The Best 20 Team Engagement Ideas For Team Building
I’ve worked with enough companies over the years, and one thing they all have in common is that they need to keep their staff happy. No matter how big or small your company is, bringing your employees together isn’t just “nice to have”. It’s necessary. Staff engagement ideas are great for creating a team that actually likes being around each other (or at least doesn’t dread having to work in the same office), and you’ll find that everything runs better. The vibe’s elevated. The collaboration is improved. Not only that but client-facing work tends to sharpen up too.
But how do you actually boost morale? From large teams to startups, this is something you need to know if you want to cultivate a workplace that is non-toxic and where people enjoy coming in everyday. So if you’re stuck with finding fun team building activities ideas that won’t make everyone eye-roll… this list is for you.
We’re going to run through 20 team engagement ideas that cover everything from one-off workplace social ideas to longer-term staff engagement ideas that actually build connections beyond the pub.
Let’s get into it.
Why You Should Come Up With Staff Engagement Ideas
Because even if your team gets along fine, fine won’t get you very far. When people feel disconnected, not seen, or like they’re just clocking in and out - it shows. Not just in their work, but in how they communicate and it also starts to rub off on other members of staff.
Coming up with new ideas for a work social event isn’t just about “giving everyone a break.” It’s about giving them a reason to feel invested. Engaged staff are more motivated, more creative, and way more likely to stick around for the long haul.
And let’s be honest - if your team haven’t all been in the same room since your 2022 Christmas party (and even that ended in a taxi shortage and a spilled pint), it’s probably time to get something new on the calendar.
Morale Boosting Staff Engagement Ideas
Now we’ve talked about work socials and how you can get your staff to bond, the next suggestions are team engagement ideas. These are all about showing your staff you value them, and this kind of recognition will encourage them to engage more if they feel as though they’re appreciated.
1. Headshot events
This is one a lot of companies forget, but it’s such a smart move. Organising a professional headshot session is more than just ticking a box for the website. It helps staff feel confident, represented, and proud to show up online. But beyond that? It’s also a way to show your team that they matter. That you care about how they’re seen. That you want them to feel good about themselves; on LinkedIn, on the company site, even just on Zoom. And when people feel seen, they show up differently.
Most people don’t love having their photo taken. Which is why it makes such a difference when you bring in someone who knows how to make them feel comfortable and relaxed, If you make a bit of a thing out of it as well (coffee in hand, music playing, people cheering each other on in between shots) it becomes something a bit more social which helps your staff to actually enjoy getting their photos taken.
You’ll also be amazed at how many people actually want to update their online profiles once they’ve got a photo that actually looks like them (but on a really good day). Especially if you’ve got a client-facing team, this isn’t just about vanity - it’s about trust. A consistent set of quality headshots sends the message that you take your business, your people, and your first impressions seriously.
Whether you’re a startup getting your first team page together, or an established firm needing a refresh; it’s one of those staff engagement ideas that’s low-stress, high-reward, and makes your team feel like they matter.
2. Awards night
This is one step up from the last team engagement idea. Hosting an internal award night not only shows your staff you appreciate them, but also gives them something to look forward to (especially if it becomes an annual event).
3. On site services
Little perks can have a big impact. This could be anything from office massages to lunchtime yoga, or even something more subtle like a pop-up coffee bar on a Friday. These small gestures make people feel considered, especially during peak stress periods.
4. Bring your dog to work day
Nothing boosts morale quite like having dogs (or any pet for that matter) in the office. In fact 70% of people say that dogs alleviate stress in the workplace. This knock on effect is bound to make your team more engaged in their work, and it’s a way for your staff to bond over pet names. Of course you will have to make sure nobody is allergic or scared of animals before allowing your staff to do this as it could have the opposite effect.
5. Wellness programs
This could be as simple as organising mindfulness sessions, providing gym discounts, or having access to a mental health platform. Wellness isn’t just a new trend for Gen Z - it lays a stable foundation for high quality work. When your staff have good mental health it shows. And good employers know that engaged teams are also well-supported ones.
6. Birthday celebrations
Now I’m not saying you have to throw an elaborate party for every staff member’s birthday. That could be really excessive not to mention expensive depending on how many employees you have. But a card that everyone has signed and a treat is a nice gesture. Or you could even be really modern and let them have their birthday off as an extra holiday day.
7. Employee recognition program
Acknowledging what your employees are doing well is something you should always be doing anyway, but setting up an internal recognition program does more than just give your staff a pat on the back; it gives them a reason to keep trying. You could do the traditional employee of the month award, or even just a weekly shout out goes a long way. Adding some incentives in there to reward those who exceed their KPIs is also a nice gesture.
Work Social Event Ideas
One great place to start is coming up with work social event ideas. These are generally easy to get people involved as everyone needs a de-stress once in a while. At these events people are often more relaxed which makes it a perfect environment for your team to get close and get to know one another. Here are some break the routine, and (with any luck) get a few laughs along the way. Here are some ideas for a work social event to break the routine, and (with any luck) get a few laughs along the way.
8. Go karting
Sometimes employees just need to let loose and blow off some steam. One way to reward them for all their hard work is to take them go karting. Think high energy, people get into it with some healthy competition and it's a fantastic way for your staff to build connections.
9. Karaoke night
It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s not for the faint-hearted - but that’s half the fun. This is one of the work social event ideas that people will talk about for months after. It’s a time where secret talents come out and have a place to shine, and encourage those who are reluctant to come out of their shells.
10. Murder mystery party
If you’re after some workplace social ideas that are a bit more quirky (but great for social media sharing) a murder mystery party is guaranteed to be a fun and unexpected night. People love fancy dress. This can encourage cross-department mingling too.
11. Christmas party
Christmas parties should be a given. They’re a way to show your staff “hey I appreciate everything you’ve done this year”. Even if you’re only a small startup, you should be showing your team that you care and give them something to look forward to at the end of the year. When you reward the people that work for you, this is bound to shine through in their work.
12. Charity fundraiser
Yes, most of your team would like to have a drink (or two) every once in a while. But nothing brings people together quite like a good cause. If you’ve got some athletic people on your team this could be a run or a charity football game, or something like a bake sale and encourage everyone to bring in their own sweet treats. Or even better, you could ask around for ideas and pick something your employees would actually enjoy.
13. Networking events
Not all workplace social ideas need to involve games or costumes. Sometimes just giving your staff the space to network with other professionals or potential clients can be a great motivator. Especially if you’re working with freelancers or remote workers who don’t usually get that kind of access. It’s good to get out of the office and mingle every once in a while, and this way they are still technically working - even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Fun Team Building Activities Ideas
Now that we’ve shared some ideas for a work social event, now let’s look at some that are actually productive. But they don’t have to be dull. Fun team building activities aren't just about socialising with the people you work with; they build trust, bring out qualities and increase skills. They can also be quite enjoyable as any excuse to mix up the day to day routine will have a positive effect on your staff.
14. Workshops
You could bring someone in for a creative workshop (think photography, improv, or calligraphy), or keep it more professional like a leadership or communication session. Either way, the point is learning something together. It sparks conversations that don’t just die the second the Zoom call ends.
15. Cooking class
On the creative side for staff engagement ideas, a cooking class is one of the most fun
fun team building activities ideas out there. Why? Because they’re interactive, sensory, and a bit chaotic. Although they can be a bit all over the place, that’s half the point. People will relax and enjoy the hour or two. You’ll see natural teamwork emerge quickly - and you get to eat at the end.
16. Staff bake off
Wholesome. Competitive. Staff bake offs get everyone talking about something other than spreadsheets. You can split people into teams and witness the fun unfold. Do a weekly round or one big final. Let people judge anonymously or give them full Paul Hollywood power - it’s up to you.
17. Volunteer programs
Pair up with a local charity and organise a day where your team can give back. That might mean helping at a food bank or cleaning up a local park. Either way, working together to help others is great for team bonding and reinforces the company’s values too.
18. Team building retreats
This doesn’t have to mean three days in the Lake District with no WiFi. Even a single day out of the office can feel like a retreat if it’s structured well. Think outdoor challenges, strategy sessions, or simply time to reflect and reset together. Involving some icebreakers can also be a good shout. This Is bound to build morale and your staff will come out of this a little bit closer than they were going into it.
19. Scavenger hunt
One of the classic team building activities ideas is organising a scavenger hunt. Whether that involves roaming around London or keeping it contained within the office, they encourage collaboration, creativity, and just the right amount of friendly competition.
20. Escape room
If you want a shortcut to finding out who’s got leadership potential, who panics under pressure, and who’s secretly great at puzzles- book an escape room. It’s immersive, quick, and forces your team to communicate properly. Even the quiet ones usually find their moment to shine.
Why Headshots Are One Of The Best Team Engagement Ideas
Out of all the team engagement ideas on this list - headshot events are probably one of the best team engagement ideas out there. Let me tell you why…
First off, you’re not just offering your team a free photo. You’re giving them a confidence boost. Most people haven’t had a good photo taken of them since a family event they were at five years ago (and even that one had red eye and a photobomb). When someone sees a photo of themselves that actually looks like them (relaxed, confident, professional) it can shift something. People stand a little taller when they know they look the part.
But it’s not just about the individual. A well-run headshot event brings the team together. There’s a bit of buzz in the office, people checking each other’s shots and even having a bit of a laugh over outtakes. It becomes something they remember. And that memory is now tied to the company in a positive way.
Plus (this one’s for the marketing people) you get cohesive, high-quality images you can use across everything. Think: Meet The Team pages, pitch decks, press releases, speaker bios. It all just looks tighter and more considered when the visuals are actually, well, good.
If you’ve got a lot of new starters or you’ve just had a rebrand, a headshot session is one of those staff engagement ideas that pulls double duty: it gives your people something for themselves, and it levels up how your brand looks to the outside world. Basically, it’s a win-win. For morale. For branding. For your LinkedIn scroll.
And if you're planning to update your team's photos any time soon, this is where I come in…
Book With Me For Headshots Today
I’m Andrew - a headshot photographer based in London. I can take your professional headshots whether you’re a startup, law firm, creative team, tech company and everything in between. What I do isn’t just about setting up a camera and saying “smile.” It’s about making your team feel like the best version of themselves. Relaxed. Confident. Like they actually belong on the About Us page.
If you’d like to book with me for your staff headshots then just drop me a message. I’ll make sure that your staff look and feel their best. Let’s create something your team will genuinely want to share - not just because they have to.
