Spice Up Your Workplace: Contest Ideas to Boost Team Spirit

Jimmy Chebat
3 min readJun 2, 2023

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Are you tired of the same old mundane routine at your workplace? Well, it’s time to shake things up and inject some fun and friendly competition into your office environment! Workplace contests and competitions are fantastic ways to foster team spirit, boost employee engagement, and create a vibrant atmosphere. In this blog post, we’ll explore some innovative and entertaining contest ideas that will have your colleagues buzzing with excitement.

Bake-Off Bonanza

Who doesn’t love a good old baking competition? Host a “Bake-Off Bonanza” where employees bring their best homemade treats to share. The twist? The desserts should be inspired by workplace scenarios or office jargon. Get ready for delectable creations like “The Printer Jam Puff Pastry” or “The Boss’s Approval Chocolate Cake.” The winner gets the prestigious title of “Master Chef of the Office” and, of course, bragging rights until the next contest!

Cubicle Cribs

Move over, MTV’s Cribs! It’s time to showcase the most creative and personalized workspaces in your office. Encourage employees to transform their cubicles into eye-catching havens of self-expression. From funky décor to personalized accessories, the possibilities are endless. Organize a panel of judges, and award points for originality, organization, and overall aesthetics. The champion of “Cubicle Cribs” will receive a coveted trophy and the admiration of their colleagues.

Desklympics

Let the games begin with the “Desklympics”! Convert your office into an Olympic arena with various desk-based challenges. Hold events like “Stapler Shot Put,” “Paperclip Archery,” and “Mouse Pointer Sprint.” Encourage friendly rivalry among departments and tally up the scores. At the closing ceremony, present gold, silver, and bronze medals to the winning individuals or teams. It’s a quirky way to foster team spirit while getting a dose of exercise during office hours!

Meme Madness

In today’s digital world, memes have become a language of their own. Tap into this cultural phenomenon by hosting a “Meme Madness” contest. Invite employees to create hilarious and relatable memes based on office situations. Whether it’s a funny take on Monday blues or a cheeky jab at endless meetings, let the creativity flow! Share the memes anonymously, and let everyone vote for their favorites. The winner will be crowned the “Meme Master” and earn the admiration of their peers.

Dress Code Switch-Up

Break free from the monotony of formal attire with a “Dress Code Switch-Up” day. Employees swap roles and dress as someone from another department or even as the CEO. Watch as your colleagues try to emulate their colleagues’ styles and personas for a day. This hilarious contest is sure to spark laughter and camaraderie among team members. Award prizes for the best impersonations and most imaginative outfits.

Workplace Trivia

Test your employees’ knowledge with a workplace-themed trivia contest. Create a series of questions about company history, industry facts, or even quirky office anecdotes. Organize the trivia as a team competition or an individual challenge, depending on the size of your workforce. Offer prizes to the winners, such as gift cards or a day off. It’s a great way to celebrate the unique aspects of your workplace while engaging your team intellectually.

Injecting a bit of competition into your workplace can do wonders for team morale and engagement. By organizing entertaining contests, you create opportunities for colleagues to connect, laugh, and showcase their talents outside of their regular work tasks. Whether it’s a baking contest, a cubicle decoration competition, or a desk-based Olympics, these ideas will surely spice up your office environment.

Remember, the key to successful workplace contests is to promote a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Encourage everyone to participate and ensure that the competitions remain lighthearted and fun. Celebrate the winners and acknowledge the efforts of all participants.

So, why wait? Start planning your next workplace contest and get ready to witness the transformation of your office into a vibrant and lively space. Embrace competition and watch your team spirit soar!
Looking to boost engagement further with daily tasks and productivity? Consider implementing a gamified performance management tool like ZIZO.

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