Recommended indoor games and recreational activities for the workplace
We’re introducing recommended indoor games and recreational activities you can enjoy at the office!
Good communication with your coworkers is essential to keeping work running smoothly.
But with everyone so busy, many people end up “only talking about work,” don’t they?
If you feel like it’s hard to ask for help or there’s no one you can consult with, we recommend trying some recreational games.
These days, opportunities like icebreakers—aimed at building rapport with those around you—are becoming more common.
By playing together and sharing enjoyable moments, conversations will naturally increase, and your work may become easier too!
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- [Simple Games] Recommended Indoor Recreational Activities for Adults
- Fun activities that liven up the office: recreation games
- Fun games recommended for making friends with people you’ve just met
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- [Part 2] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for December
- Games that liven up social and networking gatherings
- Break the ice with intros and team battles! Party games to spice up your welcome event
- A collection of simple indoor recreational games
- [For Adults] Fun recreational games. Perfect for short breaks too!
- Brain-teasing game roundup
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
Recommended Indoor Office Games and Recreational Activities (11–20)
NG word game
The “NG Word Game” is played by each person sticking a piece of paper with an NG (forbidden) word on their forehead, visible to everyone else.
If you say your own NG word during the conversation, you lose.
Use skillful conversation to coax others into saying their NG words.
Of course, you don’t know your own NG word, so be careful not to be tricked into saying it!
human disentanglement puzzle
In the “Human Knot” game, all participants first form a circle facing inward.
With their right hand, they each grasp the hand of someone who is not standing next to them.
Then they do the same with their left hand, again choosing someone who is not next to them.
From this tangled position, they work to untangle themselves until they form one large circle.
You can also make it a team competition and race against the clock.
Picture shiritori
Games you can play in short spare moments are popular too, right? If you’re looking for something like that, I recommend this game: “Picture Shiritori.” The basic rule is to play the classic time-killer shiritori using drawings.
Since the quality of the drawings can make it unclear what’s being depicted, you’ll sometimes need to guess what the picture is.
paper tower
I think many people are looking for brain-engaging recreational activities.
In such cases, I recommend a game called “Paper Tower.” The rules are very simple: the person who stacks paper the highest wins.
You compete to see how efficiently you can build the tallest stack within a time limit, so use your head and devise a strategy.
Stand-up game
This is a “Stand-Up Game” where players who match the number get to move on.
Players call out numbers in turn.
The maximum number you can call is the number of people present.
The moment a number is called, each person chooses to either stand up or stay seated.
If the number of people who stand matches the number that was called, those players are out of the game (i.e., they win that round).
It’s a quick and easy game you can play without preparing anything.
Othello
When it comes to games we often played as kids, Othello definitely comes to mind! I bet most of you have played it at least once.
Even if shogi’s rules are tough, Othello feels like something everyone can handle.
If we turned it into a tournament and gave a prize to the champion, it would probably be even more exciting!
Darts Tournament
When you have new members joining the team, it’s fun to hold a recreational tournament to build camaraderie.
For anyone looking for that kind of activity, a darts tournament is highly recommended.
These days there are plenty of places like darts bars where you can play, so rent a spot and give it a try.
It might look difficult at first, but even beginners can enjoy it more than you’d expect, so definitely give it a go.
Bowling
Bowling is a classic recreational activity.
It’s easy for anyone to play, so it’s a safe bet that’ll liven things up in any situation—I highly recommend it.
Of course, some people might find it boring to just bowl as usual, so in that case, try adding rules like “no English allowed.” If you prepare a penalty game as well, it can get really heated.
linked ring traversal
For those who want to try a slightly more elaborate recreation activity, we recommend the Linked Ring Pass.
Split into several groups holding hands, and, without letting go or using your hands, pass a ribbon ring around the group.
Playing background music or using paper ribbons makes it even more exciting.
Because it’s a cooperative game, it helps everyone bond regardless of seniority—no doubt you’ll grow closer.
Domino
Dominoes is something everyone has tried.
By being creative with how you set them up, you can do all sorts of things, giving it a high degree of freedom and making the thrill of success all the greater.
To make it work, you need patience and concentration, which help develop skills useful for work.
If a company introduces it for moments when focus dips, when you want to concentrate, or for stress relief, it might even boost productivity.
Plus, doing it with a group fosters teamwork and can improve the overall atmosphere in the office.