Returning to the office, even for just one or two days a week, is a hot topic in workplace discussions. After years of remote and hybrid work, many employees have grown accustomed to the flexibility and independence it offers. But the office doesn’t have to feel like a step backwards. In fact, it can be something employees genuinely look forward to. The secret? Making those office days genuinely worth it—with activities that inspire connection, laughter, and collaboration.
Why Make Office Days Special?
The office has always been more than just a workspace. It’s a place where relationships are built, ideas are sparked, and camaraderie happens naturally—when the environment allows it. If the goal is to entice your team back, you’ll need more than just snacks in the breakroom. Unique and engaging activities that bring people together can remind your team what makes working side by side invaluable. Add in food and drink to amplify the fun, and you’ve got the recipe for success.
Activities like these not only break the ice but also help re-establish a sense of being "in it together". After all, when was the last time you sat with your team, laughed till your sides hurt, and truly felt part of the collective? That’s the power of shared moments—and the right activities can make them happen.
Try These Office-Friendly Team Activities
From creative workshops to quirky challenges, here are some ideas to help bring energy back to your office days and make them memorable.
Mini Escape Room or Puzzle Challenges Set up a mini escape room experience or a puzzle challenge in the office. These games sharpen problem-solving skills, build trust between team members, and inject a dash of excitement into the workday. They’re simple to organise, highly engaging, and work for groups of all sizes.
Platforms like MAKE offer customisable team events that allow you to set up office-based challenges with just a few clicks. The fun is portable, with activities tailored to different team dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the experience.
Lunch Cook-Off or Food Tasting Events Food has a magical way of bringing people together. Why not organise a lunchtime cook-off? Teams can pair up to create their favourite dishes, or you can bring in local vendors for a tasting extravaganza right in the office. It's a fantastic way to explore different cuisines while sparking friendly competition.
If the idea of preparation feels daunting, simplify it. A blind taste-testing game or a 'build your own burger' station can bring just as much fun without adding stress.
Office Olympics Transform your workspace into an Olympic arena, complete with quirky “sports” such as chair races, paper plane flying competitions, or desk pong. Activities like this leave formality behind and foster team spirit. Plus, they’re accessible to all—no athletic ability required.
You could even create a leaderboard for ongoing challenges, keeping engagement high across several weeks. Teams can work together to “win gold”, all while strengthening partnerships and having a blast.
Themed Craft Workshops An afternoon of creativity always hits the sweet spot. Think pottery painting, candle making, or even a card-creating session for an upcoming holiday. These workshops allow individuals to focus, relax, and share creative moments together.
For remote or hybrid teams, tools provided by platforms like MAKE can help involve them through interactive challenges or virtual themed events. It ensures no one feels left out, regardless of where they’re working.
Build a Giant Office Mural Together Let your team’s artistry shine by creating a collaborative office mural. Start with a blank wall or canvas and provide paints, markers, or even stickers. Teams can work together to design something that represents your company culture, goals, or collective vision.
This isn’t just a fun activity—it’s also an opportunity for everyone to leave a permanent mark on the office space. The mural becomes a daily reminder of the creativity and teamwork within your organisation.
Adding Food and Drink for the Win
Let’s face it—pairing activities with food and drink is always a winning move. Whether it’s building a group charcuterie board, cocktail-making classes, or simply enjoying shared meals, food takes the pressure off and makes everything just feel more personal. A consistently positive association with coming to the office begins when employees enjoy themselves in a casual, friendly environment.
What’s the Real Office Draw?
It’s not the free coffee or fancy watercooler that makes people want to come into an office. It’s the people. The relationships. The chance to brainstorm in real-time, laugh over shared jokes, or support a colleague through a tough task. While technology lets us stay connected no matter where we are, human connections often thrive better in-person.
By creating an experience—be it through games, team-building events, or just the act of sitting down for a meal together—you’re encouraging dynamic teamwork and showing your employees they’re valued. It’s that feeling of inclusion and community that will genuinely entice your team to embrace office days.
Innovative platforms like MAKE specialise in helping businesses craft these kinds of moments. From team-building templates to hands-on learning tools, their services make it simple to customise activities tailored to your workforce’s needs. Whether you’re hosting five colleagues in the same room or managing a hybrid event for hundreds globally, their activities are designed to keep teams engaged and connected.
Small Changes, Big Impacts
Bringing the team back to the office doesn’t have to be your business’s next logistical headache. With a little creativity and attention to what makes your workplace special, those one or two days a week can become the highlight of the work routine. By blending thoughtful activities, good food, and the natural charm of in-person interactions, you can create an environment your team genuinely looks forward to being part of.
