33 Engaging January Games For Work [Fun Winter Office Events]

January can feel long, cold, and slow at work. After the holidays, energy often drops.

This is where January games for work can help. Simple games bring people together and lift moods.

They help teams talk, laugh, and relax. Winter games also reduce stress and boredom. You do not need big budgets or long planning.

January Games For Work

Many activities work for both office and remote teams. From quick icebreakers to creative challenges, games make January feel lighter.

A fun workplace helps people feel connected. That connection leads to better teamwork and happier days at work.

33 Engaging January Games For Work

The list below shares fun and easy ideas for winter. These January games for work are simple to run and enjoyable for all ages.

Some games are active. Others are calm and cozy. You can pick what fits your team best.

Use them for meetings, breaks, or team events. Each game helps boost energy and build stronger work bonds.

New Yearโ€™s Resolutions Bingo

Each square has a common resolution like “Drink more water” or “Start journaling.” Great icebreaker!

This game helps people relax and talk. Each bingo card shows common New Year goals.

Examples include saving money or exercising more. Players walk around and find coworkers who match each goal.

They write names in the boxes. The first person to finish a line wins. It works well as an icebreaker. Everyone laughs and learns fun facts.


Office Winter Olympics

Host a series of mini desk challenges – paper toss, chair races, or typing speed contests.

Turn a normal workday into a fun competition. Set up small desk games that are safe and simple.

Try paper ball tosses, fast typing tests, or chair rolling races. Teams can earn points for each activity they complete. No special tools are needed.

This event boosts energy and teamwork. It also helps people feel active during cold winter days.


Snowball Pitch

Everyone writes a new product idea on paper, crumples it, and tosses it into a bin. Randomly pick and pitch it Dragonโ€™s Den style!

Creativity shines in this fun idea game. Each person writes a product or project idea on paper.

The paper is crumpled like a snowball and tossed into a box. One by one, snowballs are picked at random.

The reader pitches the idea like a TV show judge. It removes pressure and sparks fresh thinking.


Guess the Resolution Game

Employees anonymously submit resolutions. Others guess who said what!

This activity adds mystery and smiles. Employees secretly share one New Year’s resolution.

All resolutions are mixed and read aloud. The group guesses who each one belongs to. Funny guesses often lead to laughter.

It helps coworkers know each other better. The game feels light and friendly. No one is forced to share anything personal.


Sticky Note Snowball Fight

Set a timer and see who can cover a coworkerโ€™s desk (or a target board) with the most sticky notes.

This game brings fast fun to the office. Give everyone a stack of sticky notes.

Set a short timer to begin. Players stick notes on a desk, wall, or target board. The goal is to cover as much space as possible.

It feels like a snowball fight without the mess. Laughter usually fills the room.


January Trivia

Questions about January facts, zodiac signs, famous birthdays, and historical events. Winner gets a cozy prize!

Test everyoneโ€™s knowledge in a fun way. Ask questions about January facts and winter topics.

Include zodiac signs, famous birthdays, and key historical moments. People can play alone or in teams. Keep the pace quick to hold attention.

The winner earns a warm and cozy prize. This game works well during breaks or meetings.


Winter Word Scramble

Unscramble winter-related words. Add a time limit to raise the stakes!

This activity challenges the brain. Give players a list of mixed-up winter words.

Examples may include snowflake or hot cocoa. Set a time limit to make it exciting. Players race to solve each word correctly.

Short rounds keep energy high. Itโ€™s simple to set up and fun for all ages.


Who Am I: Winter Edition

Stick a character or object (like โ€œSnowmanโ€ or โ€œIcicleโ€) on someoneโ€™s back – they ask yes/no questions to figure it out.

This guessing game gets everyone talking. A winter word or character is placed on a personโ€™s back. They cannot see it.

The player asks yes or no questions to the group. Questions help narrow the answer.

Laughter builds with every guess. It works well for small groups and quick breaks.


Desk Decorating Contest (Winter Theme)

Give people 30 minutes to decorate using only office supplies. Vote for “Most Creative,” “Coziest,” or “Most Outrageous.”

Creativity takes center stage in this challenge. Give everyone a short time to decorate their desk.

Only office supplies are allowed. No outside items can be used. After time is up, coworkers vote on fun categories.

Examples include the most creative or coziest desk. This game adds color and winter cheer.


Cozy Cocoa Contest

Employees bring in homemade hot cocoa recipes. Taste test + vote = winter happiness.

Warm drinks make winter better. Employees bring their own hot cocoa recipes from home.

Everyone tastes small samples together. Flavors may include spices or sweet toppings.

After tasting, people vote for their favorite cup. Simple prizes add excitement. This contest feels cozy and joyful. Itโ€™s perfect for cold January afternoons.


Virtual Snowman Drawing

Everyone draws a snowman… with their eyes closed. Show off the masterpieces on Zoom.

This game works great for remote teams. Ask everyone to close their eyes and draw a snowman.

No peeking is allowed. Use paper or a digital drawing tool. When time is up, people share their drawings on Zoom.

The results are often silly and fun. Everyone enjoys showing their creative mistakes.


This or That: Winter Edition

Break the ice with fun polls: Skiing or skating? Hot cocoa or coffee?

Start quick and friendly conversations with this game. Ask simple winter choices.

Examples include skiing or skating. Hot cocoa or coffee also works. People answer by raising their hands or voting online.

There are no wrong answers. It keeps things light and playful. The game helps teammates relax and connect.


New Year Meme-Off

Share your best 2025-themed meme in Slack or Teams. Funniest wins a prize!

Laughter spreads fast with this challenge. Ask employees to share a funny New Year meme.

The theme can focus on 2025 goals or work-life. Memes are posted in Slack or Teams.

Everyone votes with emojis or reactions. The funniest post wins a small prize. This game boosts team spirit online.


Remote Resolution Reveal

Guess which coworker submitted each new year’s goal in a shared doc or presentation.

This game works well for online teams. Coworkers submit their New Year goals in advance.

All responses are added to a shared doc or slides. During the call, one resolution is read at a time.

Everyone guesses who wrote it. Funny guesses create laughs. It helps teammates learn more about each other.


Zoom Freeze Dance

Play music and randomly pause it – anyone still moving is out. Last one dancing wins!

This activity adds energy to virtual meetings. Play fun music and ask everyone to dance on camera.

At random times, pause the music. Anyone still moving is out. The last person frozen wins the game.

It feels silly in a good way. This game helps people relax and move during long workdays.


Winter Scavenger Hunt (Home Edition)

โ€œFind a scarf, a candle, something blueโ€ฆโ€ Fastest finder gets points!

This fast game is easy to set up. A host reads out winter items to find.

Examples include a scarf, a candle, or something blue. Players rush around their homes to grab items. Each correct item earns points.

Speed matters most. It keeps remote teams active and smiling.


Guess the Baby Photo โ€“ New Yearโ€™s Eve Edition

Guess which baby pic belongs to each team member. Bonus if they’re dressed in sparkly NYE outfits!

This game brings smiles right away. Ask everyone to share one baby photo before the event.

Mix all photos into a slide deck. Show them one by one. The group guesses which baby each is.

Extra fun comes from sparkly outfits or party clothes. It feels warm and personal. Great for bonding.


Winter Pictionary (Online Tools like Skribbl)

Use winter-themed words and compete in teams.

This drawing game is perfect for winter fun. Use online tools like Skribbl to play together.

Choose winter-themed words such as snowman or mittens. One person draws while others guess.

Teams earn points for correct answers. Fast rounds keep it exciting. No art skills are needed. Everyone can join and enjoy.


Desk Show & Tell

Everyone shows a favorite item on their desk that helps them feel cozy or motivated.

This activity feels calm and friendly. Each person shows one item from their desk.

It could be a mug, a photo, or a small plant. They explain why it matters to them.

Some items bring comfort. Others give motivation. Listening builds connection. Itโ€™s simple, personal, and great for team trust.


January Jeopardy (Using Google Slides or Kahoot!)

Customize categories like โ€œFrozen Films,โ€ โ€œ2024 Recap,โ€ โ€œJanuary Facts,โ€ and more.

Turn learning into a fun game show. Create a Jeopardy-style board using Slides or Kahoot.

Add January-themed categories like movies, facts, or last yearโ€™s highlights. Players choose questions and earn points.

Teams can work together. The format feels familiar and exciting. It keeps everyone focused and laughing at the same time.


Snowperson Building Challenge

Those in-office build real ones; remote teammates use craft supplies or draw theirs. Everyone votes online.

This activity works for all teams. Office staff can build real snowpeople outside if the weather allows.

Remote teammates can draw or craft their own at home. Everyone shares photos online. Coworkers vote for their favorites.

Categories can include the funniest or most creative. It celebrates winter fun no matter where people work.


Hot Chocolate Cheers

Send kits to remote employees and have a cozy drink together on Zoom.

Warm moments matter in winter. Send hot chocolate kits to remote employees ahead of time.

Schedule a short Zoom call to enjoy the drink together. People can share toppings or flavors they like.

Casual chats flow naturally. This simple activity helps teams relax. It feels cozy, thoughtful, and inclusive.


Winter Walk & Snap Challenge

Teams take pictures of winter scenes on walks. Best photo wins!

This game encourages fresh air and movement. Teams go on short walks during the day.

While walking, they take photos of winter scenes. It could be trees, skies, or snowy streets.

Photos are shared in a group chat. Everyone votes for the best one. It helps people relax and enjoy the season.


Mystery Team Buddy

Pair up random teammates weekly to check in or share fun facts – a great way to build connections across locations.

This activity builds new connections at work. Each week, teammates are paired at random.

Buddies can send a message or have a short chat. They may share fun facts or check in. No pressure is involved.

It works well for remote and office teams. Over time, people feel more connected and included.


Gratitude Snowball Chain

Each person writes something they appreciate about a teammate and passes it on. Watch it grow into a snowball of positivity!

Kind words make a big difference. Each person writes one thing they appreciate about a coworker.

The note is passed to someone else. That person adds another message. The list keeps growing like a snowball.

Soon, many names and notes appear. This game spreads positivity and boosts team morale.


Pet in the Snow Photo Contest

Encourage employees to share pictures of their pets enjoying the winter weather (or avoiding it!)

This game brings instant joy. Employees share photos of their pets during winter.

Some pets may love the snow. Others may hide from it. Both are welcome. Photos are posted in a group channel.

Coworkers vote for their favorites. Funny moments often win. Itโ€™s a light way to connect and smile together.


Winter Playlist Collaboration

Create a shared Spotify playlist featuring cozy or upbeat winter songs.

Music helps set the winter mood. Create one shared playlist for the team. Everyone adds a few cozy or upbeat songs.

Slow tunes and happy beats both work well. The playlist grows over time. People can listen while working.

It feels personal and fun. This activity is easy and brings teams together through music.


Winter Walk & Talk

Pair up for a short outdoor stroll and chat about goals, ideas, or just life.

This activity mixes movement and conversation. Pair teammates for a short walk outside.

They can talk about goals or daily life. No work pressure is needed. Fresh air helps clear the mind.

Remote and office staff can both join. It supports wellness and connection. Even short walks can feel refreshing.


Snow Drawing Contest

Draw large designs in the snow with your feet or tools. Best design wins.

This game turns snow into a canvas. Players draw large shapes or pictures in the snow.

They can use their feet, sticks, or simple tools. Creativity matters more than skill. Designs are shared through photos.

Coworkers vote for the best one. Itโ€™s playful and active. Perfect for enjoying fresh winter snow.


Cold Weather Relay

Relay games with a twist: gloves, scarves, and snow make it trickier (and funnier!).

This relay race adds a winter twist. Teams race while wearing gloves, scarves, or hats.

Snow and bulky clothes move more slowly. Thatโ€™s part of the fun. Simple tasks keep it safe and light.

Laughter usually follows every round. This game boosts teamwork and energy. Great for outdoor winter events.


Fire Pit Friday

If your workplace allows, gather outside around a fire pit with hot drinks and stories.

This activity creates a cozy outdoor moment. If allowed, teams gather around a fire pit.

Warm drinks help everyone stay comfortable. People share stories or casual chats.

No agenda is needed. The setting feels relaxed and calm. Itโ€™s a nice way to end the week together during winter.


Build a Bird Feeder Challenge

Use recycled materials to create the best feeder – then hang them outdoors to help winter birds.

This challenge mixes creativity with kindness. Teams use recycled items to build bird feeders.

Bottles, boxes, or cans work well. No fancy tools are needed. When finished, hang the feeders outside.

Winter birds benefit from the food. Photos can be shared for voting. It feels good to help nature together.


Outdoor Office Olympics

Snowball toss, sled races (on trays?), or speed-shoveling challenges.

Turn winter weather into a game. Set up fun outdoor challenges for teams.

Try safe snowball tosses or short races. Trays can work as sleds if allowed. Speed shoveling can be added too.

Keep rules simple and safe. Points make it exciting. This event brings laughter and fresh air to workdays.


Conclusion

January does not have to feel dull or slow at work. With the right activities, it can become a fun and positive month.

These January games for work help teams relax, connect, and enjoy winter together.

Small moments of fun can improve mood and teamwork. Games also make people feel included, whether they work in the office or remotely.

You can try one game or mix several across the month. What matters most is sharing time and laughter.

A happy start to the year builds stronger teams. That energy can carry forward into the months ahead.

Engage With Us

Which January games for work did your team enjoy the most? Have you tried any fun winter activities not listed here?

Share your ideas and experiences in the comments. Your suggestions may inspire other teams.

If you found this list helpful, feel free to share it with coworkers or friends. Letโ€™s make January more fun together.

Your friendly neighborhood. I do SEO (Freelance Content Writer), and sometimes I cook food.

Leave a Comment