Activity · Ongoing; 1-hour reveal event
Secret Santa and recognition wall
A year-end gift exchange plus a wall (or channel) where colleagues publicly thank each other - small gestures with a big morale effect.
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Celebrations
Talent show and open mic
A stage for singing, dance, mimicry, poetry, stand-up, art, and quirky skills - a chance to see colleagues in a whole new light.
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Group size
- 20-200 people
- Budget
- Medium ($6-$17 per person)
- How often
- Once or twice a year
Benefits
- Shows hidden talents and builds respect across teams.
- Great for company anniversaries, festivals, and year-end events.
- Builds confidence for first-time performers.
What you need
- A stage or clear performance area, a sound system, a microphone, and a basic light setup.
- Registration form, a running order, and a host or two.
- A small, diverse panel (or audience voting) and prizes or trophies.
- Refreshments and a photographer or recorder.
How to run it - step by step
- 1
Open registrations three weeks ahead; allow solo, duo, and group acts, and a “no performance, just support” option.
- 2
Set a time limit (3-5 minutes) and finalise the order a week before.
- 3
Hold a short rehearsal for sound and timing on the day.
- 4
Have an enthusiastic host keep the show moving and encourage the audience.
- 5
Hand out fun categories - “Best group act”, “Most surprising talent”, “Audience favourite” - so many people win.
Variations
- Hybrid: allow recorded acts and play them on the big screen.
- Run a “talent minute” at monthly town halls instead of a full show.
- Add an art wall for people who prefer showing work over performing.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pressuring anyone to perform - keep it entirely voluntary.
- Running too long - cap the total acts.
- Judging that feels unfair; use clear, positive categories.
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