, then passes it along to the next team member (whether they’re remote or in the office) to layer in their musical twist. The song builds up as it moves from person to person, combining everyone’s creativity. At the end, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind soundtrack made by the whole team. It’s a fun way to make something together, no matter where you are.
By challenging your team to guess the answer to a secret question in under 20 inquiries, you'll encourage communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some team building without resorting to trust falls or awkward trust exercises.
By challenging your team to guess the answer to a secret question in under 20 inquiries, you'll encourage communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some team building without resorting to trust falls or awkward trust exercises.
To supercharge the fun, try to set a theme for the game to boost the fun factor and creativity, while also allowing employees to learn more about each other. Make sure to check out our other question based games if this tickled your fancy!
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.
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.
Looking to spice up your office meetings? Look no further than the classic guessing game Hot Potato! Not only will it get everyone out of their seats and moving, but it can also be a fun and educational way to boost team morale and office knowledge.
Looking to spice up your office meetings? Look no further than the classic guessing game Hot Potato! Not only will it get everyone out of their seats and moving, but it can also be a fun and educational way to boost team morale and office knowledge.
So next time you're feeling like your meetings are a little stale, toss in a game of Hot Potato and watch the office energy go through the roof! (Just try not to accidentally throw the potato at Jim from accounting's head...)
Create a word search puzzle using safety-related terms (e.g., "first aid," "PPE," "emergency"). Distribute the puzzles to employees and offer a small prize for the first person to complete it.This quick office game is a simple yet effective way to familiarize employees with important safety vocabulary. It’s a relaxing activity that can be done during breaks, reinforcing key terms and concepts in a fun way. The satisfaction of finding that last hidden word is a great bonus.
Create a word search puzzle using safety-related terms (e.g., "first aid," "PPE," "emergency"). Distribute the puzzles to employees and offer a small prize for the first person to complete it.
This quick office game is a simple yet effective way to familiarize employees with important safety vocabulary. It’s a relaxing activity that can be done during breaks, reinforcing key terms and concepts in a fun way. The satisfaction of finding that last hidden word is a great bonus.
High-fives and pats on the back make everyone smile. Positive feedback isn't just about saying "good job," it's a morale booster that powers up motivation and helps colleagues shine even brighter. Positive feedback activity - Kudos circle: Gather participants in a circle. Start by tossing a soft ball or object to one person, offering them a specific compliment or recognizing a recent achievement. The person who received the compliment then tosses the ball to another colleague, offering their positive feedback. Continue until everyone has received and given compliments. Kudos Circle generates a positive atmosphere, boosts self-esteem and reinforces a culture of appreciation. Try this team-building activity outdoors for extra enjoyment!
High-fives and pats on the back make everyone smile. Positive feedback isn't just about saying "good job," it's a morale booster that powers up motivation and helps colleagues shine even brighter.
Positive feedback activity - Kudos circle:
Kudos Circle generates a positive atmosphere, boosts self-esteem and reinforces a culture of appreciation. Try this team-building activity outdoors for extra enjoyment!
Remember the Pinball exercise we described earlier? Well, Willow in the Wind is very similar. This time, however, there’s no walking involved…
Remember the Pinball exercise we described earlier? Well, Willow in the Wind is very similar. This time, however, there’s no walking involved…
Instead, everyone stands in a circle, with one person in the middle. You then put a blindfold on whoever’s in the center and tell them to a) lock their legs and b) put their arms across their chest.
Then comes the nerve-wracking part:
They have to fall forward, or in any other direction, trusting their colleagues to stop them from hitting the ground! Each time they fall into someone, that person has to keep them upright and push them softly to another side of the circle.
After 30 seconds or so, swap the blindfold around and give someone else a turn. The activity ends when everyone has been in the middle.
Our pro tip is to stop the blindfolded person from falling too far! The further they fall, the harder it becomes to hold them up and push them away. Stay close together to make life easier and prevent accidents from happening.
For a variation of Willow in the Wind, consider doing a trust fall.
A popular team and trust-building exercise, the principle is the same except the blindfolded individual stands at a height (e.g. on a table or wall) and falls backward into the arms of their colleagues below.
What you need:

This game is about as simple as it gets, but provides a lot of opportunity for getting to know your team better. The more creativity people use, the better, and you never know what you might learn.
This game is about as simple as it gets, but provides a lot of opportunity for getting to know your team better. The more creativity people use, the better, and you never know what you might learn.
It's a simple concept: have everyone present give their “backstory” to how they came to your organization, but in an exciting way.
For example, rather than having people simply rattle off what companies they worked at before, they can share about the crazy challenges that led to them looking for a new job, or what special skills they are bringing into the role. If you want, you can make this a contest where the best story wins. The whole point, though, is that they should share a detailed and compelling rendition of what led them to where they are right now (like you might read in a superhero comic).
