10 Office Competition Ideas to Boost Team Spirit: Fun & Creative Office Competition Ideas For a Happier WorkplaceMarian ColeSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Desk Makeover Challenge2. Office Trivia Showdown3. 5-Minute Pitch Contest4. Coffee Art Bake-Off5. Murder Mystery Lunch6. Chair Race Relay7. Artwork Swap Challenge8. Speed Typing Contest9. “Pitch the Boss” Hackathon10. Office OlympicsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, I organized what I thought was a harmless office décor contest. I underestimated just how competitive accountants can get—let’s just say we had three broken staplers, a cubicle covered entirely in tinfoil, and one very confused cleaning crew. But that fiasco taught me something: small, well-thought-out competitions can ignite creativity and camaraderie without chaos.In fact, playing with space—whether in a living room or within the office—can often spark even better ideas. The same way I use creative space planning in interior projects, you can channel that into games that unite teams. Here are 10 office competition ideas that have worked wonders in real life, with my personal spin.1. Desk Makeover ChallengeGive everyone a theme—minimalist, tropical, vintage—and a small budget. It's amazing how a well-placed plant or a clever organizer transforms a space. Be warned: it might spark permanent desk envy.save pin2. Office Trivia ShowdownMix company history with random pop culture. The blend keeps things light, while adding that extra layer of “I knew it!” bragging rights. Easy to organize and great for team mixers.save pin3. 5-Minute Pitch ContestEmployees pitch any product idea in five minutes. Encourages public speaking, creativity, and bold thinking. Just keep a timer handy to avoid the “TED Talk length” trap.save pin4. Coffee Art Bake-OffMix a latte art competition with cookie baking. Your office will smell like a café, and everyone wins—because everyone eats. Just remember to have a plan for all that sugar.save pin5. Murder Mystery LunchAssign characters, serve lunch, and solve the mystery together. It’s immersive, hilarious, and low prep if you use ready-made mystery kits. This one is perfect for mid-week energy slumps.save pin6. Chair Race RelayYes, it’s as silly as it sounds. A clear hallway, office chairs, and a stopwatch. Just… maybe choose one with good wheels to avoid injuries. Space planning skills from a detailed floor setup help keep chaos under control.save pin7. Artwork Swap ChallengeTask each team to create an original piece to hang up for a month. Even the least ‘artsy’ folks get creative when their work will be on display in the break room.save pin8. Speed Typing ContestLow-cost, stress-free, and it taps into just enough competitiveness without derailing work schedules. Bonus: a nice excuse to finally clean your keyboard.save pin9. “Pitch the Boss” HackathonShort, intense brainstorming sessions that can lead to real workflow improvements. You’d be surprised how many brilliant ideas come from outside the management team.save pin10. Office OlympicsA multi-event day: paper plane javelin, rubber band archery, desk chair slalom. Gets people moving, laughing, and bonding. A smart office layout makes each station easier to set up.save pinFAQ1. What are inexpensive office competition ideas?Trivia contests, speed typing, and desk makeovers can cost almost nothing but still be engaging.2. How often should office competitions be held?Monthly or quarterly keeps them special without overloading employees or disrupting work.3. Can competitions improve productivity?Yes, Harvard Business Review notes that friendly competition can boost engagement and motivation when balanced well.4. How to make them inclusive?Vary the type—mental, creative, physical—so every employee type feels they can shine.5. Do remote teams benefit too?Absolutely. Virtual trivia or design challenges work well via video calls.6. How to avoid unhealthy rivalry?Focus on team-based goals, rotate groups, and reward creativity as much as “winning.”7. Any legal concerns?Ensure physical games are safe, equipment is suitable, and consent is given for activities—simple waivers can help.8. Can office competitions tie into design?Definitely. Redesign contests or workspace improvement challenges can enhance both morale and the physical environment.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE