Happy hour isn’t just a welcome break from the daily work routine. Employee social events have positive effects long after they’re over, including breaking down hierarchical barriers, improving communication, and encouraging collaboration. 

Planning a successful company happy hour means creating an inclusive experience that allows your team to connect, relax, and recharge. We’re making the planning process smoother with happy hour invitations that capture the vibe of your event, along with a list of our favorite after-work happy hour ideas for in-office, hybrid, and out-of-office formats so you can plan the perfect happy hour for your team. 

Happy hour at the workplace

Find inspiration in our favorite office happy hour ideas, whether you’re gathering the team to recognize achievements, promote team building, or encourage everyone to unwind. We’ve added modifications for online employees to join in the fun, too!

Craft wording for your happy hour invitations that rallies the troops effectively, and add a link to the virtual location so remote guests can get there in just a few clicks. Send invitations via text, email, or shareable link so attendees can access the fun from any device. 

1. Office field day

Turn the office into an arena for friendly competition with an office field day. Include games that don’t rely on athletic prowess, like chair races or paper toss contests. Medals and all the pomp and circumstance make it a momentous occasion. Whether you hold it every four years is up to you!

2. Holiday-themed activities

If you’re getting together during the fall season, encourage employees to show off their Halloween costumes or have a pumpkin carving contest. During the winter holidays, decorate ornaments, make snow globes, or host a white elephant gift exchange. No matter what you choose, you’ll build tradition and excitement for these annual events.

3. Food truck festival

Treat the team to lunch in a major way by hosting a food truck festival in the parking lot. Best for a large group or the entire organization, a food truck fest is a fun way to celebrate surpassing a goal, welcome new team members, or enjoy some gourmet street food in a relaxed environment. Invite food trucks that appeal to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, and make exploring new foods together a delectable way for employees to bond. 

4. Portrait sessions

If your organization needs headshots of employees, make it fun! Refresh the standard-issue company photoshoot day into a happy hour featuring light snacks and beverages to warm up the vibe. If it’s part of your company culture, encourage employees to bring props that show their personality and interests and watch them light up in front of the camera. (Don’t forget a group shot for your company holiday card!)

5. Board game break

Set up a spread of classic board games, including childhood staples, strategy-based games, and quick-play card games. Employees will gravitate toward their favorites and can break into small groups for stress-free gameplay. Add in snacks like popcorn, pretzels, and candy for a lighthearted break.

6. Charcuterie board creation 

Add crackers and cheese to a relaxing get-together, and you’ll take it to another level! Buy or make wooden charcuterie boards, and bring in an expert to lead the group in arranging fruit, crackers, nuts, and cheeses into a social media-worthy display. Everyone can sip and snack along the way, and keep their boards to show off their newfound skills. 

7. Personality test

Try a unique, insightful twist on a company happy hour idea by having employees take a personality test or enneagram quiz that reveals their motivations, traits, or work styles. Bring in an expert to talk through results and encourage employees to share their experiences in an open forum. They’ll learn more about themselves, each other, and how they work together. 

8. Trivia game

Spark a little friendly competition with a trivia contest. Divide into teams, either in-person, virtually, or a combination. Cover a range of topics like pop culture or history, or make it personal with company and employee-specific questions. Up the ante by offering prizes for the winning team. 

9. Scavenger hunt

Turn happy hour into a mission with a scavenger hunt full of clues and challenges that spark creativity and camaraderie. Divided into groups, employees will band together to find hidden treasures or solve riddles leading to the next clue. Make it virtual by using your company website as the playing field and allowing employees to communicate in breakout rooms. 

10. Game show

Host a game show-themed happy hour to encourage collaboration and quick thinking. Divide everyone into teams and have them compete to answer general or industry-related questions. Make the game show a happy hour mainstay so employees regularly compete to dethrone the reigning champs. 

11. Icebreakers

Get the group to know each other a little better with fun icebreaker games. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Guess Who?: Divide into two teams to play a personalized edition of the popular board game featuring photos of your staff. Use character traits or professional quirks as questions to evoke major laughs along the way. 
• Emoji introductions: Ask everyone to introduce themselves with three emojis that describe their personality and see how long it takes teammates to identify each other. 
• Baby photo contest: Ask team members to submit baby or childhood photos of themselves and guess who’s who. 

Company happy hour ideas out of the office

Time to set an out-of-office reply! These versatile company happy hour ideas make everyone feel appreciated, and they work in any happy hour location you choose.

Add a Travel Block to your invitation to include directions, links, and venue information so everyone knows exactly where to go. Once at the event, use the Paperless Post app to quickly check in your guests, keeping things organized and flowing smoothly.

12. Mixology class

Take the team on the road or bring a mixologist to the office for a specialty cocktail or mocktail class. For an in-person experience, encourage mixing and mingling as the crew enjoys their creations; make it a virtual outing by sending supplies or comping a grocery run. At the end of the class, toast to a successful event and send out recipe cards so they can recreate their experience whenever the mood strikes. 

13. Yoga or meditation session

Refresh, reset, and rejuvenate with a guided yoga or meditation practice. The session can be tailored so that it’s accessible to all skill levels, or you may opt for a meditation-only practice—either work for in-office or remote employees. This wellness activity boosts energy, reduces stress, and helps employees feel supported. 

14. Movie matinée

Treat the team to an afternoon at the movies or bring the experience to them with an in-office or virtual screening of a film that aligns with their interests, be it a classic comedy or inspirational documentary. Provide popcorn, candy, and soda for a truly cinematic experience, and let the crew unwind and enjoy a break from the workday. 

15. Planting event

Get grounded with a horticulturally-inspired activity, whether it’s visiting a greenhouse, creating a terrarium, or potting plants at the office. Working with plants can be a stress reliever, and promotes a bond between employees as they learn about different plant species, gardening techniques, and sustainability. Send planting kits to remote workers so everyone can enjoy a moment with nature.

16. Picnic

Enjoy an al fresco happy hour outside the office or at a nearby park before the commute home. Offer a mix of snacks and beverages and up the entertainment value with games like frisbee, bocce, or lawn darts. A laid-back atmosphere encourages employees to connect and enjoy a reprieve before returning to their routine. 

17. Live music

Live music sets the stage for a relaxed happy hour at the workplace, encouraging employees to mingle over beverages and light bites while enjoying catchy tunes. Choose the genre depending on the objectives of your gathering—chill acoustics work for a weekday reset, or you can opt for a lively jazz ensemble to get the energy going.

18. Themed tasting

Invite an expert or take the show on the road for a sophisticated tasting experience. Wine and whiskey are popular options, or choose something seasonally or regionally inspired: a chocolate tasting for a Valentine’s Day happy hour or apple sampling at a local orchard during peak picking season. 

19. Arcade outing

Feel like a kid again with a trip to a retro arcade or modern game bar. A variety of games like pinball, pop-a-shot, and video games means there’s something for everyone. Non-gamers can unwind and catch up over nostalgic snacks like soft pretzels and pizza rolls. 

20. Indoor or outdoor golf

Get into the swing of things, no matter the season! Take the team outside for a mini-golf or driving range outing, or reserve a bay at a year-round indoor facility. Set up challenges for the pros and beginners alike so everyone has a chance to participate and win. Longest drive, best outfit—there’s something for everyone! 

21. Local sports game

Take the team out to the ballgame for a group outing away from the office. There’s something for every budget: rent an all-inclusive suite or buy a block of bleacher seats along with food and beverage vouchers. Consider supporting your nearby college or university sports team to build community bonds and get a bigger bang for your buck. 

22. Local culture tour

Get out of the office and hit the town for a guided tour of a museum, local historical landmark, art gallery, or culturally significant site. Tours can typically be tailored to the team’s interests, and many offer personalized, private experiences for your group—your employees will love learning new things and bonding over an enriching experience. 

23. Latte art class

Coffee culture and team building? Count us in! Amp up the typical coffee break with a latte art class led by a barista. Invite them to your office, or take a trip to your local coffee shop for a latte art demonstration. Perfect for all skill levels, beginners and coffee connoisseurs alike will love the chance to create, socialize, and get a caffeine buzz. 

24. Pottery class

Prompt your team to explore their creative sides with a pottery class led by a skilled professional. This tactile activity encourages focus and mindfulness and is accessible to everyone—whether or not they’ve ever laid hands on a pottery wheel. They’ll love their bud vases, coffee mugs, or paperweights and the shared experience of getting messy together. 

25. Volunteer day

Nothing unites a team like a good cause. Volunteering is an excellent way to create strong internal bonds and give back to the community, and there are plenty of ways to do it. A toy drive, community clean-up, or partnership with a nonprofit organization strengthens the team’s connection as they work together to benefit something bigger than themselves. 

Plan the perfect happy hour with Paperless Pro

Whether you’re hosting an office gathering, a hybrid celebration, or an outdoor adventure, Paperless Pro is here to help, with our customizable happy hour invitation designs to get your group excited and RSVP tracking features to help you plan it all effortlessly. 

Include your company’s brand colors and logo in the invitation design and event page for a polished look, and add a Details Block to communicate expectations and provide necessary information like date, time, attire, and items to bring, so everyone is on the same page and ready to party.

By thoughtfully curating a happy hour experience, you can boost morale, show appreciation for your employees, and create lasting memories. So select your favorite ideas, summon the squad, and let Paperless Pro elevate your next happy hour into an unforgettable event! 

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