Keeping contact centre employees motivated is crucial for maintaining high morale, productivity, and excellent customer service. Engaging games can help break up the workday, reduce stress, and create a supportive team environment.
Here is a run-down of our favourite fun motivational games, designed to engage both remote workers and employees in the workplace.
We have split these games up into the following categories to make it easier for you to find the one that works for you and your goals:
Motivational Games for Office-Based Employees
1. Contact Centre Bingo
Contact Centre Bingo is just like regular bingo, that keeps agents motivated by turning everyday tasks into a fun challenge.
This game encourages agents to stay focused on their objectives while adding an element of excitement to their routine.
How It Works
Create bingo cards with common customer service scenarios or achievements (e.g., “Handled a difficult customer well,” “Received a positive customer review,” “Resolved an issue on the first call”).
As agents complete these tasks, they mark them off on their bingo cards.
The first agent to complete a full row, column, or diagonal shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize.
Keep the game running throughout the week to keep engagement high and reward multiple winners.
“It gets everyone wanting to take calls and excited about whether that next call will get them to cross one off. And, of course, they have to shout BINGO,” says Charlie, who plays this game in his contact centre.
Printable – Contact Centre Bingo
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2. The Wheel of Wow
The “Wheel of Wow” is an exciting, interactive game that rewards agents for their hard work with fun and motivating spot prizes.
This game helps boost morale by recognizing top performers and creating a moment of celebration in the workplace.
How It Works
Use key performance metrics like productivity, CSAT scores, and internal quality reviews to nominate agents for a chance to spin the wheel.
At a set time each day or week, selected agents gather to spin the prize wheel, which clicks loudly as it turns, building anticipation and excitement.
The wheel should contain around 14 different prizes, ranging from small treats to bigger perks. Example prizes could include, a £5 gift voucher, a free lunch (up to £10), a bottle of wine, extra break time, a shift swap, a dress-down day, leave work 30 minutes early or a small plant for their desk.
Contributed by: Dan Moross
For more ideas of fun incentives for the winners of your motivational games, read our article: How to Make the Most of Your Staff Incentives – With Examples
3. Play “Can You Unlock the Safe?”
Can You Unlock the Safe? is an exciting, high-stakes game where agents try to crack a code to win a prize-filled safe.
This game adds suspense and motivation to the workplace, encouraging agents to hit targets while fostering friendly competition.
How It Works
Place a safe in a visible area of the contact centre and fill it with a cash prize or vouchers.
Set performance-based goals (e.g., sales targets, customer satisfaction scores) for agents to earn a chance to guess the safe’s code.
Each time an agent meets a target, they can either claim a small spot prize or attempt to unlock the safe.
The person who correctly guesses the code wins the entire prize inside!
4. Pass the Parcel
Pass the Parcel is a classic game where agents take turns unwrapping layers of a wrapped prize as they meet performance goals.
It builds excitement and motivation by creating a sense of urgency and rewarding achievement throughout the day.
How It Works
Wrap a parcel in multiple layers, with a grand prize hidden inside. You can also include small spot prizes between some layers.
The parcel starts with the first agent to achieve a target (e.g., making a sale, receiving a 100% quality score). They get to unwrap one layer.
The next person to hit the target unwraps the next layer, and so on. The agent who unwraps the final layer wins the grand prize!
5. Snakes and Ladders
Snakes and Ladders is a motivational, goal-driven version of the classic board game, where team members advance on the board based on their achievements, such as sales or high-quality scores.
The game promotes teamwork, healthy competition, and adds a playful element to reaching goals. It’s a great way to make achievements feel rewarding while encouraging employees to push for success in their tasks.
How It Works
Create a Snakes and Ladders board with numbered squares leading up to 100. Each time a team member achieves a milestone – such as making 10 sales or receiving a high-quality score – they move up a square on the board.
For added excitement, every time an agent receives a 9 or 10 Net Promoter Score (NPS), they roll a dice to take their turn. Smaller bonus prizes (e.g., coffee, biscuits) can be placed on squares to keep the game dynamic.
The first person to reach 100 wins a prize (e.g., a free lunch or extra break time). Recent prizes for the team have included practical items like new keyboards, helping to improve their workspace.
Find a template of this motivational game to use in you contact centre by following the link: Snakes and Ladders Call Centre Game Template
6. Under-the-Desk Prizes
Under-the-Desk Prizes is a fun and versatile raffle-style game that engages employees with surprise rewards hidden under their desks.
This game creates team spirit and creates a sense of anticipation and engagement as employees strive to be the lucky winners. It also adds an element of creativity and surprise, helping to break up the monotony of a workday.
How It Works
Tape raffle tickets underneath employees’ desks, then randomly select different agents throughout the day to choose a number. The winning desk then gets to pick a prize from the rewards cupboard.
Keep a rewards cupboard stocked with a variety of small treats, such as biscuits, crisps, fizzy drinks, or non-food-related items like hand cream, pens, and notebooks. In total, around 20 agents win, creating a fun, buzzing atmosphere in the office.
This game is perfect for rewarding winners of other motivational games as well, offering small yet delightful prizes that keep everyone engaged.
7. The 100% Club Raffle
The 100% Club is a performance-based incentive game where agents earn vouchers for achieving a perfect score on their quality assessments.
These vouchers are then exchanged for raffle tickets, giving agents a chance to win exciting prizes based on their performance.
How It Works
When an agent achieves a perfect score of 100% on their quality assessment, they are awarded a voucher. Over the course of the month, agents collect these vouchers, and at the end of the month, they are exchanged for raffle tickets.
The more vouchers an agent earns, the more raffle tickets they receive, increasing their chances of winning. The raffle prizes can be tailored to suit your contact centre, with popular ideas including:
- A meal for two at a restaurant
- Tickets to the cinema or a sporting event
- 100 free photos from an online photo printing service
8. Holiday-Themed Competitions
Holiday-Themed Competitions are seasonal games where agents earn rewards based on their performance, linked to special occasions like holidays or major events.
For example, agents may collect themed tokens, such as hearts, for achieving call targets, with special awards for exceptional performance.
This game creates a festive atmosphere, encourages healthy competition, and drives agents to hit their targets while celebrating special occasions throughout the year.
How It Works
In this competition, agents are awarded “hearts” when they meet their call targets, “double hearts” when they exceed expectations, and an “Ace of Hearts” for exceptional performance.
The competition is visually displayed on the walls, allowing agents to track who is in the lead and motivating them to put in that extra effort to win. The agent with the most hearts at the end of the competition wins a prize.
This game can be adapted to various occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and even major sporting events, bringing festive spirit and motivation into the workplace all year round.
See what other motivation games you can play during the World Cup, Olympic Games and the 6 Nations by clicking on the relevant link.
9. Survivor Island
Survivor Island is a competitive sales game where agents compete by erasing each other’s names from a whiteboard every time they secure a lead. The goal is to be the last agent with their name remaining on the board, creating a fun and engaging competition that motivates agents to perform their best.
This game encourages agents to stay competitive and focused, and can last for several days depending on how the competition unfolds.
How It Works
At the start of the day, the manager writes all agents’ names in a big circle on the whiteboard. Each time an agent generates a lead, they can erase someone else’s name off the board. If their name gets erased, they have the chance to put it back up if they generate another lead.
The game starts on Monday, and if no one wins by the end of the day, the prize is increased and the game continues the next day. The competition can last as long as necessary, with some games extending for up to 5 days.
We also have a few ideas of what other motivation games you can play during the World Cup, Olympic Games and the 6 Nations.
10. Cell Wars
Cell Wars is a creative and engaging game where agents pretend to own their own multi-million-dollar store franchise, with the success of their “store” based on customer surveys and first-call resolutions.
This game motivates agents to provide excellent service while allowing them to have fun and feel a sense of ownership over their performance.
How It Works
Each agent creates a fun name for their “store.” The health of their store is determined by the quality of their customer surveys and first-call resolutions.
The manager sends daily financial updates, including positive customer survey comments, to help agents see how their performance is impacting their store’s success.
At the end of the competition, the top agents are rewarded, with the top three receiving a $5 gift card and the top two earning a free lunch.
See what other motivation games you can play during the World Cup, Olympic Games and the 6 Nations by clicking on the relevant link.
11. Roll the Dice
Roll the Dice is a simple motivational game where agents earn a chance to win by filling in a grid on a wipe board with their name or initials based on their sales or initiatives.
Once the grid is complete, a dice roll determines the winning square, adding an element of chance and excitement to the workplace.
How It Works
Draw a grid on the wipe board with numbers 1–6 across the top (in red) and 1–6 down the left side (in blue). For every sale or initiative, agents write their name or initials in a box on the grid.
Once the grid is filled, roll the dice, and the numbers that match on the dice correspond to the winning square. The prize for winning can be anything you choose, making it a versatile and exciting game.
See what other motivation games you can play during the World Cup, Olympic Games and the 6 Nations by clicking on the relevant link.
12. Contact Centre Dodgeball
Contact Centre Dodgeball is a team-based motivational game where agents compete by achieving sales or call outcomes to “knock out” members of the opposing team.
The game is tracked on a flip chart or whiteboard, and eliminated players can only return to the game if another active team member helps them.
How It Works
Split the team or office into two equally sized groups (you can choose based on experience levels, such as older vs. younger agents). List all the agents’ names on a flip chart or whiteboard.
For each sale, successful call outcome, or target achievement, an agent takes a turn and knocks out a member of the other team by crossing their name off the list. Eliminated team members can be reinstated by another active team member on their turn, rather than knocking out an opponent.
There are no prizes needed, as the competition itself drives agents to perform their best. This game can accommodate anywhere from 8 to 60 agents, making it a flexible and energetic motivational tool.
Find even more motivational game ideas in our article: Motivational Games for Call Centres
13. Run a ‘Back to the Voucher’ Competition
Back to the Voucher is a target-based competition where agents earn points that take them “back in time” instead of climbing a traditional leaderboard. The agent who travels the furthest back in time wins, adding a fun and creative twist to performance tracking.
This game injects nostalgia and excitement into the workplace, motivating agents to hit their targets while engaging with a unique theme.
How It Works
Choose a starting year (e.g., the current year) and display it on a leaderboard. For each sale, successful call outcome, or target achievement, an agent moves one year further back in time.
Track each agent’s progress on the leaderboard, showing how far back in time they have travelled. The agent who reaches the earliest year by the end of the competition wins.
Prizes can follow the Back to the Future theme, such as a DeLorean Lego set or other retro-inspired rewards.
Motivational Games for Remote Workers
With more and more companies home or hybrid working, we’ve come up with even more motivational games, created especially for remote workers.
14. The Thirty-Day Challenge
The Thirty-Day Challenge is a month-long motivational game where remote agents complete daily tasks tied to key contact centre targets.
Those who successfully complete the challenge receive a reward, promoting engagement, skill development, and consistency.
This challenge encourages continuous learning and goal achievement while keeping remote agents connected and motivated.
How It Works
Choose a 30-day challenge theme related to workplace goals (e.g., mastering the phonetic alphabet, improving call resolution times, or enhancing customer service skills).
Set daily or weekly tasks for agents to complete, tracking their progress over the month. Provide updates and encouragement through team chats or virtual meetings to keep participants engaged.
Reward all agents who successfully complete the challenge with a prize, such as a voucher, recognition, or a small incentive.
15. A Virtual Quiz
A Virtual Quiz is an interactive game where agents answer a mix of contact centre-related and general knowledge questions.
Quizzes encourage friendly competition and knowledge sharing, making them a great way to increase engagement in a virtual setting.
How It Works
Create a set of quiz questions, mixing industry-specific topics (e.g., customer service best practices) with general knowledge.
Host the quiz via a video call or chat platform, using tools like Kahoot, Microsoft Forms, or Google Forms for interactive play.
Allow agents to play individually or in teams, depending on the group size. Award points for correct answers and keep a scoreboard to track progress.
Offer prizes for top performers, such as vouchers, extra break time, or fun virtual badges.
16. Learning Something New
Learning Something New is a skill-building game where agents practice a newly coached skill on a live call and identify when they successfully used it. If their chosen call demonstrates the skill effectively, they win a small prize.
This game encourages continuous development, reinforces training, and keeps agents engaged in improving their performance.
How It Works
At the start of the week, introduce a new skill or technique (e.g., active listening, upselling, or handling objections). Agents apply the skill during their calls and select one where they believe they demonstrated it well.
The selected call is reviewed by a manager or coach. If the skill was used effectively, the agent wins a small prize. Repeat weekly with different skills to encourage ongoing learning and improvement.
17. Through the Keyhole
Through the Keyhole is a fun and engaging guessing game where agents try to match photos of their colleagues homes.
The game encourages team bonding, breaks up the workday with a bit of fun, and helps agents get to know each other in a new way.
How It Works
Each Agents submits photos of their homes (or specific areas like a living room, kitchen, or garden) without revealing whose home it is.
Compile the photos and share them with all agents, either on a slideshow, an internal platform, or a printed board.
Each agent then submits their guesses on which home belongs to which colleague. Reveal the correct answers and award a prize to the agent with the most correct guesses.
For a more in depth explanation of the game ‘through the keyhole’, read our article: Team Building Game – Through the Key Hole
Contributed by: Rosie
18. Agent Profiles
Agent Profiles is a team-building game where agents create personal profile cards, which are then used for fun guessing games like “Whose fact is this?”
This activity helps team members learn more about each other, creating stronger connections, team relationships and adds a personal touch to the work environment.
How It Works
Each agent fills out a profile card with fun facts about themselves (e.g., a hidden talent, favorite hobby, or unusual experience).
The cards are collected, and the facts are shared anonymously with the team. Agents take turns guessing which fact belongs to which teammate. Points are awarded for correct guesses, and the player with the most points wins a small prize.
Contributed by: Curtis
19. Game of Phones
Game of Phones is a creative and competitive photo challenge where agents complete weekly photography tasks to earn points. The game runs over multiple weeks, and the team with the most points wins a prize at the next company event.
This activity encourages creativity, team bonding, and friendly competition while adding a fun twist to the workweek.
How It Works
Assign teams, each named after a Game of Thrones family (e.g., House Stark, House Lannister).
Set a weekly photo challenge (e.g., “Best Coffee Setup,” “Most Creative Home Office,” or “Funniest Pet Photo”).
Agents submit their photos, and the team judges select the weekly winners. Winning photos earn points for their respective teams. At the next company event, the team with the most points wins a grand prize.
Contributed by: Charlotte
20. Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger Hunts is a fast-paced and interactive game where agents race to find specific household items and show them on camera. Played in teams, this game adds excitement and energy to virtual or in-office meetings.
How It Works
Divide participants into teams. The host then calls out an item (e.g., a pet, a childhood toy, or a specific clothing item).
Players race to find the item in their home and show it on camera. The first person or team to display the correct item earns a point. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins a prize.
Contributed by: Susan
Why Are Incentive Games So Important for Employees?
Motivational activities in the contact centre are so important because of the culture of being tethered to a desk by a set of headphones, having set shift patterns and having to be at your desk ready to take calls.
“Agents don’t have the same freedom that those who work in other environments have, to take time and do whatever they please,” adds Carolyn Blunt, a contact centre expert.
“In almost any other job, whilst you still have to be physically in that space, you are free to move around.”
“So, agents can get burned out and motivation is really, really essential.”
While rewards, incentives and job progression are all good tools for motivation, games can help to revitalize an agent’s day, and there are many to choose from – including those in our list above.
What Are Other Contact Centres Doing?
What’s required is a mix of company policy with motivational tactics, along with an active participation by the management and a conscious effort to reward the employees, not only monetarily, but also with appreciation and recognition. Sounds difficult?
Rob Lalim, a director at Southwest Airlines, says: “We use caution not to create a kindergarten-type environment to motivate employees. Our motivation efforts are geared towards treating employees like adults. We host fun event days and internal contests to motivate.”
This event strategy has become popular in contact centres and many have started organizing their own on a regular basis to encourage employees to bond with one another.
Various contests such as Scavenger Hunt, Halloween Howl, and Talent Show are also organized for recognizing the latent talents of employees. The recognition they get further improves morale.
So, be on the lookout for event-based games in amongst the following group of examples that we have put together!
Find some more ideas for motivational games in the following articles:
- Six of the Best Games for Your Contact Centre
- 9 Fun Customer Service Training Exercises
- 4 Team-Building Games for the Contact Centre
Author: Jonty Pearce
Reviewed by: Hannah Swankie
Published On: 30th Sep 2020 - Last modified: 3rd Mar 2025
Read more about - Call Centre Management, Attrition, Carolyn Blunt, Dan Moross, Downloads, Fun, Games, Homeworking, Motivation, Printable
