If your team’s energy is low and your turnover is high, it might be time to break out the board games—or better yet, something a little more active and engaging. Games at work aren’t just about fun (though that’s a big win too). They're a surprisingly effective strategy for improving employee engagement, boosting morale, and building stronger shift-based teams.

Why Games at Work Actually Work

Employee morale isn’t just about bonuses and benefits. Sometimes, it’s the simple things—like a well-timed trivia contest or a goofy scavenger hunt—that can lift spirits and bring a team closer together. According to this Forbes article, incorporating fun into the workplace can lead to increased engagement, reduced burnout, and stronger retention.

At ShiftForce, we’ve seen firsthand how even small doses of fun can improve communication, energy, and productivity. Engaged employees tend to stick around longer, perform better, and bring a more positive attitude to every shift. And in shift-based businesses, that kind of consistency is pure gold.

Game Ideas That Actually Work (and Aren’t Cringe)

One favorite among restaurant and hotel teams is a custom trivia showdown. You can design questions around your team, your customers, or even pop culture. Host a short trivia session before a shift starts or during a team meeting. Keep the rewards light and fun—gift cards, an early-out slip, or a coveted parking spot.

Another great activity is the ShiftNote Scavenger Hunt. Managers drop clues or questions that can only be answered by digging into the ShiftNote logbook. It’s a great way to reinforce using shift notes while adding some friendly competition to the day.

To build stronger team bonds, try “Guess That Team Member.” Share a few fun or surprising facts and let others guess who it is. It’s simple, it sparks conversation, and it gives everyone a chance to shine—especially the quieter employees who might not always speak up.

Recognition games are another easy morale booster. Create spontaneous awards like “Fastest Fryer in the West” or “Most Zen Under Pressure.” Let team members nominate each other each week and hand out mini trophies or shoutouts in pre-shift huddles. If you’re looking for more quick wins, don’t miss our post on 10 easy employee appreciation ideas for shift-based teams.

If you want to add a light layer of daily fun, Workplace Bingo is a great low-lift option. Fill a Bingo card with common shift moments—like “customer says ‘I’ll have what she’s having’” or “clocked out on time.” It gives your team a playful way to stay engaged with the workday.

Looking for even more inspiration? StaffCircle’s guide to fun office games offers creative options for every type of team, while Indeed’s roundup of morale-boosting team activities is packed with helpful suggestions that go beyond games.

Keep It Optional and Make It Count

One thing to remember—games should never feel like mandatory fun. Participation should always be optional and pressure-free. Keep things inclusive, low-cost, and easy to manage. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.

And don’t forget to document the fun. Use ShiftNote to capture wins, track participation, and record feedback from employees. These notes become part of your operational history and show a pattern of engagement that can be incredibly valuable over time.

Conclusion

Fun doesn’t have to be the enemy of productivity. In fact, when used wisely, it can be the catalyst your team needs to recharge and reconnect. Whether it’s a trivia game or a quick recognition round, adding a little levity to the day can create stronger, happier teams—and happier teams get the job done.