Work Happy Hour Ideas
As many companies have transitioned to hybrid work scenarios, you may be looking for different ways to bring your team together or boost team morale. Consider hosting a routine happy hour for your team during the workday. It’s a nice treat for your hardworking team and something that everyone can look forward to.
Check out these tips for making your office happy hour fun.
Date and Time
Consider everyone’s schedule and try to pick a day and time that works for the majority of the team. Is there a day that most people are in the office, or a day that is light on meetings? If so, that’s a great place to start.
Set a standard cadence whether it is once a week or once a month, to give your employees something to look forward to.
A Theme
A theme always makes a party more fun and decorations help create a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few you might want to consider:
Ice Cream Social – Offer a variety of ice cream and toppings (maybe even boozy milkshakes). Have a few savory treats like french fries as a snack offering to balance out the sweetness. Another option is to host a nitro ice cream shop. It makes for more of an experience as it’s both delicious and impressive to watch.
Pretzel Day – It’s sure to be a hit among The Office fans. Although National Pretzel Day is April 26, you can host a pretzel happy hour anytime. Order in your pretzels and have different toppings and dipping sauces for your team to choose from.
Taco Tuesday – Every hour is a good hour for tacos. Bring in tacos and salsa, make margaritas, and play a few rounds of Loteria for a fun afternoon.
Tea Party – Enjoy fancy cakes, cute scones, and little sandwiches with tea and coffee. You could also serve beer and wine in teacups!
Drinks
Offer a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
If you’re looking to provide alcohol, pick up a variety pack of beer and a few canned cocktails. You can also premake a large batch cocktail, like sangria or margaritas.
While happy hours are generally known for their alcohol, you can still host a happy hour without it. Get creative with a specialty whipped coffee, lemonade, punch or mocktail to treat your team. If you’ve decided to do a theme, choose a drink that fits it.
Games
Plan some fun activities or games to encourage socializing and help team members get to know each other better.
Consider a scavenger hunt in the office where the winner gets a gift card. You can also host an Office Olympics with obstacles ranging from a wastebasket toss to paper airplane throws and office chair relays.
There are many sets of cards that focus on movie and music trivia that can be a great hit as well as general trivia and bingo.
Mini fried chicken sandwiches offered on Bottleneck restaurant catering menus.
Food
You can opt for finger foods or a full meal, depending on the time of day and the duration of the event.
Instead of making anything at home, take the stress out by catering.
By following these tips, you can host a successful in-office happy hour that everyone will enjoy and remember.
If planning an in-office happy hour isn’t feasible or you want to switch things up one month, you can always take a trip to a nearby happy hour spot. City Works and Old Town Pour House have great happy hour options and the upbeat atmosphere will be taken care of.