The Ultimate Guide to Employee Engagement Games: 24 Activities to Energize Your Team
Creating a vibrant and cohesive work environment is crucial for any organization. Employee engagement games serve as powerful tools to build trust, improve communication, and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members.
The 24 Employee Engagement Games you can choose from (some overused, some Unique)
This guide explores 24 engagement activities, ranging from well-known classics to unique, innovative games. Each game is rated based on its uniqueness, complexity, engagement level, team size suitability, ease of setup, cost, and format (physical, virtual, or hybrid). Let’s dive into the perfect games to boost your team’s morale and productivity.
Our Rating System for Employee Engagement Games
Selecting the right employee engagement games is essential for creating memorable and effective experiences. To make this easier, we’ve developed a detailed rating system. This system evaluates each game across various criteria, providing a clear understanding of what to expect. Some of these can also be used as team building activities to help get your teams more productive.
By considering factors like uniqueness, complexity, and engagement level, you can find the perfect activities to energize your team. Here’s a breakdown of how each game measures up
•Uniqueness: Overused | Common | Unique
•Complexity: DIY | Need Help | Best Left to Experts
•Engagement Level: Low | Moderate | High
•Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Medium Groups | Large Groups
•Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Moderate Setup | Extensive Setup
•Cost: Free | Low Cost | Medium Cost | High Cost
•Physical vs. Virtual: Physical | Virtual | Hybrid
1. Virtual Escape Rooms
Description: These online simulations challenge teams to solve puzzles and “escape” from a virtual scenario. Themes can range from haunted houses to space stations, making each experience unique and engaging. Virtual escape rooms are excellent for fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Recommendation: YES
Rating: Uniqueness: Unique | Complexity: Best Left to Experts | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: Medium Groups / Large Groups | Ease of Setup: Extensive Setup | Cost: Medium Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
2. Treasure Hunts
Description: Participants search for items or clues hidden in a specific area, either physically or virtually. These treasure hunt games encourage participants to think critically and work together to solve challenges. A digital version of this will engage employees better.
Recommendation: YES
Rating: Uniqueness: Common | Complexity: Need Help | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups / Medium Groups | Ease of Setup: Moderate Setup | Cost: Low Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Hybrid
3. Virtual Murder Mysteries
Description: Teams engage in solving a fictional crime by uncovering clues and questioning suspects in a virtual setting. This game is perfect for honing detective skills and encouraging collaboration, and as a great alternative to team building office games.
Recommendation: Yes
Rating: Uniqueness: Unique | Complexity: Best Left to Experts | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Extensive Setup | Cost: Medium Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
4. Online Trivia Quizzes
Description: Teams compete to answer questions on various topics, testing their knowledge and quick thinking. This game can be customized to include company-specific content, adding a personalized touch.
Recommendation: Overused. Avoid
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
5. Simulations and Role-Playing
Description: Participants simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to practice decision-making and strategic thinking. These activities are excellent for leadership development and understanding complex systems. These virtual games are a great fun way to engage teams rather than just individuals.
Recommendation: Only if you haven’t done this
Rating: Uniqueness: Unique | Complexity: Best Left to Experts | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Extensive Setup | Cost: Medium Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual / Hybrid
6. Virtual Scavenger Hunts
Description: Teams search for specific items or complete challenges based on clues provided digitally. This activity encourages creativity and quick thinking. There are multiple versions of this fun game available as DIY / low cost options.
Recommendation: If you know how to make it interesting
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY / Need help | Engagement Level: Medium – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Medium Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal – Moderate Setup | Cost: Free / Low | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
7. Pictionary and Online Drawing Games
Description: Participants draw prompts while others guess what they’re drawing. It’s a fun way to break the ice and get creative juices flowing. This has been overused to a point that you’re unlikely to get any participation anymore.
Recommendation: Avoid
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
8. Escape the Room Challenges (Only puzzles, not environment)
•Description: Similar to virtual escape rooms but designed for physical settings. Teams must find clues and solve puzzles to “escape” within a set time. Originally one of the best employee engagement activities but having just puzzles or a physical location can be draining.
Rating: Uniqueness: Common | Complexity: Need Help | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Extensive Setup | Cost: High Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Physical
9. Virtual Happy Hours with Games
Description: Combine socializing with fun activities like trivia or charades. These events help maintain social connections in remote teams. Avoid this if you can. It’s neither fun nor engaging anymore.
Recommendation: PLEASE AVOID
Rating: Uniqueness: Extremely Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
10. Online Board Games
Description: Classic board games adapted for online play. Games like Monopoly or Settlers of Catan can be played virtually, providing a nostalgic and strategic experience. However, there are far more fun and engaging versions available as multiplayer games now that can increase engagement.
Recommendation: Only if you haven’r tried
Rating: Uniqueness: Common | Complexity: Need help | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Moderate Setup | Cost: Low Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
11. Creative Storytelling Sessions
Description: Teams create a story together, each person contributing a sentence or paragraph. This fosters creativity and collaboration. This simple version is used in icebreakers, but better versions with
Rating: Uniqueness: Unique | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Moderate / High | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Hybrid
12. Virtual Cooking Classes
Description: Participants cook together virtually, following the same recipe. It’s a fun way to bond over a shared experience and learn new culinary skills.
Recommendation: No
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: Need Help | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Moderate Setup | Cost: Low Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
13. Mystery Box Challenge
Description: Teams are sent a box of random items and must create something using all the contents. It’s a test of creativity and teamwork.
Rating: Uniqueness: Unique | Complexity: Need Help | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: Medium Groups | Ease of Setup: Moderate Setup | Cost: High Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Hybrid
14. Virtual Book Club
Description: Teams read a book and discuss it in a virtual meeting. It’s a great way to encourage intellectual engagement and share personal insights.
Recommendation: Please Don’t
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
15. Online Movie Making Games
Description: Teams play characters in a story, making decisions that affect the plot. It’s an immersive way to build teamwork and strategic thinking.
Recommendation: Outputs are not always up to the mark. Do this if you put them through a course first
Rating: Uniqueness: Unique | Complexity: Best Left to Experts | Engagement Level: High | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Extensive Setup | Cost: Medium Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
16. Karaoke Night
Description: A virtual sing-along session where participants showcase their vocal talents. It’s a fun and light-hearted way to break the ice and encourage participation from everyone, regardless of singing ability.
Recommendation: Not for everyone. Engagement drops very quickly
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
17. Charades
Description: A classic game where participants act out words or phrases without speaking, while others guess. It’s a simple yet effective way to promote non-verbal communication and quick thinking.
Recommendation: Very low engagement – don’t even think about it.
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Hybrid
18. Virtual Yoga
Description: Guided yoga or meditation classes that participants can join from the comfort of their homes. These sessions promote well-being and reduce stress, helping employees feel more relaxed and focused.
Recommendation: Er….No
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: Need help | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Medium Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Low Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
19. Office Trivia
Description: A trivia game focused on the company’s history, values, and fun facts about employees. This game is a great way to reinforce company culture and increase knowledge about the organization.
Recommendation: Only if you’re using something like crowdpurr
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Medium Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Hybrid
20. DIY Craft Projects
Description: Participants work on a craft project together, either virtually or in-person. It’s a creative outlet that can also serve as a team-building exercise.
Recommendation: Doesn’t always work and you need a great facilitator
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Moderate | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Low Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
21. Virtual Talent Show
Description: Employees showcase their talents, from singing and dancing to magic tricks and comedy. It’s a fun and interactive way to celebrate the diverse skills and interests of the team.
Recommendation: Hasn’t worked in years and yet HR seems to favour this. Avoid.
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
22. Game Show Games
Description: Inspired by popular TV quiz shows, participants answer questions in a competitive format. This game can be tailored to include categories relevant to the company or industry.
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Low – Moderate | Team Size Suitability: All Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free – Low | Physical vs. Virtual: Hybrid
23. Virtual Creativity Competitions
Description: Teams compete in creativity challenges, sculpture, bonsai making, sharing recipes and photos of their creations. It’s a tedious way to bond and explore different culinary traditions.
Recommendation: Another over used and non-engaging option. Ignore
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: Need help | Engagement Level: Moderate | Team Size Suitability: Small Groups | Ease of Setup: Moderate Setup | Cost: Medium Cost | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual / Hybrid / Physical (held in office)
24. OFFLine/Online Scavenger Hunt
Description: Teams search the internet for specific information or complete online tasks. This game encourages teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Recommendation: Try it – if you can organize a fun version, it works.
Rating: Uniqueness: Common, Overused | Complexity: DIY | Engagement Level: Moderate – High | Team Size Suitability: Medium Groups | Ease of Setup: Minimal Setup | Cost: Free | Physical vs. Virtual: Virtual
Conclusion
Employee engagement games are a vital component of any company’s strategy to foster a positive and productive work environment. From classic games like Charades and Office Trivia to more unique experiences like Virtual Murder Mysteries and Escapes. There’s something for every team and occasion. By incorporating these activities into regular team-building efforts, companies can enhance communication, build stronger relationships, and create a more enjoyable workplace.
Whether your team is working remotely or in person, these games offer a range of options to suit different preferences and needs. Organizations looking to take their employee engagement to the next level should consider partnering with a specialized employee engagement company. Companies like Virtual Escapes, Tryitowl, and Teamification offer tailored solutions, virtual employee engagement ideas and team-building activities to create memorable and impactful experiences that resonate with employees.
Ready to energize your team with engaging games? Explore the possibilities with Virtual Escapes and find the perfect activities to bring your team closer together. Contact us today to learn more and start planning your next team-building event!
read our Blog for more…or get in touch.
FAQ for Employee Engagement Games
How can games help in maintaining employee engagement in a remote work environment?
Games are an excellent way to maintain employee engagement in a remote work environment. They provide a break from work and create opportunities for team bonding. Interactive games like virtual escape rooms and online office games can engage remote employees, making team meetings more fun and engaging. These activities not only boost employee morale but also enhance team collaboration.
What are some fun activities to make team meetings more engaging?
Incorporating fun activities into team meetings can significantly increase engagement levels. Activities to make meetings more lively include staff engagement games and games to help break the ice. Examples include trivia, charades, and other interactive games that encourage team participation. These activities can create a positive work environment and encourage team collaboration.
How can virtual employee engagement activities improve overall employee satisfaction?
Virtual employee engagement games play a crucial role in improving overall employee satisfaction. They provide fun and games that bring remote teams together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Online games based on team building ideas, like virtual murder mysteries or virtual escapes, can be especially effective. These activities not only enhance team bonding and engagement but also contribute to a positive work culture around the office.
What are the best employee engagement ideas for remote teams?
For hybrid teams, the best remote employee engagement ideas include a mix of fun and engaging activities. Games like virtual scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and interactive quizzes can keep the team engaged and encourage team bonding. These team building ideas help increase engagement within the team and create a break from the regular work routine, making work more enjoyable.
Why is it important to include team building office games in the workplace?
Team building events are essential for fostering a positive work environment and enhancing team collaboration. They help in building relationships among team members, encouraging communication, and improving overall employee well-being. Fun office games and team-building events can boost employee morale and create an engaging activity that everyone looks forward to, thereby boosting employee engagement and overall satisfaction.