Halloween Themed Team Building Activities For The Workplace

Halloween gives the opportunity to incorporate some light hearted fun and something a little different into team building activities. By being that bit more creative and embracing the increasingly popular spooky season in the working environment, it can boost morale, strengthen bonds between employees and increase collaboration and work production. The saying ‘a change is as good as a holiday’ comes to mind as the change in the structure of the often monotonous working day is transformed by the unpredictability of the Halloween ‘holiday’ and can be a welcome relief to the everyday stresses that work brings. Hopefully, by the end of the day, employees will find themselves refreshed, invigorated and full of new ideas, perspectives and enthusiasm for the weeks ahead leading up to Christmas!

None of the team building activities need to be excessive or make any one feel even  slightly uncomfortable. Halloween has changed over the centuries and is now considered to be a time for dressing up, carving pumpkins and eating sweet treats, especially for children. It should be a joyful day, full of laughter and

Therefore, in order to embrace our inner child (which we are told by psychologists that we should be doing in order to keep us happy!), employees may be encouraged to dress in full Halloween themed costumes for the day or even wear a certain colour theme such as green, red or black. Perhaps employees may choose to only wear one themed item or if they wish, just to wear their own choice of clothing for the day. Of course, depending on the type of work and  whether or not you are dealing with the public, discretion may be advised but most companies will have sensible rules so as not to distress, upset or offend anyone.

Pumpkins have become an integral part of Halloween with an estimated ten million grown in the UK each year, with most being carved for Halloween. Many homes will have a lit pumpkin glowing outside their homes or on their windowsills to entice trickers and treaters to help themselves to Halloween sweets and goodies and this tradition is not confined just to homes. Workplaces may choose to provide pumpkins and decorating equipment for work teams to come up with elaborate and unique designs - or disasters! Either way, the activity provides a lot of fun as well as promoting teamwork. Due to the stringent health and safety rules and regulations, it is highly unlikely that a lit candle will be acceptable for obvious reasons. However, many people now opt for battery operated tea lights which are just as effective and much safer for all involved.

Workplaces may initiate their own form of a spooky scavenger hunt with Halloween themed clues, riddles or challenges. A Halloween themed quiz or trivia contest are both something that encourages problem solving and team work as colleagues work together to solve clues and come up with the correct answers.

A great concept which incorporates the trick or treat aspect is to have all employees give treats or notes of positivity to their colleagues throughout the day. Strictly no tricks allowed! This promotes kindness, appreciation and bonding among team members. A similar idea is akin to the ‘secret Santa’ concept where all employees choose a name and then brings in an Autumn themed gift for the recipient up to a certain value. I mention Autumn themed as opposed to Halloween, as I am sure that if I had a choice between unwrapping a plastic bat, some Dracula fangs or a pumpkin scented candle, I know which one I would prefer! Alternatively, employees could be encouraged to have a discussion about charities and then choose to donate to a specific charity which instills a sense of social responsibility while having worked towards a common goal.

Whether your workplace has decided to encourage spooky storytelling around the stationary cupboard or will be treating employees to a pumpkin spice latte throughout the day, by incorporating Halloween inspired activities into the workplace, team members will benefit from a positive bonding process and improved team dynamics.