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30 Innovative and Fun Employee Engagement Ideas

Engaged employees contribute to the success of any organization. Here are some great employee engagement ideas for you to try. They’re free and fun.
Written by: Penny Swift
30 Innovative and Fun Employee Engagement Ideas
Published: June 13, 2025
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Increase Engagement With Meaningful Surveys

It can be difficult to know what to include in an employee survey. That’s why we have created a template that you can use for FREE to ensure your employee surveys are engaging. Get the responses that will help you understand your audience.

Engaging Ideas to Counter Disengagement Focus On Facts

  • Disengagement drains momentum: When employees feel disconnected, it impacts morale, productivity, and team cohesion. 
  • Engagement is a leadership responsibility: Managers play a vital role in shaping team culture and need the right tools and training to lead effectively.
  • A thriving workplace is intentional: High engagement doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a deliberate focus on communication, recognition, and growth.
  • Culture is the foundation: Organizations that build engagement into their values and daily practices create stronger, more resilient teams.
  • Small actions lead to big results: From personalized feedback to inclusive communication, simple strategies can make employees feel valued and motivated.

Successful companies recognize that engaging employees leads to improved productivity and stronger team performance. Engaged employees are more likely to stay with the company long term.

However, the 2025 Gallup Global State of the Workplace report presents data that shows employees (particularly managers) feel disconnected rather than engaged. Horrifyingly, the report states that in 2024, “global employee engagement fell, costing the world economy US$438 billion in lost productivity.”

Gallup’s data shows that employee engagement increased from 20% in 2020, 21% in 2021, and 23% in 2022 and 2023. But it fell back to 21% in 2024. However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Gallup stats

“Gallup’s data show that the world’s workplace is not headed in the right direction. However, the data also show a productivity boom opportunity if executive leaders seize the moment. Gallup estimates that if the world’s workplace was fully engaged, US$9.6 trillion in productivity could be added to the global economy, the equivalent of 9% in global GDP.”

Gallup

While 100% engagement might seem unrealistic, Gallup maintains we could get to 70%. Organizations that have already achieved this have built a company culture around employee engagement. They have done this by “following science-based management practices,” and “the result is higher productivity and profitability.”

Why is Employee Engagement Important?

Employee engagement isn’t just a cliche, it’s the backbone of a productive, innovative, and fulfilling workplace. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to stay with a company, reducing turnover, and fostering a stronger sense of loyalty.

The power of employee engagement lies in its direct impact on a company’s bottom line. Highly engaged teams don’t just work harder, they work smarter, contributing significantly to improved productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. They’re more invested in outcomes, collaborate more effectively, and bring innovation to the table.

Conversely, disengagement doesn’t just stall momentum, it drains resources. 

Gallup defines disengaged employees as those who work against the aims of the organization, linking low engagement to higher absenteeism, reduced output, and greater turnover. And when leaders, particularly middle managers, are disengaged, this effect compounds across teams. With only 44% of managers globally saying they’ve received management training, the key here is to provide training. This, says the Gallup report, will “cut extreme manager disengagement in half.”

Declining manager well-being and employee engagement both point to a worsening workplace environment. Burned-out managers lead to lower performance, more absences, and higher turnover — hurting teams and the business alike.

“If manager engagement continues to decline, it won’t stop with managers, and it won’t stop with engagement. The productivity of the world’s workplace is at risk.”

Gallup

Importance of Investing in Employee Engagement Strategies

Engaged employees are a key driver of organizational success, influencing productivity, retention, innovation, and overall business performance. For this reason, it is critically important to invest in employee engagement strategies.

Let’s take a closer look at why the investment is so important. Employee engagement:

  • Enhances productivity and profitability, leading to better financial outcomes. 
  • Reduces turnover and absenteeism resulting in significant cost savings associated with recruiting and training new staff.
  • Improves customer satisfaction and loyalty. When employees are committed and enthusiastic, they are more likely to go the extra mile for customers, enhancing the overall customer experience.
  • Fosters innovation and collaboration, because engaged employees feel a stronger connection to their organization’s goals and are more inclined to participate in problem-solving and innovation initiatives.
  • Builds a positive workplace culture that not only attracts top talent but also retains existing employees, creating a sustainable competitive advantage

Remember that improving employee engagement starts with understanding what it means to your team members. A robust employee assessment process can help identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Engagement activities, regular feedback, and a focus on professional development are all strategies that increase employee engagement.

Technology plays a significant role in employee engagement. Email analytics and innovative internal communications tools help keep employees informed and engaged. Whether it’s through engaging personalized employee newsletters, stimulating internal emails, or offering platforms for gathering feedback, technology enhances the employee experience.

30 Best Employee Engagement Ideas to Motivate Employees

Boosting employee engagement is essential for fostering a positive work environment and improving job satisfaction. Implementing creative and innovative employee engagement ideas can significantly increase the engagement levels among team members. There are a myriad of ways to motivate employees and enhance their experience within the company.

We’ve arranged our top employee engagement ideas into categories for easy reading. 

Inexpensive employee engagement ideas

Enhancing employee engagement does not necessarily need a significant financial investment — or any investment at all. Here are some cost-effective strategies.

#1 Implement office hours 

“Office hours” in the traditional sense involves employees spending time in a physical office at set times. Very often, they are paid overtime when they work beyond these set office hours. But there’s an innovative way to implement so-called office hours to improve employee engagement. 

This idea is to create a dedicated period of time during the workday for communication. All it involves is allocating specific times when employees can freely discuss ideas, and challenges, or seek advice from their managers. This approach fosters a culture of openness and support. It’s a simple yet effective approach that encourages employees to express themselves. It also leads to increased job satisfaction and a stronger company connection. Moreover, it can help motivate managers and encourage them to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. You can have rotating question-and-answer sessions, virtual coffee chats, and “ask me anything” sessions where managers answer any employee questions — whatever works best in your environment. 

#2 Use a pulse survey tool 

Pulse surveys are quick, easy-to-complete surveys that gather feedback on employee engagement, satisfaction, and aspects of the workplace environment. Utilizing a pulse survey tool can enable organizations to continuously measure employee engagement and address concerns promptly. It’s a method that not only keeps the survey process manageable and efficient but also demonstrates a commitment that management values employee feedback, thus improving the employee experience. The insights gained can guide targeted engagement strategies tailored to the team’s needs.

Compared to traditional surveys, pulse surveys translate to significant cost savings. They can be delivered electronically via email, internal communication platforms, or even anonymous mobile apps. A direct benefit is that it eliminates printing costs and ensures a wider reach within the organization.

#3 Host virtual coffee breaks or team lunches

With the rise of hybrid work environments, maintaining team cohesion has become a creative challenge. Virtual coffee breaks and team lunches offer simple solutions that provide an informal setting for employees to bond and share personal stories, just as they would in a physical office space. These can help alleviate feelings of isolation, encouraging a sense of belonging and reinforcing company culture. 

Many popular video conferencing platforms offer free plans with enough capacity for small group chats. This eliminates the need for expensive software licenses. Encourage employees to grab their favorite drink at home, eliminating the need for catering or refreshments. For team lunches, encourage everyone to prepare their own lunch and share recipes or cultural dishes virtually. Alternatively, allocate a budget for a pre-determined amount per employee to order their own lunch from a local restaurant. 

Inexpensive Employee Engagement Ideas

Virtual employee engagement ideas

In this era of hybrid work, keeping virtual team members engaged is more important than ever before. Here are some very worthwhile virtual employee engagement ideas:

#4 Organize virtual team-building events

Virtual team-building events, ranging from trivia games to online escape rooms, provide enjoyable opportunities for employees to work together and foster a sense of community. These events not only boost morale but also promote problem-solving and collaborative skills, all within a fun and competitive environment. Moreover, organizing events regularly can immensely enrich team dynamics and enhance the overall employee experience.

You don’t need to hire expensive facilitators. Encourage employees with specific skills like trivia knowledge, artistic talent, or storytelling to lead virtual workshops or games. Also, be sure to design activities that encourage teamwork and communication. These can involve virtual escape rooms, online scavenger hunts with household items, or collaborative brainstorming sessions, all achievable with minimal expense.

#5 Create an employee newsletter 

An employee newsletter is an excellent way to keep team members informed, engaged, and connected with the broader company happenings. Regular newsletters not only strengthen the internal community, they also encourage employees to be active participants in the company’s journey. Involving team members in the content creation process can further personalize the newsletter and increase its impact.

Encourage employees to contribute content. This can be anything from department updates and project highlights to employee spotlights and fun facts, fostering a sense of ownership and community. Just make sure that the content is informative and engaging. Include company news, employee achievements, upcoming events, and even fun polls or quizzes. This keeps employees informed, connected, and feeling valued.

#6 Encourage the use of emoji reactions and anonymous comments in internal communications

Incorporating emoji reactions and facilitating anonymous comments in internal communications platforms can significantly enhance interactivity and inclusivity. These features allow employees to express their emotions and thoughts freely. Furthermore, the anonymity feature can be especially beneficial in gathering honest feedback, and providing valuable insights into employees’ true feelings and opinions. And it can lead to a more engaged and transparent workplace.

Ultimately, emojis and anonymous comments offer a low-barrier way for employees to participate in discussions. Shy or introverted individuals might feel more comfortable expressing themselves through a simple emoji than a lengthy written response. 

Virtual Employee Engagement ideas

Employee engagement contest ideas

Contests are an excellent way to boost employee engagement through friendly competition. Prizes can include gift certificates, company swag, extra vacation days, or charity donations in the winner’s name. 

When it comes to judging these types of competitions, combine management and employees for a well-rounded perspective and increased participation. 

Here are some contest ideas:

#7 Photo competition

Employees don’t need to be “photographers” to excel in a company photo competition. Rather, a photo competition at work can stir creativity and personal expression among employees, giving them a platform to showcase their talents and share glimpses of their lives outside work. Whether it’s a themed contest or a general showcase, it can generate excitement and conversation within the team. To increase and encourage involvement, consider allowing employees to vote for their favorite entries. This will promote interaction and community spirit.

#8 Wellness challenge 

Encouraging employees to prioritize their health and well-being is crucial, especially in today’s fast-paced work environments. A wellness challenge, whether it’s a step-count competition, mindfulness sessions, or healthy eating goals, can motivate employees to adopt healthier habits. You could even get employees to track their sleep patterns and compete for the most consistent sleep schedules. 

Engage employees with weekly progress reports and create teams for group support. Also, consider incorporating rewards, such as gift cards or extra paid time off (PTO) days for participants or winners. Rewards can always further incentivize engagement and promote a culture of health and well-being within the organization.

#9 Innovation contest 

Fostering a culture of innovation is great for encouraging a competitive spirit. An innovation contest invites employees to propose new ideas or solutions that could benefit the company, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving. It will empower employees by giving them a voice and also contribute to the company’s growth and evolution. Recognizing and rewarding the best ideas can further stimulate engagement and a sense of ownership among team members.

Engagement contests not only make work more enjoyable but also encourage creativity, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the company’s goals and values. The focus can vary. For example:

  • A process improvement contest could solicit ideas to improve existing company processes for efficiency or cost savings.
  • Sustainability champions could call for ideas that would reduce the company’s environmental footprint or promote sustainable practices.
Employee Engagement Contest Ideas

Employee engagement event ideas

Organizing events is a cornerstone of employee engagement strategies. However, choose events that not only enhance a team experience but also contribute to the personal and professional growth of employees.

Here are some ideas to consider.

#10 Team offsites or retreats 

Retreats and team offsites held outside the usual office environment provide a unique opportunity for employees to interact in a non-work setting. They provide the opportunity for colleagues to escape the daily grind and focus on specific goals or projects in a fresh space. Alternatively, team offsites organized via business travel management businesses could incorporate team-building activities to strengthen communication, collaboration, and overall team dynamics. 

These events can range from outdoor adventures to relaxation-focused retreats, depending on the team’s preferences. Prioritizing this type of outing demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee well-being and professional development, further cementing a positive and supportive company culture.

Free Employee Engagement Survey Template to Boost Productivity

Craft effective surveys to measure employee sentiment and boost engagement
Free Employee Engagement Survey Template to Boost Productivity
  • Develop targeted survey questions
  • Evaluate employee sentiment
  • Analyze drivers of engagement
  • Review retention opportunities

Download Free

All fields are required.

#11 Internal networking events 

There are all sorts of ways to structure internal networking events from casual lunches to after-work social gatherings.

These are valuable for promoting cross-departmental collaboration and understanding. They provide a platform for employees from different departments or teams to connect and build relationships. It’s a great way for employees to share insights and learn about different aspects of the business. Additionally, these events can spark innovative ideas and solutions. They also offer a chance for team members to discover potential mentors or collaborators, thereby enhancing their professional development and sense of belonging within the company.

#12 Seminars and workshops 

Investing in employees’ professional development through seminars and workshops is a powerful way to boost engagement. They also offer employees unique opportunities to learn new skills, gain industry insights, and stay updated on current trends.

Educational events expand employees’ skill sets and demonstrate the company’s investment in their growth. Tailoring topics to meet different team’s interests and needs can increase participation and effectiveness, whether it’s enhancing technical skills, leadership abilities, or industry knowledge.

Employee Engagement Event Ideas

Creative employee engagement ideas

Creativity is key to maintaining high levels of engagement. However, there’s no guarantee that all employees will want to participate in every type of activity. For this reason, it makes sense that these activities are optional to ensure everyone feels comfortable. 

Here are a few creative ideas.

#13 Develop team swag

Creating unique team swag, such as t-shirts with custom designs, mugs, or stickers, can instill a sense of pride and unity among employees. Team (or company) swag can be a tangible representation of the company and its values. It can be used to build a spirit of camaraderie, promote team identity, and create a sense of fun in the work environment. It also serves as a constant reminder of the community employees belong to. 

Involving employees in the design process can make the swag even more special and sought-after, turning everyday items into symbols of team spirit and belonging.

#14 Host a bring your pet to work day

A bring-your-pet-to-work day can be a fun and engaging perk for employees if workplaces are pet-friendly. 

This type of event offers a refreshing change of pace, enabling employees to share a piece of their personal lives with their colleagues. It can help to foster a more intimate and understanding work culture. Pet owners can bond with their animals, fostering connections between colleagues. Additionally, studies suggest that interacting with pets can lower stress levels, leading to happier and more productive employees.

#15 Set up a company-wide book club

A company-wide book club can be a stimulating and intellectually enriching employee engagement idea that encourages social interaction. By selecting books related to professional development, industry trends, or even fiction for leisure reading, employees can connect on a deeper level, sharing perspectives and insights. A book club can foster a culture of continuous learning and encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences across the team. Incorporating discussions, either virtual or in person, can enhance a sense of community and engagement among participants.

Creative Employee Engagement ideas

Innovative employee engagement ideas

Innovation drives progress and can significantly improve how engagement is fostered within a company. 

Check out these innovative ideas and introduce those that appeal most to you and your employees.

#16 Utilize AI and machine learning 

AI and machine learning technologies can revolutionize the employee assessment process, providing personalized insights to enhance the employee experience. By analyzing data on work patterns and employee feedback, these technologies can help identify areas for improvement and tailor engagement strategies accordingly. Additionally, AI-driven platforms can automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for team members to focus on more meaningful work, thereby boosting job satisfaction.

AI can also be used to personalize tasks, learning and development opportunities, and even communication styles to better suit individual employee needs and preferences. This can lead to a sense of empowerment and feeling valued.

#17 Implement an internal influencer program

An internal influencer program can be a great way to leverage the power of employee advocacy. It will generally leverage employees who are naturally charismatic and connected within the organization to drive engagement and model positive behaviors. These internal influencers can share milestones, celebrate achievements, and disseminate key messages, amplifying their impact through their networks. A well-structured program not only enhances internal communications but also fosters a culture of recognition and appreciation.

A caveat is that it’s imperative to identify the right employees for these programs. Choose individuals who are passionate about the company, have strong communication skills, and are respected by their peers. Equip them with the tools and resources they need to be effective communicators and advocates. And be sure to define the program’s objectives and how you’ll measure its success.

#18 Leverage AI chatbots

AI chatbots can play a significant role in improving internal communications and gathering feedback. By providing instant responses to employee inquiries and facilitating surveys, chatbots enhance the accessibility and efficiency of communication channels. Furthermore, their ability to gather and analyze feedback in real-time can offer invaluable insights for developing targeted engagement initiatives, making them an indispensable tool for modern HR practices.

These innovative strategies leverage technology to create a more personalized and effective engagement experience for employees.

Just bear in mind that chatbots should not replace human interaction entirely. They should complement existing support structures. Also, ensure the chatbot is user-friendly and provides accurate information.

Innovative Employee Engagement Ideas

Holiday employee engagement ideas

Holidays offer unique opportunities to boost employee engagement through themed activities. There are lots of ways to do this. Here are some favorite ideas:

#19 Organize a Halloween costume contest 

A Halloween costume contest is a lighthearted activity that can spark creativity, friendly competition, and team bonding. It is also a fun and creative way for employees to express themselves and break the monotony of the workday. Encouraging participation through themes related to the industry or company culture can add an extra layer of engagement. 

Recognizing the most innovative or humorous costumes with prizes can boost participation and showcase the company’s appreciation for employee creativity and spirit.

Free Employee Engagement Survey Template to Boost Productivity

Craft effective surveys to measure employee sentiment and boost engagement
Free Employee Engagement Survey Template to Boost Productivity
  • Develop targeted survey questions
  • Evaluate employee sentiment
  • Analyze drivers of engagement
  • Review retention opportunities

Download Free

All fields are required.

#20 Host an end-of-year achievement awards ceremony 

Recognizing and celebrating employee achievements is crucial for motivation and engagement. An end-of-year awards ceremony provides a platform to do just that. By recognizing individual and team achievements, organizations can foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. This event not only serves as a reflection on the year’s progress but also motivates employees for the upcoming challenges, reinforcing their engagement and loyalty to the company.

By acknowledging accomplishments, this type of event shows employees their hard work is valued, boosting morale and satisfaction. It can motivate others to strive for excellence and also build a culture of recognition. 

#21 Arrange holiday decorating contests for individual workspaces or team areas

Holiday decorating contests can bring festive cheer and creativity into the workplace, whether physical or virtual. Encouraging teams to decorate their spaces according to a specific holiday theme can foster teamwork and spark friendly competition. 

Offering rewards or prizes for the most creative or festive decorations can further enhance participation and enjoyment, injecting a sense of fun and belonging into the company culture.

Holiday-themed activities not only add an element of fun to the workplace but also help create memorable moments for employees.

Holiday Employee Engagement Ideas

Black History Month employee engagement ideas

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is celebrated annually in February. Celebrating it is an important way to foster an inclusive company culture, and it makes sense to follow whatever the theme is for a particular year. 

It’s not only about Africans who were enslaved and brought to the U.S. It also acknowledges the experiences and heritages of all people of African descent. Here are some non-specific ideas that fit a variety of themes.

Inviting guest speakers or organizing panel discussions on diversity, inclusion, and the significance of Black History Month can enlighten and inspire employees. These events encourage open dialogue, foster understanding, and highlight the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Employees can gain new perspectives and insights, contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic workplace culture.

#23 Organize a company-wide book or movie club focused on Black history and culture

Creating a space for employees to explore and discuss books or movies relating to Black history and culture can cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse experiences and perspectives. This initiative will not only support professional and personal growth but also strengthen the bonds among team members through shared learning experiences. Encouraging participation and discussion can create a more inclusive and engaged workplace environment.

#24 Encourage employees to volunteer with local organizations that support the Black community

Encouraging employees to engage in volunteer work with organizations that support the Black community can provide meaningful opportunities to connect with and contribute to the wider community. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to social responsibility and diversity, encouraging employees to take an active role in making a positive impact. Supporting and recognizing employee volunteer efforts can also enhance job satisfaction and loyalty.

These activities not only celebrate an important aspect of American history but also promote understanding and diversity within the workplace.

Black History Month employee engagement ideas

Employee engagement game ideas

Incorporating games into the workplace offers a break from the routine and can significantly enhance team dynamics and employee morale. Games are an excellent way to inject fun into the workplace while fostering team spirit. 

Here are some game ideas for you to try. 

#25 Office Olympics

Office Olympics can be a series of fun, competitive activities designed to encourage teamwork and lighten the workday. From desk-chair races to trivia challenges, these games can create memorable moments and strengthen relationships among team members. 

Participation in an event like this encourages a sense of unity. It also offers a much-needed break from routine tasks, boosting morale and employee engagement.

#26 Escape room challenges, either virtual or physical

Escape room challenges offer an exciting way for teams to practice problem-solving and team-building in a pressure-free environment. And they can be physical or virtual. 

By working together to solve puzzles and achieve a common goal, employees can improve their communication and collaboration skills. Hosting escape room challenges, either virtually or in person, can provide a unique and engaging team experience, fostering a sense of achievement and camaraderie.

#27 Board game tournaments

Board game tournaments are a simple yet effective way to encourage friendly competition and interaction among employees. Selecting a range of games that cater to different interests and skill levels helps to ensure wide participation. 

Organizing these tournaments regularly can provide employees with something to look forward to, fostering a fun and engaging work environment. It also encourages employees to value community and teamwork.

Employee engagement game ideas

Employee engagement ideas for managers

Managers play a crucial role in employee engagement. Here are some employee engagement strategies specifically designed for them to participate in.

#28 Offer employee coaching sessions 

Employee coaching sessions provide personalized support and guidance, helping employees to overcome challenges and achieve their career goals. These sessions can be a space for open dialogue, feedback, and professional development planning. 

By investing time in understanding and supporting their team members’ aspirations, managers can boost morale, engagement, and retention. Ultimately, this contributes to a positive and productive work environment.

#29 Regular scheduling of one-on-one meetings to discuss career goals, challenges, and successes

Regular one-on-one meetings between managers and employees are crucial for maintaining open lines of communication and building trust. These meetings offer a forum for discussing career progression, addressing any obstacles, and celebrating achievements. Personalizing the engagement and support provided to each employee gives them a sense of being valued and understood. 

This is an excellent way to enhance job satisfaction and commitment to the company.

#30 Recognize and reward employees’ efforts and achievements in a timely and meaningful way

Timely recognition and rewards for employees’ efforts and achievements can significantly influence their motivation and engagement. Whether through public acknowledgment, bonuses, or personalized rewards, showing appreciation for hard work reinforces positive behaviors and fosters a culture of excellence. 

Managers play a key role in identifying and celebrating these accomplishments, thereby encouraging continued effort and loyalty from their team members. By actively engaging in these practices, managers can significantly influence the level of engagement and job satisfaction among their team members.

Employee engagement ideas for managers

How Do We at Cerkl Engage Our Employees?

How Do We at Cerkl Engage Our Employees

As a firm that specializes in internal communication software, we use our audience management platform to deliver personalized emails and intranet content to engage and inform employees. We also use many of the innovative and fun employee engagement ideas we have showcased for you in this guide including pulse surveys, team-building events, employee newsletters, contests, and games. 

When we organize games, events, and so on, we brand and theme the experiences so that they are memorable and can easily be recalled or referenced. We tap into our employees’ multiple interests and motivations so that the experiences we offer are relevant. We also cater to both in-person and online employee experiences. 

It’s important to let people drive the experience instead of the experience controlling the people. Memorable moments will emerge! We have proved this over and over again. 

We’re going to briefly share a handful of employee engagement events that will give you a window into how Cerkl engages employees. Feel free to adapt our proven ideas for your own organization.

Broadcast Bowls

The idea of a Broadcast Bowl started with the return of in-person events after COVID. They have now become more of a company retreat or summit. It has become an annual event where Cerkl flies everyone into the Ohio headquarters and hosts a two- to three-day experience. This provides the opportunity to create cross-departmental connections and foster established virtual relationships in person. 

Broadcast Bowls

Cerkl Olympics

Our Idea #25 suggests office Olympics. This is an event or game that we have found to be immensely successful. 

Our Cerkl Olympics was initially designed as an all-company event to last all summer. The idea was for employees to choose a personal strength that became a challenge. Then on Fridays, individuals and teams would accumulate points from the game. Events have ranged from a words-per-minute typing test to Mario Kart and even a long jump competition. 

We have found that this is a great way to build team chemistry and have fun at work to boost morale.

Reindeer Day

This was created as a single-day event that coincided with our annual holiday party. We crafted a series of games to highlight the holiday spirit and create a memorable experience beyond the stereotypical office holiday party. Games included snowball (with fake snowballs), dodgeball, chair races in the office, and Carol Doo’s.

Space Games

Sam Huber, Cerkl’s principal product designer who loves to develop team-building games, tells how the company’s culture thrived on in-person competition and games. “But then COVID stopped us in our tracks. After months of indecisiveness on the future of our work culture, we decided to host a fully remote version of previous events.” These included summer Olympics and reindeer games. 

“This experience aimed to utilize the unique characteristics of remote work to fill the lack of connectedness we were experiencing. Each team had a Zoom background to identify themselves and we used video conferencing features to enhance the games we played. Most importantly, it gave all of us an excuse to do something fun and engaging in a time that was nothing but that.”

Quarantine Cup

This idea shows how important it is to adapt to the times. 

“COVID felt like it was never going to end and we wanted to keep up the momentum from Space Games,” says Sam. “So we invented the Quarantine Cup. This was the first asynchronous experience we had created where employees were completing challenges on their own at home and reporting back to the group.”

Challenges included good lifestyle habits including water consumption, cooking at home, exercise, and so on. When an employee completed a goal they would report back to the group with some sort of picture or reference to what they accomplished to earn points towards the cup. “We really wanted to let people know that they weren’t experiencing this pandemic alone.”

cerkl employee engagement event

What’s Next?

Would you like Cerkl to help you improve employee engagement in your organization?

We think that a great start is to use our employee engagement survey template. Designed to gather feedback from employees and gain insights into their thinking, you can use it to gauge their interest in these employee engagement ideas. You can even use it to ask for their innovative ideas. All you have to do is adapt some of our suggested questions. 

Free Employee Engagement Survey Template to Boost Productivity

Free Employee Engagement Survey Template to Boost Productivity

Craft effective surveys to measure employee sentiment and boost engagement

Download Free

All fields are required.

FAQ

What are employee engagement examples?

Examples include employees feeling a sense of purpose in their work, actively contributing ideas, and taking pride in their company’s success. This is reflected in high levels of collaboration, good communication, and positive feedback exchange.

What are the 3 best employee engagement ideas?

Three of the best employee engagement ideas are:
1. providing opportunities for growth and development
2. fostering open communication with clear expectations
3. recognizing and rewarding employee achievements.
These practices are good examples that are likely to make employees feel valued and invested in the company’s future.

What are the 5 best inexpensive employee engagement ideas?

Here are five inexpensive employee engagement ideas. We have suggested many others in this post. You’ll need to decide which are the best for your needs. 
1. celebrate team and individual milestones
2. encourage team-building activities
3. create recognition programs for peer-to-peer appreciation
4. offer flexible work arrangements
5. solicit employee feedback through surveys or suggestion boxes
These simple gestures show that you value your employees’ opinions and well-being.

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