Why do Office Olympics matter in 2025?
Companies and business models are undergoing transformation like never before. With hybrid work, technological disruptions, and increasing importance given to employee wellness, it’s necessary to come up with ways to keep teams connected and motivated.
Office Olympics provide a perfect solution by:
- Encouraging physical activity in usually sedentary work environments
- Reducing workplace stress
- Fostering communication between different departments
- Creating shared experiences employees will remember
The American Institute of Stress highlights workplace stress as a critical concern, which also costs U.S. employers more than $300 billion annually in absenteeism, turnover, and diminished productivity. As we step into 2025, Office Olympics, just as much as indoor activities and outdoor adventures, represent more than a trend: they are a tool for building the modern, adaptive workforce that thrives on collaboration and strong team bonds.
How to Plan Your next Office Olympics ?
In this article, you’ll learn all there is to know in order to plan outstanding Office Olympics that will have your team looking forward to the next office day. Here’s our TeamOut guide to make the process as smooth as possible.
Timeline and Preparation
This is not a “last minute” plan. Start planning at least 6-8 weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to:
- Form an organization committee
- Choose the ideal office olympics for your team
- Create a schedule
- Prepare materials and spaces
💡 TeamOut Advice: Build anticipation with an interesting communication strategy. Use teaser videos, send emails, and create a countdown to keep excitement levels high.
Budget Considerations
It’s common knowledge that Office Olympics can be quite budget-friendly, but don’t forget to consider:
- Prizes and medals for winners
- Decorations and branding materials (or customized merchandising)
- Equipment for games
- Snacks and drinks for the activity
Don’t forget that the ROI on employee engagement is significant and that companies with highly engaged workforces are more profitable!
Hybrid/Remote Participation Options
Inclusivity is the key to a successful team-building activity of any sort, including staff games or even office icebreakers. Consider the participation of hybrid and remote team members. For that, think about:
- Virtual games like online trivia or digital scavenger hunts
- Live streaming physical events for remote spectators
- Hybrid events where in-office and remote employees can participate equally
Everyone needs to feel connected and engaged, regardless of location.
Required Resources
To ensure a smooth planning, gather these essentials:
- Space: You’ll need clear areas for physical activities;
- Specific equipment for each game;
- Video conferencing tools and scorekeeping apps;
- Volunteers to help run events and keep score;
💡 TeamOut Advice: Create a schedule and scoreboard to keep everyone informed and excited throughout the games.
15 Best Office Olympics Ideas for 2025
Indoor “Office Olympics” Games
1. The Office Relay
The Office Relay consists of a thrilling race course. Teams divide into groups and have to overcome a series of obstacles using everyday office items. Challenges range from balancing books on their heads, crawling under desks, or reaching the finish line after crossing a "minefield" of strategically placed office supplies. The first team to complete all stages wins, making this an adrenaline-boosting game that requires teamwork and agility.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Team Size: Groups of up to 20
- Price Estimate: Free
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: It’s a game that enhances collaboration and problem-solving.
2. Office Basketball
Bring small balls to the office (like foam ones) or turn waste paper into a collection of balls and let the games begin! Set up bins or baskets as "hoops" around the office at varying distances, with increasing difficulty to make things more interesting. Participants compete to score the most baskets within a set time limit. This game not only boosts friendly competitions but it’s also a fun way to bond with your team.
- Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Team Size: Up to 30 participants
- Price Estimate: Free
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★★
- Great for: Stress relief and friendly competition.
3. Rubber Band Archery
For Rubber Band Archery, create targets using cardboard boxes and set them up at different distances. Divide into teams or compete individually and use rubber bands to shoot at the targets, aiming for the highest score. This game requires precision and a steady hand, which makes it a great test of focus and skill.
- Team Size: Between 10-20 participants
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Price Estimate: $10-20 (for rubber bands and targets)
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★☆☆
- Great for: Enhancing focus and hand-eye coordination.
4. Desk Chair Soccer
Experience the thrill of a popular game of soccer without having to leave your office. Set up two goals in an open office area and divide your employees into teams. Players must kick a soft ball into the opponent's goal, all while remaining seated - Yes, that’s the real challenge. This hilarious game combines strategy and teamwork. The best part? It’s a real crowd pleaser.
- Team Size: Groups of up to 10
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free (using soft balls)
- Accessibility: No
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★★
- Great for: Team building and fostering a fun work environment.
5. Ping Pong Basketball
Combine two classic sports and let the fun begin. Set up cups or small bins on desks to serve as hoops. Participants use ping pong paddles to bounce balls into these targets from different distances. This is a game that tests precision and control, making it an engaging exercise for all skill levels.
- Team Size: Up to 50 participants
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Price Estimate: $10-20 (for ping pong balls and paddles)
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Improving concentration and hand-eye coordination.
Virtual Games for Remote Teams
6. Office Trivia Challenge
Put your workplace knowledge to the test and prove you’re the expert when it comes to company values, history, and traditions! Create a series of trivia questions about your company, industry, and general office culture beforehand - assign volunteers to do so, if preferred. Use a virtual platform to host the quiz, with participants answering in real-time. This game not only entertains but also educates team members about their work environment and colleagues.
- Team Size: 50+ participants
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free (using free quiz platforms)
- Accessibility: Yes (online)
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Knowledge sharing and team bonding.
7. Virtual Olympic Games
Who said the Olympics only took place in the office setting? Bring the spirit of the Olympics to your remote team and organize a series of virtual challenges for everyone! Include online puzzle-solving races, typing speed contests, or even virtual fitness challenges. Use video conferencing and online game platforms to host these events, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of location and tech abilities.
- Team Size: 50+ participants
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Price Estimate: Free
- Accessibility: Yes (online)
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★★
- Great for: Remote team engagement and fostering a sense of unity.
Outdoor “Office Olympics” Games
8. Frisbee Flinders
Take your team outside to a nearby park or parking lot and enjoy some fresh air and competition! Set up targets at diverse distances and angles in an open area. Participants take turns throwing frisbees, aiming to hit these targets or land within designated scoring zones. This game combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, making it enjoyable for all. It can be played as teams or individually.
- Team Size: Between 10-20 participants
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price Estimate: $10-20 (for frisbees)
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Outdoor team building and improving coordination.
9. Tug of War
Revive this classic Olympic sport for your office team and travel back in time to your childhood. Divide your employees into two teams and use a sturdy rope with a center marker. Teams pull against each other, trying to drag the opposing team across a center line. This game is mainly about strength, teamwork, and strategy.
- Team Size: Groups of up to 10
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Price Estimate: $20-30 (for rope)
- Accessibility: No
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★★
- Great for: Building team spirit and physical cooperation.
10. Office Steeplechase
Plan an outdoor obstacle course that mimics the Olympic steeplechase! Use supplies your company has to spare, such as office chairs and cardboard boxes to set up hurdles, water jumps (kiddie pools work great), and other creative obstacles. Participants race through the course, navigating each challenge. This game shows off the athlete in each participant with problem-solving skills.
- Team Size: Up to 50 participants
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free (using existing supplies)
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Physical activity and creative problem-solving.
Hybrid Games (Indoor/Outdoor)
11. Egg Drop Challenge
This is a game everyone knows and loves, for all ages and skill levels. Provide teams with basic materials like straws, tape, and cardboard. Their mission is to create a structure that can protect an egg from a high drop. This can be done indoors from a staircase or outdoors from a higher vantage point. The team whose egg survives the highest drop wins. Exciting, right?
- Team Size: Groups of up to 10
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price Estimate: $10-15 (for eggs and materials)
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★★
- Great for: Enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
12. Rolling Chair Bobsled
Transform your office hallway, parking lot, or nearby park into a bobsled track! Teams of two or three push an office chair (the "bobsled") down a marked course, aiming for the fastest time. Add some twists and turns to increase the challenge. This game requires teamwork, coordination, and a good sense of humor. Beware of safety rules and procedures before you start each round!
- Team Size: Between 10-20 participants
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free (using existing chairs)
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Teamwork and fostering a fun work environment.
13. Paper Airplane Distance Throw
Combine creativity with physics in this engaging challenge that your team will be thrilled to participate in. Participants design and fold their own paper airplanes using a single sheet of paper - no cheating! They then compete to see whose plane flies the farthest. This can be done indoors in a long hallway or outdoors for more space. It's an excellent way to try something new in the office context and to spark competition.
- Team Size: Up to 50 participants
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Enhancing creativity and strengthening team bonds.
14. Human Knot
Build trust and problem-solving skills with this classic team-building game. Participants stand in a circle and grab hands with two different people, creating a "human knot." The goal is to untangle the knot without letting go of hands. This game can be played indoors or outdoors. What is the trick to a successful exercise? Communication, patience, and teamwork.
- Team Size: Groups of up to 10
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★★
- Great for: Strengthening team bonds and improving communication
15. Rhythmic Gymnastics with Office Supplies
Employees are meant to use office supplies like ribbons (made from crepe paper), rulers, or even staplers to create a short rhythmic gymnastics routine. They perform their routines to music, either in person or via video call for remote teams. This game combines creativity and coordination. Divide into teams to increase participation and competition.
- Team Size: Between 10-20 participants
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price Estimate: Free
- Accessibility: Yes
- TeamOut rating: ★★★★☆
- Great for: Boosting innovation, strengthening team bonds, and enhancing self-expression
Final Thoughts
As we've explored the best Office Olympics ideas for 2025, it’s clear as water that these events are undeniably powerful tools for building stronger, more cohesive teams in the modern workplace.
Expert opinions on team building underline the importance of such activities. According to Gallup, highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability. Office Olympics can be a key driver of this engagement, fostering collaboration and camaraderie across departments.
When planning these events, it's fundamental to consider the psychology behind effective team building. Activities that promote trust, communication, and shared goals can have a significant impact in the way your team operates and creates bonds. As noted by Team Dynamics, understanding psychological principles like Social Identity Theory and Group Dynamics can improve team performance.
In other words, Office Olympics provide a way to connect remote and in-office employees. With virtual and hybrid options, all team members can participate (inclusivity alert!) and help maintain a cohesive workforce.
Ready to transform your next team event into a standout team adventure? At TeamOut, we're experts in crafting seamless, fun events tailored to your team's needs. Thinking about planning a team offsite? Check out the best corporate retreat locations we’ve curated just for you!
Contact us today to smoothly plan an event that inspires connection, collaboration, and joy. Book a free call today and prepare for your best team-building experience yet!
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