Great Games To Play With Co-Workers

Let’s be real: sometimes work can feel a bit, well, blah. Whether you’re in the middle of a long project or just need a quick break, the solution might be right on your desk. That’s right—desk games! Fun desk games can lighten the mood, spark creativity, and even build camaraderie among coworkers. If you’re looking for a way to keep your energy up during the day, we've got just the thing—15 fun work desk games you can play solo or with colleagues.

These games aren’t just time-fillers; they’re productivity boosters and creativity sparks in disguise. And hey, who says work and play can’t mix? So, let’s dive into the list!

15 Fun Work Desk Games to Beat Boredom

1. Sticky Note Flick

A game that’s as simple as it sounds! Grab a stack of sticky notes, set up a makeshift target (it could be your coffee mug or a stack of papers), and flick the notes across your desk. First one to land their note on the target wins! It’s great for hand-eye coordination and relieving stress. Plus, it's fun seeing those sticky notes go flying.

2. Paper Clip Chain Challenge

Turn those mundane office supplies into a quick game. Challenge yourself or a coworker to see who can link the most paper clips together in 60 seconds. You’ll be surprised how competitive this can get, and it's a perfect little distraction for a quick mental reset.

3. Desk Pong

Yes, you heard that right. You don’t need a whole ping-pong table to enjoy a game of pong. Use a couple of cups and a small ball (or even crumpled paper), and take turns bouncing the ball across the desk into the cups. It’s like beer pong, minus the beer (or not—your call).

4. Rubber Band Target Practice

Sometimes, all you need is a rubber band and some targets. Stretch the band, aim for your target (could be a paper cup, stapler, or anything you don’t mind knocking over), and let it fly. It’s surprisingly satisfying to hit your mark, and it’s bound to draw some friendly competition from nearby coworkers.

5. Office Jenga

Get yourself a mini Jenga set for your desk, and challenge your cube neighbors to a round. This game is perfect for those moments when you need a mental break without leaving your desk. Plus, it’s a game that requires focus and strategy, so it’ll still keep those brain cells engaged.

6. Post-It Darts

Create a makeshift dartboard on the side of your cubicle with post-it notes and grab some thumbtacks (safely, of course!). Take turns throwing the tacks at the board. Closest to the bullseye wins. This is a fun one for those end-of-day wind-downs.

7. Paper Football

Relive your school days with a quick game of paper football. Fold a piece of paper into a triangle and flick it across your desk, trying to make it land in the "end zone" (the edge of your desk). You can even add goalposts with your fingers for some extra flair.

8. The "Pen Spin" Showdown

Master the art of pen spinning and challenge your coworkers to a spin-off. The rules? Whoever keeps their pen spinning the longest wins. Sure, it sounds silly, but it’s a fun way to sharpen your reflexes and coordination!

9. 10-Second Tidy Challenge

Turn tidying up into a game by setting a 10-second timer and seeing how much you can organize before the clock runs out. Whether it’s clearing off papers or straightening your desk, it’ll give you a sense of accomplishment and a cleaner workspace—win-win!

10. Minute-to-Win-It Challenge

Get your coworkers involved in quick, one-minute challenges. Whether it’s stacking paper cups, balancing pens, or tossing paper balls into the trash, these mini-games will get your heart racing and your team bonding in no time.

11. Trivia Time

Break out the trivia questions during lunch or between meetings. You can even use a trivia app on your phone or create a few categories yourself. Challenge your colleagues and crown the office trivia champ.

12. Cube Basketball

All you need is a mini hoop and a soft ball. Set up your hoop on the edge of your cubicle and shoot some hoops during your break. It’s a fun way to get a little exercise, even while sitting at your desk.

13. Desk Pet Race

If you’ve got a desk pet (like a wind-up toy or even a plant), turn it into a fun race. Mark a starting and finishing line on your desk, wind up your desk pet, and see whose critter crosses the finish line first!

14. Scribble Challenge

Take a break from typing and do something artistic. Challenge a coworker to a doodle-off. The first person to guess what the other is drawing wins! This one’s great for getting those creative juices flowing and having a laugh at the same time.

15. Pencil Juggling

For the more dexterous, try juggling a couple of pencils between your fingers. It sounds easy, but keeping them from dropping takes skill. It’s a small challenge that can help improve your focus and hand coordination.

Virtual Desk Games for Remote Workers

Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun!

1. Online Games

Bring the excitement of games to your next virtual meeting. You can use a platform like Internet Game to play simple and fun group games online! Want to amp up the stakes? Host a weekly tournament and declare a winner!

2. Online Scattergories

This classic game works great in a virtual environment. Use an online Scattergories generator, share your screen, and let the games begin. You can even customize the categories to match your work culture or interests. Each player has a set amount of time to fill in their answers, and the person with the most unique and correct answers wins.

3. Zoom Pictionary

All you need is a virtual whiteboard feature or any online drawing tool (like Skribbl.io). One person draws, and the others have to guess what it is before time runs out. It’s a quick way to add some fun and creativity to your next video call, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or apps beyond your regular conferencing tool.

4. Two Truths and a Lie (Virtual Edition)

This classic icebreaker is perfect for remote teams. Each person takes a turn stating two truths and one lie about themselves, and the rest of the team has to guess which is the lie. This game is excellent for helping team members get to know each other better and can lead to some hilarious revelations!

5. Virtual Bingo

Create custom bingo cards based on common work-from-home experiences. You can include things like “cat walks across the keyboard,” “forgot you were on mute,” or “coffee break mid-meeting.” Share the bingo cards with your team and mark them off as you experience each situation during the day. The first person to complete a line or full card wins!

6. Emoji Charades

For a quick game that’s perfect for Slack or any chat-based platform, try Emoji Charades. One person picks a movie, book, or phrase and describes it using only emojis. The others have to guess what it is based on the emojis provided. It’s a fun and fast way to inject some playful energy into the workday.

7. Guess the Sound

This one’s a bit quirky but super fun. Each player takes turns playing a sound (it could be anything from jingling keys to a ringing doorbell) while others try to guess what it is. It’s surprisingly challenging and often results in lots of laughter. You can easily play this over Zoom or Teams during a break in your workday.

8. Virtual Desk Pong

You don’t need a physical desk for this one! You can play virtual desk pong using an online pong simulator. Share the screen with your team and take turns trying to score points against each other. It’s a fun way to add a bit of friendly competition to your virtual meeting.

Why Play Work Desk Games?

You might be wondering, "Aren't desk games just a distraction?" Actually, they’re not! Here’s why incorporating these mini-games into your workday can actually help improve productivity and morale:

Boost Creativity: Taking a break from the grind can help refresh your mind, leading to more creative problem-solving.

Relieve Stress: Short, fun activities can lower stress levels and improve your mood.

Team Bonding: Desk games aren’t just for solo fun; they can be great team-building exercises that help strengthen relationships between coworkers.

Increase Focus: Short breaks can improve overall concentration by allowing your mind to rest and recharge.

FAQs About Desk Games

1. Can desk games really improve productivity? Absolutely! Short, structured breaks, like playing desk games, can boost creativity, reduce stress, and help you return to your work with a fresh perspective.

2. What’s the best time to play desk games at work? Usually, during breaks, lunch hours, or after a long project session. Just make sure you're mindful of deadlines and meetings.

3. Are desk games appropriate for every workplace? That depends on the company culture. Many modern workplaces encourage fun and creativity. However, if you're in a more traditional office, it’s a good idea to gauge whether your colleagues and supervisors are on board with a little desk game fun.

4. How can I get my coworkers involved in desk games? Start by introducing simple, low-stakes games like Paper Clip Chain Challenge or Sticky Note Flick. Once your coworkers see how fun and stress-relieving they are, they’ll likely jump on board.

5. Can desk games help with remote work? Definitely! Even if you're working remotely, you can adapt some of these games for virtual play during Zoom meetings or through chat platforms.

Conclusion: Time to Get Playing!

Incorporating games into your workday can do wonders for morale, creativity, and even productivity. The 15 fun work desk games we've covered offer a mix of solo and team-based activities that’ll help break up the monotony of your day. Whether you’re flicking sticky notes or stacking paper clips, these little moments of play can go a long way in making work more enjoyable.