The dreary, unpleasant office party is a thing of the past. There is no longer any justification for throwing a dull business event with an abundance of office party themes.
If you’re looking for office party suggestions that won’t have your employees calling out sick so they don’t have to attend, you’ve come to the right place! Listed below are some of the best office party ideas.
The Importance of Office Parties
Work parties have become a staple of small business enterprises and massive corporations and offer several advantages. They provide a venue for socializing and foster community among coworkers. By throwing an office party, you’ll be able to boost morale and create a fun atmosphere at the company.
When you organize an office party, your employees will see it as a message that you value them as an essential component of the company or organization. Office celebrations will increase your staff’s motivation by making them feel valued, especially if you acknowledge and reward your company associates and staff during office parties.
Staff parties also encourage employees to become more connected and take more initiative within the organization.
24 Fun Office Party Ideas
To increase employee morale and create a joyful work environment, use one of these themes for office parties:
1. Dive into an Escape Room
Finding office party ideas that your team will enjoy is challenging. Every year, work party ideas typically follow the same format. It’s a gathering of coworkers in small groups wondering why they bothered, regardless of the location or the subject.
Why not make it easy on yourself and get inside an escape room at Paranoia Quest? Escape rooms are a hit if you want to throw your workers a unique and enjoyable party where they take on a challenge and collaborate. Since everyone has something to offer, an escape room gives each individual a moment to shine.
Escape rooms also facilitate different office cliques to intercommunicate. It’s typical for established work buddies to gather at traditional company parties and avoid making small talk with other employees. While catching up with your favorite coworkers is good, forming new professional connections can favor productivity and increase morale.
2. Office Bingo
One of the easiest office theme ideas to execute is Bingo. Since everyone is familiar with the rules, no special setup or equipment is needed. Hand out cards to party attendees so they can play while socializing. As a quick refresher, the winner of the game is the first person to mark five consecutive squares and yell “BINGO!” Since numerous players may hit Bingo at once, it is a good idea to have a few rewards ready.
Make sure the squares are drawn at random so that no one gets Bingo at the same time. Don’t hesitate to customize the game either. Giving the squares company-specific customization makes the game feel more distinctive.
3. Office Olympics
Even if they try to disguise it at work, everyone has a competitive spirit! Everyone in the office wants more than a participation trophy. And what better occasion than an Office Olympics work party to showcase this never-before-seen need to triumph? You and your teams can participate in various competitions, from Paper Ream Racing to Rubber Band Archery.
The key thing to remember while planning your own Office Olympics is that the sillier the competitions, the better your concept for a company party will be! We advise getting medals for the winners of the first, second, and third places in the competition to put the icing on the cake.
Building up your own winners’ podium so your winners may celebrate in style can also be hilarious. As a team, enjoy some well-earned desserts and take many pictures to commemorate the occasion.
4. Bring Your Pet to Work Party!
Who doesn’t enjoy having a few pets in the workplace? Organizing a “Bring Your Pet to Work Day” will please workers by allowing them to bring their closest companion to work with them. Make sure everyone in the office is okay with the dogs being there! Consider holding a Bring Your Pet to Work event in a nearby park, outdoor area, pet-friendly brewery, or restaurant if your workplace isn’t pet-friendly.
5. Murder Mystery (Whodunit?)
Are you looking for the office party ideas that will unify everyone? Then toss in a little bit of Murder Mystery!
An exciting Murder Mystery Game is one of the few things more enjoyable than eating. Each person will be fascinated by this event, which is chock full of surprises. Give each employee a role in a plot and designate one of them as the guilty party.
Hints are left before the game starts. Who is behind the crime isn’t revealed until the end of the party. This event encourages communication among your staff and serves as a wonderful team-building exercise. The amount of engagement and inventiveness will increase with this game.
If you want to take the game to the next level, schedule a Murder Mystery Game at Paranoia Quest for the entire team. We promise it will be a night nobody will forget!
6. Cocktail Party
For a quick and easy solution to your office party conundrum, simply combine the ideas behind cocktail parties and happy hours. These gatherings provide workers a chance to unwind and mingle over drinks. You can host the gathering at a neighborhood bar, lease a venue, or arrange for a bartender to come to the workplace. You can produce trademark drinks or teach the group how to mix drinks to make the event more memorable.
7. Bringing Back Disco
The majority of corporate events around the world are known for being dull. It need not be yours. Embrace nostalgia and amazing costume inspiration to transport yourself to the 70s (or early 80s). Everyone should dress in period-appropriate attire and dance to the right music. If you want to go one step further, you can prepare food and drinks suitable for the period.
8. Games Competition
Are you ready to put your game face on? Participate in a Games Competition. You can take it as seriously as you wish or compete with your coworkers and staff for fun.
Organizing a Games Tournament offers various fun work party ideas that bring out a different side in everyone. Games can range from board games to video games or even your conventional (though reinvented) dinner party games. You could, of course, continue playing your old favorites like Monopoly and Scrabble or opt for newer games on the market that might bring on some additional excitement.
9. Office Party Scavenger Hunt
An Office Scavenger Hunt is a simple method to get everyone involved in the competition or working together. Increase the stakes by awarding the winner a great employee gift to make this a thrilling corporate party concept!
Why are scavenger hunts good office celebrations ideas? Well, they are a type of game that everyone has participated in since they were young, unlike poker or other skill-based games.
10. Bad Day Party
We all experience awful days. Sometimes everyone in the office has a rough day and needs some out-of-box staff party ideas. On these occasions, throw a Bad Day Party to brighten the atmosphere. Anything that will make the group smile, such as karaoke and food, is included in these events. Colleagues can help employees unwind by talking or engaging in fun activities while away from the office.
Most bad day parties are spontaneous events because low points are rarely predictable. Create a Bad Day Party team building kit in advance so that all the materials are ready to go, which will ease the setup for your impromptu party. After all, standing in line to purchase paper plates is the last thing anyone wants to do on a demanding day.
11. A Cirque du Soleil Night
This theme makes you and your group feel like you’re under the Big Top! Enjoy all the carnival games you can think of, along with popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs, and popcorn. The options for entertainment and activities are endless, including ring toss, dunk tanks, and bean bag toss. Of course, extra points are given if any leadership group volunteers are the barkers, gamekeepers, or dunk tank participants.
12. BBQ Party
Not every office party has to be a huge extravaganza. After all, having a few beers and grilling out is all you want to do on some days. Contact your neighborhood butcher, order the best cut of meat, then fire up the grill without more ado.
Don’t scrimp on the wine and beer if the party is after work hours. Everyone enjoys delicious meals and beverages. Feel free to indulge without feeling guilty occasionally!
13. Pub Quiz
The perfect way to test your general and specialized knowledge is to do so while sipping your favorite beverage. It’s not necessary to go to the pub to participate in a Pub Quiz; you can easily recreate the ambiance of a pub in the convenience of your office! However, don’t skimp on the buzzers and some genuinely terrible team names.
14. Photo Booth
Sometimes, an office party is simply a few streamers, some punch, and a table of cookies. However, you can jump-start the festivities with a simple hack. DIY photo booths are popular at events because they reflect the present culture. Nowadays, using a selfie stick is very acceptable, and at events, nothing prevents you and your group from taking pictures in a photo booth. Like no other, this workplace party concept will draw guests. In addition, if you didn’t snap pictures, did you ever party?
15. Office Award Show
An Office Award Show combines a celebration with an employee appreciation event to create a fun evening. Recognition is an effective employee engagement strategy because it helps workers feel valued, respected, and secure at work.
Making employees feel even more special by hosting an awards ceremony and celebration is a good idea. Most businesses order custom awards to present to winners in several categories, such as “top performer.” However, don’t let these prevent you from including funny categories.
If you want to take it to the next level, you may create a buzzy atmosphere at the office by rolling out a red carpet, hanging lights, and releasing star-shaped balloons. Offer refreshments throughout the event, and choose a charming presenter to present the prizes and wow the audience. A fancy dress requirement provides an added element of fun and glitz.
16. Charity Office Party
It may not be everyone’s idea of a “party,” but once in a while, giving back to the community might be a refreshing change of pace.
Social causes are dear to this current generation, and the trend of incorporating social issues into office celebrations is only logical as social causes are becoming increasingly popular. Providing volunteer services to a local non-profit organization is the most straightforward method. Consider a specific orphanage and the activities and gifts you want to bring.
A Charity Office Party is fun and a great way to establish a strong team spirit. Your employees will be proud to be a part of a company that makes the world a better place.
17. Talent Show
Make sure everyone knows who they’re working with by unleashing those hidden talents they’ve had for so long! Even if you have a secret talent, don’t use it to get yourself in trouble or not be invited back the following day! A Talent Show, on the other hand, could be a great way to meet new coworkers and rekindle old friendships.
It would help if you thought about everything from judges to performance space to audience members when organizing a talent show for a work party.
18. Impromptu Mini Basketball Party
A Mini Basketball Hoop Tournament can be held at any time. Even during the work week, you may have a good time at the office with this entertaining party game.
Mini Hoops is a lot of fun because it’s easy to play and allows individuals to show off their basketball skills!
19. Formal Breakfast Party
Breakfast is the day’s most important meal, yet it doesn’t get the attention it should. Black-tie brunch is one of the top office breakfast ideas.
Having a Black-Tie Breakfast Party is a fun and classy way to start the day. Bagels on a breakroom table aren’t the only issue here. Cocktail attire is required, so plan on wearing gowns, suits, or even pajamas if you want to look your best. This type of gathering is ideal when your team has a formal presentation and needs to appear in formal attire.
Breakfast is one of the best office party food ideas because people often cannot have a whole meal because of their hectic mornings and long commutes. You can ensure that your team has a pleasant start to the day by laying out a solid spread and organizing energetic events.
20. Ugly Sweater Party
Ugly Christmas Sweater parties are a well-known tradition during the holiday season, but they can be just as much fun anytime. Wearing the worst sweater you can find to work is encouraged, and your coworkers can vote for their favorites! It is highly recommended that you decorate with ugly sweaters, drink hot cocoa or apple cider, and eat comfort food during this time of year. Remember that even though the day’s theme may be “ugly,” all activities should be fun!
21. The Sitcom Party
Sitcoms are one of the few things that no one dislikes. Nothing beats a get-together themed around your favorite TV show than a sitcom-themed party. Decorate, dress up, and eat your way through NBC’s Must-See TV lineup. Making your employees feel good about working for your company by playing on their positive memories will make them happier and more loyal. Make sure to stop by the picture booth! You will reap the benefits of your staff branding strategy in the future.
22. Obscure Holiday Party
An Obscure Holiday Party is simply an excuse to hold a party. However, Flag Day (June 14) should really get more attention, and Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sep 19) should design its own party!
So, grab a calendar and start circling dates because there’s certainly a unique holiday to celebrate.
23. Movie Night at the Office
Part of the reason movie nights are such a classic office tradition is that they are so simple to organize. The bare minimum for a movie night is television or screen and projector, as well as a few movies. These events, of course, are more enjoyable if you include extras such as popcorn and candy, movie trivia games, and Hollywood-inspired decor.
A movie can be selected and projected from your laptop or phone using streaming services like Disney+ or Netflix.
24. The Excursion Party
An out-of-the-office field trip, also known as an Excursion Party, is a great way to relieve tension for your employees. Paranoia Quest can assist you with this. The cherry on top? We’ll take care of the mess at work for you!
Field trips are a great way to get employees to interact and form bonds. This activity has the added benefit of allowing you to customize it to fit your specific budget.
Create the Ultimate Party Experience with Paranoia Quest
Are you searching for office party ideas you don’t have to plan, but you’ll know it’ll be a hit? All you need to do is find the closest Paranoia Quest in your area!
We currently have two sites: Escape Room Atlanta and Escape Room Buford. Paranoia Quest may be close to your workplace, depending on your location. Georgia State University in Atlanta and the Mall of Georgia are just a short drive away from our Buford site. You can choose an escape room to fit any business event or workplace party at both locations.
Jailbreak, witch hunt, apocalyptic survival, and virtual reality are just a few of the genres we offer. Your employees are guaranteed to have a memorable and enjoyable office party.
Contact us today to schedule your next office party and learn more about our corporate and team-building events.
