If you've been assigned the duty of planning games for an office party, you may be a little wary about what sorts of activities are appropriate. It is important to keep in mind the various personalities of your co-workers, as well as the type of company involved. Here are some tips to get your plan underway.
Host an office gift exchange. Although technically not a game, these events can be a great way to get everyone involved with the party. Set the money limit at a reasonable amount. Twenty dollars is usually an appropriate cap.
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Give your guests 4-inch by 4-inch cards hanging on a string and instruct them to wear them around their necks. Then ask the guests to mingle. Every time someone says the word "no," he has to give up his tag to the person he is talking to. The person with the most tags at the end of 20 minutes wins a prize.
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Stick a post-it note on the back of each of your guests with the name of one half of a celebrity couple written on it (Examples include Laurel and Hardy or Brad and Angelina.) The rules state that people must speak to each other as if they were talking to the celebrity named on the post-it note. The couples will have 5 minutes to figure out who they are and move toward each other.
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Include spouses in office party games by having them impersonate how they think their partner would act at work. A funny role-playing game, this activity can be a great ice breaker, as well.
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Enjoy classic games. Simple games like charades (or its more modern counterpart, "Celebrity") became classics for a good reason.
Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to delegate! Utilize your co-workers to help you plan games that everyone will enjoy. Although you may have been assigned the task, your peers can give you valuable input to make your party a success.
Party 411 provides lots of ideas for office-appropriate games and themes (see Resources below).
Throw your party at an outside venue if your budget allows. Office parties around the Xerox machine are just not as fun!
Keep in mind that sexual harassment can also occur after hours, especially at an office party. Although the environment should be relaxed, avoid planning games that would invite inappropriate conduct between coworkers. For a definition of this offense, see the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (see Resources below).
The Department of Health and Human Services offers parent tips for helping children learn. Their Early Childhood Learning Center quoted research supporting...
