Valentine's Day isn't just about hearts and flowers—it's also the perfect time for you to show employees some well-deserved love and appreciation! While traditional gestures are always appreciated, why not spice things up a bit this year?
Let's explore a few quirky and out-of-the-box ways to make your employees feel extra special on Valentine's Day. 😉
1. Task matchmaker
Spice up your Valentine's Day celebration by creating a playful task matchmaker activity. Craft faux profiles, mimicking popular dating apps, but instead of personal interests, highlight day-to-day tasks and responsibilities specific to each team member's role.
For example, "Samantha, 28, Professional Email Composer seeking someone who appreciates a well-crafted subject line and flawless grammar" or "John, 32, Expert Meeting Scheduler looking for a match who shares a passion for color-coded calendars and efficient agenda management."
Encourage team members to "swipe right" (approve) on tasks they enjoy or find particularly interesting, and "swipe left" (pass) on tasks they'd prefer to delegate or avoid. This interactive activity not only adds a humorous twist to mundane tasks but also serves as a valuable feedback mechanism, allowing team members to express their preferences and insights into their day-to-day responsibilities. Plus, it's a fun way to spark conversations and foster collaboration among team members while gaining valuable insights into their perspectives and work preferences.
2. Heartfelt reactions competition
If your company utilizes an employee engagement app or internal communication platform, why not turn Valentine's Day into a fun competition?
Create a dedicated Valentine's Day group where employees can share their messages, photos, or videos, highlighting their appreciation for their coworkers. Then, challenge employees to compete for the most heart reactions (<3) on their posts. The employee whose post receives the highest number of heart reactions by the end of the day wins a special Valentine's Day prize or recognition.
This competition not only encourages employees to spread love and positivity throughout the workplace but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection as they engage with and support each other's posts. Plus, it adds an element of excitement and friendly competition to the Valentine's Day celebration, making it a memorable and engaging experience for everyone involved.
3. Rom-com workday awards
Invite team members to nominate themselves or their colleagues for quirky categories such as "Most Awkward Customer Encounter," "Best Meet-Cute with a Client," or "Most Unexpected Workplace Romance." (even though maybe you should just skip that last one). Ask them to share anecdotes or funny stories that capture the essence of their workplace rom-com experience.
During the awards ceremony, announce the nominees and winners for each category, sharing their hilarious or heartwarming stories with the team. Consider creating fun awards or certificates to recognize the winners, adding a touch of whimsy to the celebration.
This activity not only provides a lighthearted break from the daily grind but also celebrates the unique and humorous moments that make up the romantic comedy of everyday work life. It's a fun way to bond with colleagues, share laughs, and create lasting memories on Valentine's Day.
4. Love ballads karaoke challenge
Let your employees unleash their inner romantic crooners with a "Love Ballads Karaoke Challenge" this Valentine's Day! Create a playlist filled with classic love ballads, iconic romantic anthems, and feel-good tunes that are sure to set the mood.
Invite team members to participate in a virtual or in-person karaoke challenge where they can choose their favorite love ballad to perform. Encourage creativity and showmanship as they belt out their renditions of beloved classics.
To add an extra element of fun, turn it into a friendly competition by awarding prizes for categories such as "Best Vocal Performance," "Most Creative Interpretation," or "Crowd Favorite." Let the audience, whether in-person or online, vote for their favorite performances to determine the winners.
This activity not only celebrates the spirit of Valentine's Day with timeless love ballads but also provides a fun and memorable way for your internal comms team to bond and showcase their talents. So, grab the mic, strike a pose, and let the love ballads flow!
5. Gift them an employee app they’ll swoon over
With our phones being practically extensions of ourselves, why not give your employees an app they’ll actually enjoy using? Not just any app— a one-stop hub for all things work-related, wrapped up in a sleek, user-friendly package. Just like Speakap. 80% of your employees will immediately adopt the app, way faster than with you-know-who (wink, wink)...
Think of it as your company’s very own digital cupid, bringing everyone together with features like instant messaging, team calendars, and a virtual high-five corner for celebrating wins.
A wonderful opportunity for you to go beyond traditional gestures
So, this Valentine's Day, let's celebrate our employees with love, laughter, and appreciation, making it a day to remember for everyone involved. After all, happy employees are the heart of a successful organization, and what better way to show our gratitude than with a bit of fun and creativity!