Summer can be challenging in an office environment; kids are home from school and employees want to go enjoy nice weather, not the break-room coffee. Here are a few ways to bring the office back into focus and get employees reconnected to their work and one another:

Personalized card swap
Nothing makes someone feel appreciated quite like a personal card or a note. The ultimate in employee encouragement, have people sign up for a card swap, then draw names like in secret Santa. Provide blank cards, and have co-workers write something kind and encouraging to the person whose name they drew. This is sure to be a big crowd pleaser and has the benefit of being personal.

Encouragement Jar

A variation on the card swap, encouragement jars are another way to promote employee recognition. Provide participants with small paper bags or jars. Then pass out slips of paper that people can fill out with positive things and stick in one another’s containers, giving everybody a pick-me-up whenever they need one. These activities are fun and personal, and they can be done at a desk.

Potluck
The ultimate way to connect a fragmented workplace, a potluck is a delicious option. Have office mates sign up for different items so there is no overlap, or have an item-specific potluck, in which all participants make one type of food, such as cookies or dips and spreads. Nothing puts people in a good mood quite like delicious food, and happy people are better, more productive workers.

Office crossword
Print out crosswords and offer prizes to participants who get the most correct answers. There are sites that can generate personalized crosswords with the words of your choice; have employees submit clues about themselves or favorite clients, past activities or office jargon. It’s sure to be fun, and best of all, it’s an activity that will be relaxing and quiet.

Flash award ceremony
Everyone likes recognition for a job well done; take five minutes one day and have a quick awards ceremony. It will boost morale and give everyone a chance to interact. Winners can receive a gift certificate with a personalized note, turn a prize wheel for various options, an extra personal day or early leave time.

Photo matchup
The ultimate in throwback Thursday, have a baby photo matchup. Ask employees to email in baby pictures and create a billboard with all of the submissions. Everyone will love trying to figure out who is who, and it will get employees interacting and bonding; anyone will tell you that employees getting along is a major production boost.