Use Would You Rather Questions to Boost Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is key to a successful and thriving workplace. Engaged employees are more productive, creative, and satisfied with their work environment. But how can you boost engagement in a way that’s both fun and effective? One simple and proven strategy is to use “Would You Rather” questions. This fun and engaging activity can foster a relaxed atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing, leading to deeper connections and better communication across teams.  

What Are “Would You Rather” Questions?

“Would You Rather” questions are a game where participants are asked to choose between two hypothetical scenarios. For example, “Would you rather work from a beachside café or from a mountain cabin?” These questions can be lighthearted, work-related, or even thought-provoking. The goal is to spark conversation and allow team members to open up in a casual setting. 

Using good would you rather questions in the workplace can break down barriers between employees, spark creativity, and allow everyone to contribute equally. Whether in person or virtually, they’re an excellent tool for team building.  

Benefits of Using “Would You Rather” Questions for Employee Engagement

1. Icebreaker Activity 

“Would You Rather” questions serve as fantastic icebreakers, particularly for new teams or onboarding situations. They create a non-intimidating space where everyone can participate, allowing new hires to feel welcomed and comfortable from the start. When employees feel accepted, they’re more likely to engage positively with their colleagues and the company. 

2. Fosters Open Communication 

Employees who are typically more reserved may find it easier to speak up during light, playful discussions. This opens the door to more open communication during work discussions and can enhance overall collaboration. It breaks the ice for those who are quieter in meetings, giving them a comfortable entry point into team conversations. 

3. Promotes Creativity 

These questions often require imaginative thinking, which can stimulate creativity in employees. Answering fun, hypothetical questions helps them think outside the box, a skill that can carry over to their everyday tasks and problem-solving. It also fosters a playful mindset, which can relieve stress and boost innovation in the workplace. 

4. Breaks the Ice in Hybrid/Remote Settings 

For teams that work remotely or in a hybrid model, engagement can be challenging. “Would You Rather” questions provide an opportunity to bond even when employees are not physically present. Incorporating these questions into virtual meetings can create a sense of unity and connectedness. Remote employees often miss out on casual, spontaneous conversations, but these structured questions can help recreate that bonding experience.  

How to Introduce “Would You Rather” Questions in Your Workplace

1. During Team Meetings 

A great way to start any meeting is with a quick round of “Would You Rather” questions. This allows everyone to transition into the discussion with a positive and engaged mindset. When used as an icebreaker, it can make the meeting feel more relaxed and collaborative. 

2. In Hybrid/Remote Work Environments 

Use chat platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams to send out daily or weekly “Would You Rather” questions. This keeps remote employees engaged and fosters casual interactions, even when they are working from different locations. It also encourages employees to check in with the platform regularly, promoting participation in broader conversations. 

3. On Fun Fridays or Engagement Days 

Set aside a day or specific time for employee engagement activities like “Would You Rather”. It’s a simple, low-effort way to unwind and have fun as a team without derailing productivity. Incorporating such activities at the end of the week can help employees de-stress and build rapport, ensuring they feel refreshed for the week ahead. 

4. As Icebreakers for Workshops or Training 

Starting a training session or workshop with these questions can lighten the mood and help employees feel more comfortable contributing their ideas. People tend to be more receptive and open to learning when they’re relaxed, and “Would You Rather” questions can set that tone.  

Tips for Crafting Good Would You Rather Questions

1. Tailor to Your Team 

Think about what kind of questions would resonate with your team. Are they more serious and professional, or do they prefer something light and humorous? Understanding your team’s culture will help you craft questions that they’ll enjoy answering. 

2. Keep It Relevant 

The best “Would You Rather” questions tie into your team’s interests or even their work roles. For instance, for a marketing team, you might ask, “Would you rather launch a viral social media campaign or get a featured article in a top publication?” 

3. Mix It Up 

Alternate between fun, easy questions and more complex or deep questions to keep things interesting. This variety keeps employees engaged and allows for different kinds of conversations, ranging from lighthearted to more meaningful.  

Examples of Good Would You Rather Questions for Work

Here are some examples of “Would You Rather” questions that you can use in your workplace: 

Icebreaker Questions:

• Would you rather have more time or more money? 

• Would you rather always be 10 minutes late or always be 20 minutes early? 

Work-related Questions:

• Would you rather lead a project with a tight deadline or one with unclear instructions? 

• Would you rather have a boss who gives you lots of feedback or one who gives you none? 

Fun Questions:

• Would you rather work from the beach or from the mountains? 

• Would you rather have a robot that cleans your house or a robot that cooks all your meals?  

How to Measure the Impact on Employee Engagement

To determine whether “Would You Rather” questions are improving engagement, gather feedback from your team. Here are a few ways to assess the impact: 

1. Surveys or Polls 

Ask employees how they feel after participating in these activities. Do they feel more connected to their team? Are they more comfortable sharing ideas in meetings? A quick survey can provide insights into how these questions are influencing team dynamics. 

2. Participation Rates 

If you notice more people actively engaging during meetings or discussions, it’s a sign the questions are having a positive impact. Increased participation is a clear indicator that employees feel more comfortable and involved. 

3. Team Collaboration 

Look at how well your team is collaborating on tasks after introducing “Would You Rather” questions. Increased collaboration and teamwork often correlate with higher engagement and a more positive work environment.  

Conclusion

Incorporating “Would You Rather” questions into your team meetings or workplace activities can significantly boost employee engagement. These simple, fun, and thought-provoking questions help break the ice, foster communication, and promote a collaborative culture. By making this a regular part of your workplace routine, you create an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and excited to participate. 

Employee engagement is not just about work productivity—it’s about creating a thriving workplace where everyone feels connected. And sometimes, all it takes is a good would you rather question to get the conversation started.

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