7 Fun, Affordable, Fall-Themed Team Activities

Team building activities aren’t just to put something cute on the company calendar. The relationships that these events can foster helps boost employee engagement, increase job satisfaction, and reduce turnover rates. With a 2023 Gallup poll showing that 49% of employees are “actively searching or looking for another job,” employers need to be mindful of ways to create a company where team members can see themselves staying long-term. Creating a culture where employees enjoy one another’s company and feel appreciated is just one tool to increase retention. 

So, are you ready to celebrate the fall season with some fun events, but don’t want to spend thousands on an autumn retreat to a rustic getaway? Check out these 7 affordable ideas for fun events to host with your employees. 

• Host a pumpkin carving, pumpkin decorating, fall crafting, or other craft contest. Put on some great tunes, get crafting, and have employees vote on the best creations! Prizes are optional.
• Hold a fall photo challenge. Have employees take photos of share photos at pumpkin patches, drinking apple cider, hay bale rides, and more.
• Run a costume or office decorating contest and let employees vote on favorites. You may have an ambitious employee who’s willing to dress their office up as the pumpkin patch from It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
• Volunteer with your team at a local charity, shelter, food pantry, or other nonprofit. Consider volunteering before Thanksgiving since most nonprofits see an uptick in companies interested in volunteering as the holiday season rolls around. If you partner with a charity, ask them about their greatest needs. Giving boosts your team’s morale but should also address the organization’s greatest needs. 
• Hold a potluck fall party where everyone brings their favorite dish. Include a sign up sheet so employees with allergies or dietary restrictions can elect to bring  compliant foods (gluten free baguettes, anyone?).
• Go outside! Visit a pumpkin patch, go for a team hike, go picnicking, or kayaking. Outdoor activities are a great way to get out of the office, see the great outdoors, and build relationships in an entirely new environment.
• Start a gratitude chain. Instead of a secret Santa, put everyone’s name in a jar, shake it up, and have each person draw the name of someone else. It’s each person’s challenge to find a way to express gratitude, secretly and in a meaningful way, to the person whose name they drew. 

If you try any of these ideas, we’d love to give your company a shoutout on social media - send us your fun, autumn-awesomeness to dawn@sipleythebest.com!