5 Ideas for 4th of July Workplace Fun

Is your business open on the 4th of July? If so, treat your employees to some 4th of July workplace fun!

They’ll be happier about having to work on a holiday, and it’s an opportunity for team building and employee engagement.

Here are five easy and festive ideas for 4th of July Workplace Fun:

Host A Potluck Party

Challenge your employees to each bring in food that’s red, white, or blue. It’s easy these days with Pinterest – check out all the July 4th inspiration! Post a sign-up sheet so people can choose to bring an appetizer, side dish, entree, or dessert. That way you’ll have both variety and a great looking spread.

As Amy Fisher, communications manager, at the Arlington, Va. Chamber of Commerce, says in a blog post, “The 4th of July: Workplace Edition”:

You’ll end up with a colorful spread that screams ‘We love America!’”

She also suggests making a refreshing, summery punch for everyone, like lemonade or fruit juice with fresh strawberries and blueberries.

If you can, invite workers to eat together outside, in shifts if you need people available at all times for phone coverage or other tasks.

DECorate

Get some 4th of July decorations and festoon your lobby or break room. Nothing says 4th of July workplace fun like a giant “Happy 4th” banner and red, white, and blue streamers and balloons. Take a group photo with the finished product and post it on social media with a 4th of July greeting for customers and others.

Hand out patriotic beaded necklaces, advises eHow contributor Kate Bradley in “4th of July Workplace Ideas.” And, she writes:

“If you don’t mind cleaning up, sprinkle red, white and blue confetti on the floor. For party favors, buy miniature red, white and blue buckets and fill them with candy.”

Who won’t feel better about working the holiday with some office cheer!

Put On a Show

Have a gathering toward the end of the day, serve holiday-themed snacks, and show a fun video featuring employees and leaders. In “10 Ways to Add More Fun to the Workplace This Summer,” Mike Kerr, blogger and author of several books, including The Humor Advantage, had us giggling with his suggestion for “Stealth Disco.” Tell people you’re doing a survey and videotape them answering questions while someone stealthily disco dances in the background. Compile and edit the videos and show them at your gathering.

Kerr predicts uproarious laughter—especially if the video includes your senior managers!

Play Games

OK, so these are all technically kids’ games, but it’s fun to act like a kid sometimes!  And, laughing with coworkers is actually a great way to bond.

Hold a 4th of July-themed Scavenger Hunt in your workplace, buy sidewalk chalk and have a drawing contest outside, or play I Spy or 20 Questions featuring only red, white, and blue items.

Set up break rooms with card and board games to encourage workers to have fun during break time.
If you have the ability to go outside, set-up impromptu outdoor games such as capture the flag and frisbee golf for a fun and memorable work day.

Make It special

The point is, if you’re working on the 4th, make it a special day for you and your workforce.  Consider a personal “thank you” note and a small gift as appreciation for employees working the holiday.  After all, workers are passing on being able to spend the holiday with family and friends to support your business. Not sure what to give?  Give a flag or a gift certificate for something that can be enjoyed by the whole family – “dinner on us” for example. Make your thanks sincere and public, and workers will feel good about helping out in the future too.

Then, when the workday is done, celebrate with your family and friends!

Happy Independence Day, from our business to yours!

For more great tips and insights into building a vibrant culture of engagement and respect, be sure to download our free e-book, “The Top 20 Employee Engagement Blogs You Should be Reading”.

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