Company events are more than just a break from the daily routine—they’re opportunities to strengthen team morale, boost engagement, and reinforce company values. Thoughtful planning can make these gatherings memorable and impactful, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among employees. To inspire new ways of connecting with your team, here’s a roundup of strategies from 11 thought leaders who excel at using company events to build morale. From celebrating achievements to hosting creative workshops, these ideas provide actionable insights for leaders looking to cultivate a positive, unified workplace culture.

At Spectup, we've found that company events are a goldmine for boosting team spirit. One approach that's worked wonders for us is tying events to our company's mission. For instance, last quarter, we organized a "Startup Simulation Day." We divided our team into small groups, each tasked with developing a mock-startup idea. They had to create a business plan, pitch deck, and even present to our leadership team acting as investors. It was a blast! Not only did it reinforce our company's purpose of helping startups succeed, but it also fostered creativity and teamwork. The competitive element added a fun twist, and seeing our consultants step into founders' shoes was eye-opening. We ended the day with a casual BBQ where everyone could unwind and chat about their experiences. The event sparked new ideas for our client work and strengthened bonds between team members who don't usually work closely together. Plus, it gave newer employees a chance to showcase their skills in a low-pressure environment. Since then, we've noticed improved collaboration and a shared sense of purpose across the company. It just goes to show that when you align fun with your company's goals, magic happens.

Niclas Schlopsna, Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup

As Creative Director of Amarra, a high-end fashion brand, I've always believed that company events can significantly enhance team morale and cohesion. To make these events truly effective, I leverage our shared love for fashion. We host a 'Design-a-thon' every year where team members come up with exclusive designs under a specified time frame. This fun and engaging event boosts creativity, enhances teamwork, and instills a sense of pride and ownership in the brand.

Another memorable event is our 'Fabric Swap.' Inspired by Amarra's focus on sustainable fashion, we encourage employees to bring pieces from their wardrobes they no longer wear. They swap these items, moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle while bonding over personal style and shared values. These unique company events not only strengthen our team but also reinforce Amarra's ethos in a fun, relatable way.

Abhi Madan, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Amarra

We use annual trips to boost team morale by focusing entirely on non-work-related activities. With both our sales and operations teams, the goal is to give everyone a break from their daily tasks and allow genuine bonding. These trips let employees get to know each other outside of work, which helps build trust across departments and breaks silos.

By creating an environment like this, where employees can switch off, they return to work recharged and motivated. This approach not only boosts morale but also strengthens team collaboration, as team members feel connected. A purely recreational trip also shows our commitment to employees' well-being, which has a lasting impact on team dynamics. This annual trip contributes to a happier, more cohesive team.

Anam Barkan, CEO, HireGO Minibuses

Building team morale through company events is essentially about celebrating shared successes, instigating team engagement, and fostering a culture of appreciation. At Srlon, we consider these events not just as casual gatherings but as strategic investments in employee well-being and satisfaction. One innovative example is our annual 'Innovation Expo'. Here, we encourage employees across departments to showcase their ideas and visions for future projects. This stimulates creativity, cross-departmental interaction, and a strong sense of belonging as everyone feels they share a part in the company's future direction.

Another significant event that we've been hosting is 'SRLON Appreciation Night,' where we acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our teams. Recognizing employee achievements publicly, we've found, significantly boosts their morale and gives them the impetus to contribute more creatively and eagerly to our projects.

Through such events, we've seen a marked improvement in teamwork, overall job satisfaction, and a strong passion for innovation. By fostering a shared vision and mutual respect, we've successfully made these events more than just a 'feel-good' factor; instead, they're pivotal to sustaining our corporate culture and team morale.

Tony Chen, CEO, Srlon

Company events are a fantastic way to boost team morale by fostering a sense of belonging and fun outside of the daily grind. For instance, organizing a team car-detailing competition or a 'best car-detailing trick' challenge can bring the team together for a fun, friendly competition. Events like these show appreciation for each team member's skills and add excitement to the workplace. Celebrating these moments reinforces that each person's efforts matter, building camaraderie and trust among the team.

One example is when we held a mini-workshop where each team member demonstrated their detailing expertise. It wasn't just about work—it was a chance for everyone to shine and appreciate one another's unique techniques and strengths. It also led to a great exchange of ideas, with everyone learning from each other and feeling more connected. Company events like this make a noticeable difference in morale, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and motivated.

Ryan Farook, Owner, Ryans Mobile Car Detailing

In our flower shop, we hold team-building events like seasonal workshops where we all create new floral designs together. These events are not only fun, but they also allow everyone to contribute creatively to the business, which boosts morale and fosters a collaborative environment. We get to share new ideas, and the entire team feels more involved in our vision and day-to-day operations.

One memorable event was a "Design Challenge" where we split into teams and had to create the best floral arrangement based on a surprise theme. It brought out a healthy competitive spirit, and in the process, we discovered new design techniques that we later incorporated into our offerings. The energy from these events translates directly into our work environment, making everyone feel valued and motivated.

Sophie Marasco, Founder, Thanks A Bunch Florist

At Ponce Tree Services, we believe that company events are crucial for building a strong and unified team. Over the years, I have found that organizing events outside of the usual work environment not only strengthens relationships but also improves communication and teamwork. One of the most successful events we've held was a tree-climbing workshop. Since I am a certified arborist with TRAQ certification, I personally led the team through a hands-on experience, teaching safe climbing techniques and how to identify tree health risks. This wasn't just about skills development; it was about bringing the team together in a collaborative setting where we could share our expertise and bond through learning. The energy was high, and everyone felt a renewed sense of pride in their work by the end of the day.

The impact of this event was significant. Our team felt more connected, and they left with both practical knowledge and a shared experience that boosted morale. Many of the crew members told me afterward how much they appreciated the opportunity to see me lead from the front, and it deepened their respect for the job and each other. My years of experience in the industry and qualifications made it easy to create an event that was both informative and enjoyable, and it has led to an even more motivated and cohesive team. These types of events are now something the team looks forward to, knowing they are not just about fun, but about growing together as professionals.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Company events, in my experience as the owner of The Trade Table, are unparalleled opportunities to build team morale. Events provide the backdrop for relationships beyond work roles, fostering a sense of unity and dedication. One approach we've found effective is incorporating team-building activities that align with our ethos of dedicated customer service. For instance, we once had an 'Appliance Assemble-Off,' where teams swiftly unboxed and set up various home appliances.

This event provided a fun, competitive environment and subtly honed our staff's product knowledge and troubleshooting skills, critical for superior customer service.

Another example is our 'Guess the Product' game, which involved blindfolded participants attempting to determine the identity of various kitchen appliances based purely on touch. This novel approach unleashed laughter and camaraderie, but importantly, it also served to familiarize our team with a myriad of products, reinforcing our commitment to quality and knowledge in the home-products industry.

Forrest Webber, Owner, The Trade Table

To effectively utilize company events for building team morale, it's important to design experiences that go beyond just having fun—they should be purposeful and also look to address specific areas to elevate employee engagement and company culture. My company, Zing Events, works with most of the FTSE, and we believe in challenging the 'WHY' behind a company's need for team-building and building morale. By understanding the underlying objectives, we create experiences that go beyond the surface. For instance, if the goal is to break down silos, we choose activities that encourage cross-departmental interactions. If it's about boosting motivation, we integrate elements that inspire achievement and celebration.

Charles Berry, Director, Zing Events Limited

At Slipintosoft, we understand that team morale is crucial for overall business success. As such, we effectively use company events as platforms to build this morale. For instance, we host innovation hackathons where different teams brainstorm and develop new product ideas within a specified time. These sessions allow the team to feel invested in the company's development and foster a sense of collective ownership.

Another example is our annual 'Recognizing Excellence' event. We dedicate this time to acknowledging team members' hard work and successes throughout the year. Team members are nominated for awards by their peers, fostering a community of mutual respect and appreciation. Furthermore, we emphasize fun shared experiences, such as themed parties or outdoor excursions, which enable teams to bond outside the traditional work environment.

These events break the routine, stimulate engagement, and ultimately contribute to our collaborative company culture.

Damon Wu, Founder, Slipintosoft

I have organized many company events to unite my team and boost morale. Through trial and error, I've learned what works best and how to use these events effectively. One memorable example is a company-wide picnic at the local park. It seemed simple but became one of our most successful team-building activities.

I involved everyone in planning, from choosing the location and food to organizing games. By letting everyone contribute ideas, they felt ownership and were more invested in its success. On the day of the picnic, I saw the positive effects. People mingled and got to know each other outside of work tasks. The relaxed and fun atmosphere helped break down barriers and tensions.

One standout moment was when two colleagues who hadn't interacted much bonded over a shared love for hiking. This new friendship improved their communication and collaboration at work, ultimately benefiting our productivity.

Heather Trainor, Business Manager and Co-Founder, A Team Real Estate Solutions

Conclusion

Building team morale through company events isn’t just about fun and games; it’s about creating experiences that resonate with your team and align with your company’s values. When employees feel valued and connected, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated. Whether it’s a team picnic or a collaborative design challenge, there’s no shortage of ways to make these events meaningful. As these thought leaders show, well-planned events can enhance teamwork, spark creativity, and, ultimately, make your workplace a place where everyone feels inspired to contribute.