From Viral Videos to a Culture Activation That Works
You have probably seen the clips. Coworkers racing down hallways in dress shoes. Teams staging desk chair relays. They are fun to watch and easy to dismiss as just entertainment.
At HR Rethought, those videos sparked a bigger idea. We asked ourselves a simple question:
“What if we created our own version that brought our core values to life and reminded us why culture matters?”
That question led to the launch of our very first HRR Office Olympics this past July. What started as a playful idea quickly became a meaningful example of how intentional experiences can strengthen connection, align people with purpose, and inspire new ways of working.
Execution: Building Games That Reflect Who We Are
For us, the fun was in the details. Even simple games like Guess Who, a typing competition, and client logo bingo were designed to reflect the way we work. Staying sharp, thinking fast, and always keeping our clients at the center. The challenges were playful, but each one said something about how we show up as a team.
Guess Who: Office Edition – We combed through our company-wide Teams chat and collected some of the funniest one-liners from the year. The challenge was simple: guess who said each one. In many cases, even the person who originally said the line did not remember it; the laughter was constant.
Speed Typing Championship – This event followed a tournament format where employees drew numbers to determine matchups. After three intense rounds of typing for 60 seconds under pressure, we named our 2025 Speed Typing Champion. Our CEO, Sandra, stood out with her signature flair…typing with her pinkies raised!
Client Logo Bingo – Because our clients are central to everything we do, we created Bingo cards using their logos. All identifying names and words were removed, leaving only visual elements, as an extra challenge for us. As each logo appeared on the screen, employees had to rely on recognition and memory to identify the client and mark it off. Every round sparked conversation and reflection on the incredible partnerships that drive our work forward.
The Impact: More Than Just Trophies
Our winners walked away with trophies, but the true success of the event went far beyond individual victories. The energy and enthusiasm across the team created a shared experience that strengthened culture in a lasting way.
We also saw meaningful outcomes that extended beyond the games themselves.
- Every single team member participated, showing that engagement increases when activities are inclusive and purpose-driven.
- We now have a framework for culture building that any organization can replicate. Align activities with core values, make them participatory, and celebrate both the process and the results.
Why It Matters for Your Business
At HR Rethought, we believe culture is not something that happens on its own. It is built through experiences that are carefully designed to bring people together, reinforce shared purpose, and spark energy across teams. Whether it is a leadership program or an internal celebration, the right activity can do more than entertain. It can create alignment, boost morale, and move your business forward. This is what we help our clients achieve every day.