27 social event ideas for work that your team will enjoy

Oh, you lucky people! You might have just found the best social event ideas for work! You know, work relationships go beyond the daily grind. And that company social events play a pivotal role in this. They offer everyone a chance to leave their desks and engage with their colleagues in a more relaxed setting. Whether in-office gatherings or off-site adventures, these events foster team spirit, enhance workplace connection, and boost employee experience.

By integrating a variety of social events into your organizational calendar, you’re not just planning fun activities; you’re investing in the heart of your corporate culture. From celebrating milestones to enjoying a pet-at-the-office day, each experience can strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging among your staff.

In this guide, discover 27 creative company event ideas for employees, including on-site, off-site, and virtual social moments with your team. These ideas enhance your workplace environment and excite people about coming to work.

10 social event ideas for work to host in the office

1. Celebrate company anniversaries all together

Celebrating company anniversaries is a powerful way to reflect on your journey and acknowledge all the people who’ve contributed to its success. Whether it’s your first year or your fiftieth, organizing a gathering brings everyone together to share achievements and milestones. Consider themed decorations that show your business’s culture, catered food your employees love, and perhaps a video montage of memorable moments.

The goal is more than throwing a party; it’s also promoting unity and appreciation. This event reminds us of the company’s evolution and the collective effort driving its progress. It brings a deeper connection between team members and the organization itself.

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2. Mark big milestones with your team

Milestones are significant achievements that deserve recognition. Whether surpassing a sales target, launching a new product, or celebrating a major company anniversary, marking these occasions with your team reinforces their importance. Organize an event that allows everyone to pause, take a step back, acknowledge, and honor these accomplishments.

It could be as simple as an afternoon off with a catered lunch in the office or a more elaborate party at a local venue. Create lasting memories and express gratitude for the effort and commitment that contributed to these victories. Celebrating milestones boosts morale and motivates employees for future challenges and successes.

3. Host an annual award night

Annual award nights are a marvelous opportunity to celebrate individual and team accomplishments over the past year. Acknowledging outstanding contributions motivates employees and fosters a culture of appreciation. Make the occasion memorable with personalized rewards, a formal dinner, and speeches highlighting each participant’s achievements.

Consider categories that align with your company’s values, such as innovation, leadership, and teamwork. Beyond recognition, this event encompasses more. It also serves as a platform for workers to network, build stronger relationships, and learn from each other. Finally, this event is an excellent way to show your staff their efforts are valued and appreciated.

4. Organize a conference with a host

Conferences aren’t just for external networking. They can also be a dynamic platform for internal growth and collaboration. Hosting an in-house seminar with a respected host or speaker will inspire your workers with fresh ideas and perspectives. Tailor the event to your industry or focus on broader themes like innovation, teamwork, or well-being. You can also ask your staff whom they want to learn from and which topics they want to learn more about.

This provides valuable professional development and strengthens connections among employees as they engage with the content and each other. Incorporate interactive sessions such as workshops or Q&As to maximize engagement and ensure the event has a lasting impact on your team.

5. Plan a pet-at-the-office day

Bringing pets to the workplace can add a layer of joy and relaxation to the workday, promoting a sense of well-being and camaraderie among coworkers. Before planning such a day, ensure that no team members have allergies or fears that could make them uncomfortable. Setting guidelines for pet behavior and owner responsibilities is crucial to maintaining a productive work environment. 

Pets often facilitate conversations, offering a talking point for coworkers who might not usually get engaged, thus enhancing team interactions. Remember, the goal is to create a positive, inclusive experience for everyone, pets included.

6. Set up theme office parties

Themed office parties, whether for holidays like Halloween or Christmas or just for fun, like a ’70s disco day, create excitement and positive anticipation in the workplace. These events encourage creativity, from decorations to costumes, and offer a break from the routine. Planning activities or contests related to the theme can further engage employees and foster teamwork.

Importantly, these parties should be inclusive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable participating. Such experiences build memorable moments and strengthen the social network of your work environment, contributing to a more engaged and cohesive team.

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7. Propose after-work happy hours once a week

Regular after-work happy hours are an excellent way to encourage informal interaction among team members. Setting aside time each week, like every Thursday, creates a routine opportunity for employees to relax, unwind, and mingle outside the pressures of the workday. These gatherings can occur in various locations, from the office to local spots, which offer a change of scenery.

The key is consistency and inclusion, ensuring these events are something the entire company looks forward to. Happy hours are simple yet effective in enhancing group dynamics and workplace connection.

8. Organize different workshops

Monthly workshops on diverse topics like cooking, wellness, or creative arts allow employees to learn new skills and explore interests beyond their professional roles. These sessions break the monotony of the workweek and foster a culture of continuous learning and personal development. To ensure relevant and engaging classes, involve your staff in choosing themes.

These events can facilitate cross-departmental interaction, breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration. Workshops are a great way to enrich your team’s work-life experience, promoting a more vibrant corporate culture.

9. Organize a hackathon within your company

Hosting an internal hackathon challenges employees to think creatively and work collectively under time constraints, driving innovation and team bonding. While traditionally associated with tech companies, hackathons can be adapted to any industry with tasks tailored to your business’s goals. This intensive, event-driven approach to problem-solving and idea generation can uncover surprising results and talents within your workforce.

Just like workshops, hackathons are excellent opportunities for cross-functional collaboration as diverse skill sets and perspectives come together. Celebrating the hackathon's outcomes, regardless of their immediate practical application, emphasizes the value of creativity and teamwork, boosting morale and engagement. This is definitely one of our favorite social event ideas for work!

10. Enjoy the fun of a mystery lunch

Do you like the concept of Secret Santa? Then you’re going to love the idea of mystery lunches! A mystery lunch at work is like a delightful surprise on your calendar! Imagine this: employees from different departments are randomly selected to dine together, creating an unexpected yet exciting mix.

They then cook a dish or get a takeaway from their favorite restaurant for the person they’ve been paired with. This event spices up routine workdays and fosters new relationships across your organization. A real boost in team spirit, enhanced communication, and a more cohesive workplace culture. It’s a refreshing break that leaves everyone feeling connected.

11 fun company event ideas to do outside of the office

1. Organize a team tournament

Bringing your group together for a tournament outside the office can be a thrilling way to foster team spirit and healthy competition. Choose an activity that resonates with everyone’s interests, whether it’s a sports event, a board game marathon, or a trivia contest.

Planning such tournaments in a local park or a recreational center offers a change of scenery and encourages team building in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity for employees to showcase talents that don’t come to light in the office, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.

2. Plan a company retreat with your team

A company retreat is invaluable to your team’s cohesion and morale. Stepping away from the daily office environment to a location where people can loosen up, engage in team-building activities, and strategize about the future can significantly boost creativity and alignment.

Ensure the event matches everyone’s interests, whether focused on professional development, relaxation, or a mix of both. You might want to avoid setting up your getaway on an island without Wi-Fi unless you aim to experience a real-life game of “Survivor.”

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3. Schedule a day off-site with your team

If going somewhere for a few days isn’t an option, what about 24 hours? A one-day off-site provides a focused break from the office routine. It enables your coworkers to have dedicated time for brainstorming, planning, or bonding. Moreover, choosing a venue that inspires innovation, like a creative workspace or a scenic outdoor location, can invigorate your team and foster unity.

You can use this time for both work-related activities and team-building exercises. The change in environment can lead to breakthrough ideas and deeper connections among coworkers. This proves that a single day can be enough to significantly change group dynamics.

4. Arrange a wellness day

Organizing a wellness day for your employees is like giving everyone a refreshing breath of fresh air! Picture a whole day dedicated to well-being, with activities such as spas, yoga, meditation, nutrition workshops, and even motivational talks. It’s a chance to pause, recharge, and prioritize self-care amidst busy schedules. The benefits? Your coworkers share a relaxing moment and return with boosted morale, reduced stress, and a newfound sense of balance. This social event nurtures your team members’ health and cultivates a supportive workplace environment.

5. Spend the day in an adventure park

Imagine trading office chairs for harnesses and keyboards for climbing walls. A day at an adventure park flips the usual work script upside down. As colleagues tackle zip lines and conquer high ropes, they build trust and laugh together, forging stronger bonds. The adrenaline rush fosters collaboration and problem-solving skills in a fun way, sparking creativity and engagement. By the end of the day, your team returns to work as co-workers and as a group of adventurers ready to tackle any challenge together.

6. Gather your coworkers around food and live music

Imagine transforming your workplace with the irresistible aroma of delicious food and the vibrant beats of live music. Gathering employees for a live event creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere where everyone can unwind and connect beyond work. Sharing a meal and tapping feet to the music breaks down barriers, fostering genuine connections.

This corporate social event will increase morale, enhance team spirit, and nurture a sense of community long after the last note fades. We recommend you figure out which kind of music your workers enjoy and try to find local artists to make this gathering a memorable night!

7. Attend a cooking class (and treat yourself afterward!)

A cooking class offers a delicious blend of learning, fun, and teamwork outside the usual office setting. “Working” together to prepare a meal under the guidance of a professional chef is a unique way to foster connections and team bonding. The cherry on top is that the activity ends with a tasty treat everyone can enjoy while serving as a metaphor for unity and accomplishment sharing.

Moreover, cooking as a group can be a fun and meaningful way to learn about diverse cultures and cuisines. It can also be a great opportunity to connect with people with different backgrounds or interests. The shared experience of making food together can create a strong bond of friendship and understanding.

🤼 Check out our 15 team-bonding indoor, outdoor, and online activities!

8. Organize a fundraiser

Fundraising as a team for a cause close to your company’s heart is a great way to give back to the community and build team spirit. Planning and executing a successful event requires teamwork, creativity, and communication, invaluable skills in a work environment.

Whether it’s a charity run, a bake sale, or an auction, the collective effort to make a positive impact allows your employees to experience achievement and teamwork. In the end, it reinforces empathy, generosity, and social responsibility.

9. Support the community with your teammates

Volunteering together is a profound way to connect with your colleagues and the community. Helping at a local shelter, participating in a cleanup day, or performing other public service provides a shared sense of purpose and fulfillment. Volunteering offers a break from the corporate environment, allowing team members to see each other in a new light and gather for the common good.

Such experiences can deeply enrich your organizational culture, emphasizing teamwork, compassion, and civic responsibility. Additionally, it can help enhance your company image, as these activities demonstrate the business’s commitment to positively impacting society.

10. Schedule a collective cleanup

Organizing a collective cleanup day, such as in a local park, beach, or even around the office area, promotes the importance of sustainability in business while offering a team-building opportunity. Such activities contribute to a cleaner, greener community and create a sense of shared achievement and responsibility among coworkers.

It’s a hands-on way to show your company’s sustainability commitment and encourage employees to work together for a cause beyond the usual corporate objectives. In the meantime, it enhances team spirit and environmental awareness. A win-win!

11. Go for a hike with your colleagues

We like one last social event idea and want to share it with you: a collective hike. This activity is an excellent way to combine exercise, connection to nature, and team bonding. Being outdoors has also been linked to improved mental health. Plus, sports reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Choose a trail that matches the fitness level of all participants to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Hiking allows for informal conversations and shared experiences in a setting away from work stresses, fostering personal connections and mutual respect among colleagues. It’s a refreshing strategy to encourage a healthy lifestyle, appreciate the natural world, and strengthen team cohesion through a shared adventure.

6 cool ideas for virtual work social events

1. Go on a virtual safari tour

You might have heard about virtual city tours, but what about online safaris? Imagine embarking your employees on a thrilling journey through the wilds of Botswana without leaving their home office. Team members explore diverse environments and witness majestic animals in their natural habitats as the camera pans over grassy plains and vibrant ecosystems.

Beyond the awe and excitement, digital safaris are a unique corporate event that strengthens bonds, provides a refreshing change of scenery, and enhances a shared experience that sparks conversation long after it’s over. Select a reputable and sustainable online safari organization to host a virtual safari. Many offer live-streamed tours guided by experts who share fascinating insights about the wildlife and landscapes.

2. Organize an online karaoke

Picture this: your team belting out tunes from their living rooms during an online karaoke night. Online karaoke lets everyone take the stage from home, transforming shy colleagues into vibrant performers. The screen becomes a jukebox, hearts race as someone hits a high note (or hilariously misses it), and laughter fills the virtual party.

Participants can sing solo or team up for duets, promoting collaboration and camaraderie. Building confidence and strengthening team bonds through shared playful moments make work feel more like family. It also offers a break from the usual routine, allowing employees to unwind and express themselves creatively. Plus, it’s easily accessible, requires minimal setup, and can accommodate various musical tastes, making it an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

3. Plan a digital speed dating session

Corporate digital speed dating is like a networking whirlwind, offering employees brief, lively discussions with colleagues they might not often meet. Picture a series of clocked online chats where team members swap visions and insights in just a few minutes. The rapid-fire nature keeps energy levels high and conversations dynamic, making it easier for people to share ideas and discover common interests.

It’s a lively way to break down silos across departments and a fresh and engaging way to facilitate networking and collaboration within an organization. To host a digital speed dating event, choose a reliable video conferencing platform that supports breakout rooms, allowing for private, timed interactions (usually 3–5 minutes).

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4. Gather for virtual coffee breaks with colleagues

Coffee breaks in the office play a massive role in connecting employees and giving them a new boost to continue their tasks. Therefore, trying to recreate this moment virtually is a great social event idea for work. It brings a sense of normality and connection into the digital work environment.

These casual meetups mimic the spontaneous interactions around the office coffee machine, helping keep the team spirit and camaraderie alive even when working remotely. To set up an online coffee break, choose a user-friendly video conferencing platform and schedule a regular time, like every morning at 10:30 a.m., when people can join without disrupting their workflow.

5. Play online games and tournaments together

Organizing online games and tournaments with colleagues is like hitting pause on work stress while pressing play on fun and friendly competition. They provide a dynamic way to interact and unwind in a virtual environment. Imagine your employees teaming up for a digital scavenger hunt, strategizing in multiplayer games, or outsmarting each other in trivia contests.

These activities foster teamwork, enhance problem-solving skills, and encourage healthy competition, breaking up the monotony of the workday. To set up an online gaming event, select a mix of game types, such as trivia, puzzle-solving, or strategy games, to cater to different preferences. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams can facilitate the event, paired with gaming sites or apps such as Kahoot, Jackbox Games, or virtual multiplayer games.

6. Share a virtual drink or food tasting with your teams

Wine, coffee, chocolate, cheese tasting… There are so many delicious options to make this activity a regular company social event. Degustations offer a sensory experience everyone can enjoy together, even when remote. They allow employees to explore new flavors and aromas, discuss their impressions, and learn something new, whether it’s about wine regions, coffee origins, or chocolate pairings.

During the event, a sommelier, barista, or culinary expert can guide the team through the tasting, sharing insights and answering questions. To arrange a virtual tasting event, decide on the theme (cheese, chocolate, wine…). Partner with a reputable vendor or expert who can organize a selection and provide tasting kits that can be delivered to your coworkers’ doorsteps.

Combining a mix of on-site, off-site, and virtual corporate events for employees into your collective calendar is excellent for building a strong and connected team. The 27 social event ideas for work above offer diverse opportunities for your staff to bond, celebrate achievements, and work together in settings that break the everyday routine.

Investing in such activities will enhance employee satisfaction and commitment and foster an organizational culture that prioritizes well-being, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Whether celebrating milestones, going on a virtual safari together, or giving back to the community, each event is a step toward a more vibrant, connected, and happy workplace.

Don’t forget to add those gatherings to the company calendar if you already use the deskbird app!

If you don’t, request a free demo to discover the perks of our user-friendly hybrid workplace management tool and the key “office event” feature!