30 fun games to play at work

Let's face it, the 9-to-5 grind can sometimes feel like an endless loop of meetings, spreadsheets, and emails. Sure, work can be fulfilling. But come on, who doesn't yearn for a little bit of playtime amidst the daily hustle?

We've compiled a list of 30 fun games you can play at work. These games will not only uplift your spirits but also promote team bonding and creative thinking. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to find your next favorite workplace game!

Desk Games

1. Desk Riddle

Sprinkle riddles on post-it notes and leave them on your colleagues' desks. The first one to answer gets a treat.

2. Puzzle Race

Set up puzzles on a common table and let teams race to complete them first. This engages your spatial thinking—ideal for designers and engineers.

3. Crossword Mania

Hand out crosswords in the morning, and let's see who gets to wear the "Crossword Champ" hat for the day.

Top Tip: Keep a collection of unique crosswords handy for this one. It's an excellent warm-up for the day.

Team-Building Games

4. Office Scavenger Hunt

Hide clues around the office. The team that finds all clues and solves the mystery first wins!

5. Two Truths and a Lie

Great for new teams. Each person says two true things and one false statement about themselves, and the team guesses the lie.

6. Human Knot

Everyone stands in a circle and holds hands with two people across from them. The goal is to untangle the knot without letting go of each other’s hands.

Virtual Games

7. Virtual Bingo

Perfect for remote teams. Send everyone a bingo card and start the game online. Trust us; this isn't your grandma's bingo game.

Top Tip: If you're looking for a seamless way to set this up, use our online bingo card generator to create custom cards. With features like unlimited card creation and support for up to 500 players, the only thing you'll have to worry about is how to celebrate your victory!

We've also got a ton of pre-made bingo cards to start you off, explore those below!

8. Online Trivia

Pick a topic and host a quick trivia game. Whoever answers the most questions right wins a prize!

9. Online Pictionary

Another game well-suited for remote teams. The host draws something on the screen, and participants guess what it is.

Office Olympics

10. Chair Races

Time for some physical exercise. Line up office chairs at the starting line, and the first one to reach the finish line wins.

11. Coffee Cup Relay

Tired of the daily grind? Brew some excitement with the Coffee Cup Relay! It's a fun twist on the classic relay race that'll stir up some fun at the office.

How to Play:

Form two teams and line up at a starting point. Each team gets a coffee cup filled to the brim with water. Players must walk fast (no running, we're indoors!) to a designated point and back, passing the cup to the next teammate without spilling. The team with the most water left in the cup wins!

12. Office Archery

Bring out your inner Robin Hood without leaving your cubicle! Office Archery with Rubber Bands transforms your workspace into a miniature medieval arena, where accuracy is king.

How to Play:

Set up targets (preferably not your boss) and use rubber bands as your archery bows.

Top Tip: Make sure to set up a 'No Entry' zone around the archery area. We don't want any surprise injuries!

Board Games

13. Chess Tournament

How about a chess tournament during the lunch break? Strategy and sandwiches, anyone?

14. Jenga Tower

Stack 'em up and try not to knock 'em down!

How to Play:

Players take turns carefully removing one block from the tower and placing it on top. The game ends when the tower topples over.

15. Monopoly

Welcome to the high-stakes world of Monopoly, where you'll buy, trade, and negotiate your way to real estate dominance. Bankrupt your friends and seize control of the board! Because who doesn't like to pretend they're a millionaire during work hours?

Creative Games

16. Origami Challenge

Unfold your creative potential with the Origami Challenge!

How to Play:

Armed with colorful paper squares, your task is to craft intricate designs within a set time frame. Whether it's a crane, a frog, or a lotus flower, just choose a pattern and start folding. Score points for complexity, accuracy, and speed. No pressure, it's just paper and patience combined!

17. Lip-Sync Battle

Get ready to channel your inner rockstar in a Lip Sync Battle that will have everyone talking—or rather, miming! It's all the drama, all the emotion, none of the vocals.

Use props, costumes, or backup dancers to up the ante. Judges or audience members vote for their favorite act based on enthusiasm, accuracy, and creativity.

18. Paint and Sip

Bring out the canvases and some non-alcoholic beverages. It's time for a paint party.

Top Tip: If you're planning a Paint and Sip, make sure to cover the tables with plastic sheets. Because creativity is messy, and so is paint.

Word Games

19. Word Association

Ah, Word Association, the ultimate mingler of minds! It's that rapid-fire game where the ticking clock meets the sprawling dictionary in your brain. It's not just about finding the right words; it's about finding them fast

How to Play:

Sit in a circle and start with a random word. The next person has to say a word related to the previous one. Keep going until someone messes up.

20. Hangman

Grab a pen and paper because it's time to play Hangman, the classic word-guessing game that proves spelling can be a life or death situation—sort of.

21. 20 Questions

How to Play:

Someone thinks of an object, and the others take turns asking yes-or-no questions. They have 20 chances to guess what it is.

Top Tip: This game is great for improving communication skills. It makes you think critically about what questions to ask to solve the puzzle.

High-Energy Games

22. Ping Pong Tournament

Set up a ping pong table in the break room and let the best 'paddle warrior' win!

23. Dodgeball

Convert the parking lot or a nearby open space into a dodgeball arena. It's a surefire way to dodge work monotony, at least for a little while.

24. Sack Race

Got a spacious office or a nearby park? Sack races aren't just for picnics. Just jump in and hop your way to glory (or at least a good laugh

Quiet Games

25. Silent Library

Channel your inner Zen master for Silent Library, where the goal is to complete absurd tasks while maintaining a church-mouse level of quietude.

How to Play:

Players sit in a 'library' setting and draw cards that dictate ridiculous challenges (e.g., eat a spoonful of wasabi). The catch? Complete the task without making a sound, or face a penalty. Shhh!

26. Sudoku Showdown

Distribute Sudoku puzzles and see who finishes first. A peaceful but competitive exercise for the mind.

27. Meditation Circle

Okay, this might not be a 'game,' but it's a great way to quiet the mind and refocus.

Top Tip: Use a meditation app to guide the session, or if someone is a meditation enthusiast, let them lead.

Digital Games

28. Virtual Escape Room

Turn your webcam into a gateway for adventure in a Virtual Escape Room.

How to Play:

Team up online and solve a series of puzzles, riddles, and codes to 'escape' within an hour. Each room has a unique theme—think Indiana Jones meets Sherlock Holmes. Communication is key and the clock's ticking, so ready, set, escape!

29. Multiplayer Online Games

Short breaks playing online games like Among Us can be a great way to build team dynamics. Think of it as team-building, but with virtual aliens.

30. Fantasy Sports League

Create an office league for your favorite sport and let the friendly rivalries bloom. Perfect for water cooler chat that's more "home runs" and less "spreadsheets.

Whether it's football, baseball, or any other sport, managing a Fantasy League can be a fun ongoing game.

Top Tip: Be mindful of the time spent on these digital games, as they can be rather addictive. Maybe limit this to lunch breaks or after-work hours.

Summary

So, there you have it! 30 games to stop the monotony at work and replace it with a burst of energy and creativity. Pick your favorites, set them up, and let the games begin! After all, a playful office is a productive office. Now, who's up for a game of Virtual Bingo?