10 Fun Activities to Boost Employee Energy During Breaks

Oct 3, 2024

Are you looking for creative ways to energize your employees during slow periods or break times? Incorporating short, fun activities can boost morale, increase productivity, and promote a healthier workplace. Here are ten engaging games and exercises that you can introduce to your team, even if it's just on Fridays!

1. Office Stretch Sessions

What It Is: Guided stretching routines that employees can perform at their desks or in a common area.

Benefits:

  • Relieves muscle tension from prolonged sitting.
  • Increases blood flow and alertness.
  • Easy to implement with minimal space.

How to Start:

  • Schedule a 5-10 minute stretch break mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
  • Use online videos or hire a local yoga instructor to lead sessions.
  • Encourage participation by making it a regular part of the workday.

2. Walk-and-Talk Meetings

What It Is: Holding meetings while walking, either around the office building or in a nearby park.

Benefits:

  • Combines productivity with physical activity.
  • Stimulates creativity and open communication.
  • Provides a refreshing change of scenery.

How to Start:

  • Identify meetings that don't require screens or projectors.
  • Choose safe, accessible walking routes.
  • Inform participants in advance to wear comfortable shoes.

3. Deskercise Challenges

What It Is: Quick exercises that can be done at or near the desk, such as chair squats, leg lifts, or desk push-ups.

Benefits:

  • Encourages movement without disrupting workflow.
  • Can be done individually or as a group challenge.
  • Enhances mood and energy levels.

How to Start:

  • Share a list of desk exercises via email or posters.
  • Set daily or weekly challenges with small rewards.
  • Encourage employees to set reminders to move every hour.

4. Office Treasure Hunt

What It Is: A fun scavenger hunt where employees search for hidden items or clues around the office.

Benefits:

  • Promotes teamwork and problem-solving.
  • Gets employees moving and exploring different areas.
  • Adds excitement to the workday.

How to Start:

  • Plan a simple hunt with clues leading to a small prize.
  • Divide employees into teams to foster collaboration.
  • Schedule it during a slow period or as a Friday afternoon activity.

5. Standing Desk Rotation

What It Is: Introducing standing desks or converters and encouraging employees to switch between sitting and standing.

Benefits:

  • Reduces the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
  • Increases energy expenditure and alertness.
  • Can alleviate back pain and improve posture.

How to Start:

  • Provide a few standing desks or adjustable platforms.
  • Encourage employees to try standing for 15-30 minutes each hour.
  • Offer guidance on proper ergonomics.

6. Lunchtime Walking Clubs

What It Is: Organizing group walks during lunch breaks.

Benefits:

  • Promotes physical activity and social interaction.
  • Helps employees return to work refreshed.
  • Can be a regular or casual meetup.

How to Start:

  • Set a regular meeting point and time.
  • Map out various routes to keep it interesting.
  • Encourage sign-ups to gauge interest.

7. Mini Office Workouts

What It Is: Short, guided workout sessions like aerobics, dance, or martial arts.

Benefits:

  • Provides a fun way to exercise and de-stress.
  • Can be tailored to different fitness levels.
  • Boosts team spirit.

How to Start:

  • Hire a fitness instructor for 15-20 minute sessions.
  • Use a conference room or open space.
  • Offer sessions once or twice a week.

8. Wellness Bingo

What It Is: A bingo game where each square represents a healthy activity or habit.

Benefits:

  • Encourages employees to engage in wellness activities.
  • Adds a competitive yet friendly element.
  • Offers incentives for participation.

How to Start:

  • Create bingo cards with activities like "Take the stairs," "Drink 8 glasses of water," or "Stretch for 5 minutes."
  • Set a time frame (e.g., one month) for the game.
  • Offer small prizes for completed rows or full cards.

9. Office Sports Tournaments

What It Is: Organizing friendly competitions like ping pong, foosball, or darts.

Benefits:

  • Encourages physical activity and teamwork.
  • Provides a fun break from routine tasks.
  • Can be ongoing or one-time events.

How to Start:

  • Set up equipment in a designated area.
  • Create a tournament bracket and schedule.
  • Celebrate the winners with recognition or small rewards.

10. Mindfulness and Meditation Breaks

What It Is: Guided meditation or mindfulness sessions to relax the mind and body.

Benefits:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety.
  • Improves focus and mental clarity.
  • Can be done in a quiet room or at desks.

How to Start:

  • Schedule short sessions during break times.
  • Use meditation apps or bring in a facilitator.
  • Encourage a quiet, comfortable environment.

Conclusion

Incorporating these activities into your workplace can lead to happier, healthier, and more productive employees. Whether it's a daily stretch or a weekly game, these small changes make a big difference.

Call to Action

Looking for more ways to boost employee morale and show appreciation? Olive Branch Awards offers personalized recognition solutions to celebrate your team's hard work.

Visit olivebranchawards.com to discover how you can make your employees feel valued and energized.

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