How to Boost In-Office Engagement with Celebrations and Team Activities

After years of hybrid work experiments, one thing is clear: people come into the office for people. In fact, according to Robin’s latest Office Space Report 2025, based on a survey of nearly 400 office decision-makers, companies are doubling down on in-office celebrations, team events, and cultural moments to make the office a place employees want to be, not just have to be.

This shift marks a key evolution in hybrid work strategy. Office leaders aren’t just focused on filling desks—they’re designing environments that foster connection, creativity, and culture. If you’re an office manager or workplace leader wondering how to make this happen, we’ve got you covered.

Why In-Office Engagement Matters More Than Ever

Our report uncovered that as office occupancy is projected to double this year, companies are being much more intentional about what happens when people actually show up. Gone are the days of "come in whenever" policies. Now, teams are bringing employees back for purpose-driven experiences. In fact, our report found that purpose and people are the two factors that drive employees back to the office.

This focus on meaningful engagement is no coincidence, when employees feel connected to their colleagues and company culture, they’re more likely to view the office as a valuable space, rather than just a place to sit.

Planning Events with Purpose (and Less Stress)

For office managers, these events are a golden opportunity to build vibrant, people-first workplaces—but they also come with a lot of logistics. The good news? Workplace technology can help.

Here are some quick, practical tips for planning office celebrations and team activities, using tech to streamline the process:

1. Coordinate spaces and services in advance: Celebrating a big win? Hosting a guest speaker? Use booking tools and meeting service solutions to secure the right space and the right amenities. Whether that’s a large conference room with pastries and hot coffee or a hybrid-ready meeting area with lunch catering and special AV, preparation is key.

2. Send smart reminders: Integrate your event schedule with office announcements so employees get automated reminders about what’s happening—and why it matters. Tie these events into broader communication channels like Slack or Teams to create buzz.

3. Track and Learn from Attendance Trends: Occupancy data doesn’t just tell you how many people came in—it can also reveal what types of events draw the biggest crowds. Use your workplace analytics tools to spot trends and fine-tune your engagement strategy over time.

What Works: Engagement Inspiration from Leading Companies

Here’s what companies are doing to make their offices places employees want to visit, according to our conversations with workplace leaders:

✨ Weekly wins and quick celebrations: Teams gather for a quick celebration (with snacks) to recognize individual and team achievements. These events offer natural opportunities for informal connection and culture-building.

🎉 Onsite-only perks: Some companies save certain experiences for in-office days—like catered breakfasts, coffee carts, or wellness pop-ups—to make being onsite feel special.

🤝 Team on-sites: Instead of expensive offsite retreats, companies are investing in well-planned, purpose-driven in-office days that blend work, collaboration, and social time.

🏆 Office challenges and competitions: Whether it’s a step challenge or a desk decorating contest, friendly competition helps foster a sense of belonging and community.

The Takeaway: Build the Office Around People

The biggest insight from Office Spaces 2025 is that the office works best when it’s treated as a cultural hub, not just a place for workstations. By designing intentional experiences that bring people together, office managers can transform the office from a space people have to visit into one they want to.