Looking to boost morale, spark creativity, or just get your team to talk to each other without awkward ice breakers? Enter: team building office games — the budget-friendly heroes of workplace culture.
You don’t need a fancy offsite, expensive venue, or neon-lit escape room to deliver a brilliant team building experience. Sometimes, all you need is a meeting room, some props (or none!), and a bit of organised chaos.
This guide covers tried-and-tested office games that actually work — from energisers you can run in 15 minutes to full-team challenges that transform your workspace into a competitive arena.
Why Office Games Work for Team Building
Running team building activities in the office isn’t just convenient — it’s surprisingly effective. Here’s why:
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Low cost – No venue hire, no transport, no drama
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Minimal setup – Use what’s around you or bring in lightweight kits
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Less pressure – Familiar surroundings make team members feel more comfortable
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Flexible – Easy to fit into lunch hours, team meetings or Friday afternoons
The key is choosing games with purpose. They should encourage collaboration, reveal different strengths, and (most importantly) not feel like forced fun.
Our Favourite Team Building Office Games
Here are some go-to office games for team building that work for groups of all sizes and don’t require special tech or huge budgets:
🎯 1. Taskmaster-Inspired Challenges
Inspired by the hit TV show, split your team into groups and give them random tasks with a twist:
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Build the tallest tower using only paperclips and string
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Draw your company logo… with your non-dominant hand
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Re-enact a scene from a famous film using only office stationery
🧠 Why it works: Sparks creativity, great for laughs, and builds problem-solving confidence
🕒 Time needed: 30–60 mins
🥚 2. The Egg Drop
Teams are given an egg and a set of materials (tape, straws, paper, etc.). The challenge? Build a contraption that keeps the egg intact when dropped from a height.
🧠 Why it works: Encourages engineering thinking and teamwork under pressure
🕒 Time needed: 45 mins
🔐 3. Escape the Boardroom
Bring the escape room to your office. Lockbox challenges, clue trails, and puzzles can be run from any meeting room with a bit of imagination (or a portable kit from a team building provider).
🧠 Why it works: High energy, encourages different skill sets (logic, observation, communication)
🕒 Time needed: 60–90 mins
🗺 4. Office Scavenger Hunt
Turn the office into an adventure zone. Hide clues, puzzles, or QR codes around the building that lead teams to complete tasks or answer company trivia.
🧠 Why it works: Gets people moving, reinforces company knowledge, and adds a buzz to the office
🕒 Time needed: 30–60 mins
🧱 5. LEGO Bridge
Give teams a pile of bricks and ask them to build a bridge that can support the weight of a stapler. Add in a budget (e.g. each brick “costs” £100), and see who can design the most efficient structure.
🧠 Why it works: Combines creativity, strategy, and healthy competition
🕒 Time needed: 30–45 mins
How to Run Office Games Successfully
Running team building office games doesn’t mean winging it with a pack of playing cards and hoping for the best. Here’s how to make sure it lands:
✅ Set Clear Objectives
Even if it’s fun, know what you’re trying to achieve — is it communication? Collaboration? Ice-breaking?
✅ Use a Facilitator
Whether that’s someone in-house or an external provider, a confident facilitator keeps things running smoothly and ensures everyone’s involved (even the introverts).
✅ Keep It Inclusive
Make sure challenges don’t rely on physical ability or put anyone on the spot. Offer a mix of creative, cerebral, and low-pressure activities.
✅ Add a Competitive Edge
Gamification is key. Add points, leaderboards or small prizes — even a paper crown or chocolate bar works wonders for engagement.
Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Boring
Team building doesn’t need to involve hiring an event space or hauling 50 people to a field in Surrey. Office games show that with a bit of creativity, you can create massive impact using what you already have.
In fact, more companies are now choosing in-office experiences because:
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They’re quick to set up (run them during a lunch break or team day)
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They’re cost-efficient (especially during budget freezes)
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They reinforce your workplace culture where it happens (Studies show that good employee engagement boosts Productivity by 18%)
And when done right, they’re just as powerful as your typical away day.
Want a Hand? Bring in the Experts
If you love the idea of team building office games but don’t want the stress of planning, there are team building companies (like Zing Events 😉) who can deliver high-energy, fully facilitated sessions right in your office.
From portable escape room challenges to full “Office Olympics”, experienced providers can:
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Customise games to your company culture
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Set up and pack down in minutes
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Keep everyone engaged (without cringe)
FAQs: Team Building Office Games
Are office games suitable for remote or hybrid teams?
Yes! Many can be adapted for hybrid formats, with virtual clues, collaborative apps, or mixed-location teams.
How long should an office game session last?
Anywhere from 15 minutes to 90 minutes. Ideal for lunchtime sessions, team days, or energisers before meetings.
Can we run games with no budget at all?
Absolutely. Many games use simple props (like pens, paper, and tape) or none at all. Creativity is your biggest asset.
Do office games really improve team performance?
Yes — they promote collaboration, break silos, and create shared experiences that improve communication back at the desk.
