As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to show your team how much you appreciate them. Sure, a traditional luncheon or party is always nice, but the right team-building activity can bring people together in a whole new way.
The Benefits of Team-Building
- Sparking better collaboration
- Boosting communication across teams
- Helping people spot and appreciate each other’s strengths
- Encouraging problem solving
- Strengthening relationships and trust
- Supporting a positive, connected workplace culture
When people feel more connected, they feel more valued. That leads to better morale, higher job satisfaction, and even better retention. Plus, a relaxed, playful environment can inspire new ideas and fresh thinking.
So Many Ways to Bring Your Team Together
There’s no shortage of team-building activities out there. Some take just a few minutes, while others can fill an hour or more. You can go in person, keep it virtual, or mix the two. Whatever works best for your team’s style and schedule.
You can hire a team-building company, plan an outing like an Escape Room, or try a simple DIY approach. Here are a few fun, easy options:
Do It Yourself Options
Trivia Contest: Pick your theme — work trivia, general knowledge, pop culture — and decide whether everyone competes individually or as teams. You can write your own questions or pull from trivia games you (or your team members) already have. Add small prizes for extra excitement!
Show & Tell: A nostalgic, feel-good way to learn about each other. Let employees share a favorite keepsake, hobby, or vacation photo.
Reverse Charades: Instead of one person acting while everyone guesses, flip it: the group acts, and one person guesses. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and great for communication.
Game of Possibilities: Give each person a random object (a scarf, a stapler, a ball) and ask them to act out an unexpected use for it while others guess. It’s simple, fast, and great for creativity.
Bridge Build: Split into teams and have each team build half of a bridge using whatever supplies you choose. The catch? They can’t see what the other team is doing. They have to communicate to make the pieces fit.
Word Guess: Think “reverse Headbands.” Employees write random words on sticky notes, put them on each other’s foreheads, and guess their word by asking yes/no questions.
Two Truths and a Lie: A classic for a reason! Everyone shares two true facts and one lie, and the group has to figure out which is which. It’s a fun way to uncover surprising things about coworkers.
More Ideas to Show Appreciation
If you want even more ways to say “thanks,” try:
- Scavenger hunt: Create a list and have teams snap photos as they find each item.
- Peer awards: Give out serious awards, or silly ones, like “Biggest Coffee Fan” or “Desk Most Likely to Be Clean.”
- Game time: Jenga, Pickleball, Family-Feud-style games — all great options.
- Ugly Sweater Day: Always a crowd-pleaser.
- Karaoke Night: Nothing boosts morale like a fearless rendition of a holiday classic.
And if peak season is too busy, save these ideas for later. February team-building around Valentine’s Day works great too!
