Corporate culture has evolved beyond traditional office meetings and quarterly reviews. In today’s world, companies host events that range from mildly unconventional to outright bizarre—all in the name of productivity, engagement, and employee well-being.

While some of these activities may seem odd at first, they’ve become widely accepted as normal in the corporate landscape. Whether they’re genuinely beneficial or just a quirky way to break up the work routine is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure: corporate events are getting stranger by the year.

Let’s take a look at some of the most peculiar workplace activities that are now surprisingly common.

1. Event Massages (Relaxation on Company Time)

Workplace wellness has become a top priority for many businesses, leading to the introduction of corporate event massages. Whether it’s a chair massage at a conference, a pop-up relaxation station in the office, or a full spa-like setup at a company retreat, many organizations now bring in massage therapists to help employees unwind.

Unlike some other corporate wellness trends, massages are actually a crowd favorite (refer corporate massage Melbourne for example). They help relieve stress, improve circulation, and even boost productivity. However, the experience can sometimes feel a little surreal—especially when you’re mid-massage while your coworkers are still hammering away on their keyboards. It’s a unique perk, and while not every company offers it, those that do often see employees eagerly lining up for their turn.

2. Icebreaker Games That Feel Like They Belong at Summer Camp

Ah, the dreaded icebreaker. Whether it’s “Two Truths and a Lie,” human bingo, or the ever-awkward “tell us an interesting fact about yourself,” these activities have become a staple of corporate events. Designed to help employees bond, they often have the opposite effect, with some participants trying their best to escape unnoticed.

While these games can be a lighthearted way to get to know colleagues, the level of enthusiasm they generate varies. Some people thrive on the opportunity to showcase their fun side, while others would rather just send a well-crafted email introduction and call it a day.

3. Corporate Karaoke (A Career-Defining Moment?)

Nothing strengthens team bonds quite like watching your department head belt out a power ballad after two drinks. Corporate karaoke events have become a popular way to let loose after conferences, holiday parties, or team-building retreats. The idea is that stepping out of your comfort zone can foster camaraderie, but in reality, it often results in a mix of impressive performances, painfully awkward moments, and secondhand embarrassment.

The real challenge isn’t hitting the right notes—it’s ensuring that your song choice doesn’t become the thing your colleagues remember about you forever.

4. Escape Rooms (Because Work Isn’t Stressful Enough)

Trapping employees in a locked room and giving them puzzles to solve under a time limit sounds like an odd way to promote teamwork, but escape rooms have become a corporate event favorite. The goal is to improve problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, but sometimes these events reveal more about office dynamics than expected.

There’s always one person who takes charge (sometimes too aggressively), another who tunes out completely, and at least one team member who solves everything in silence while the rest argue. When done right, these can be fun and engaging. When done wrong, they can be a recipe for frustration.

5. Silent Retreats (Just Call It a Day Off)

Some companies have embraced the trend of corporate silent retreats—daylong or weekend getaways where employees are encouraged to put away their phones, stop talking, and just… be. The goal is to encourage mindfulness, reduce stress, and promote clarity, but for many, it’s a challenge to adjust to an environment where conversations (and work-related distractions) are off-limits.

While these retreats can be incredibly refreshing for those who embrace them, they often leave some employees wondering if a simple extra day off might achieve the same result—without the enforced silence.

6. Mandatory Mindfulness Meetings (Because Relaxation Needs a Calendar Invite)

Mindfulness is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve focus, but when it’s scheduled into the workday as a mandatory group session, the irony isn’t lost on anyone. Companies now host guided meditation meetings, breathing exercises, and even gratitude journaling sessions—all intended to promote a sense of calm amid the chaos of deadlines.

While some employees genuinely appreciate the break, others struggle to fully relax when they know their inbox is filling up with unanswered emails. If mindfulness sessions are optional, they can be a welcome workplace perk, but when they feel forced, they can turn into just another item on the to-do list.

7. LARPing as a Business Exercise

Believe it or not, Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) has made its way into the corporate world as a team-building exercise. Instead of trust falls and group discussions, some companies now send their employees into elaborate role-playing scenarios where they take on fictional characters and solve problems in fantasy settings.

While it might sound absurd, proponents argue that this type of immersive experience encourages strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership skills. Still, not everyone is eager to don medieval costumes in the name of professional development.

8. The Forced “Fun” Happy Hour

What used to be a casual post-work gathering for those who wanted to join has now, in some workplaces, turned into an unspoken obligation. Corporate happy hours are meant to encourage team bonding, but when attendance is expected, they can start to feel more like an extension of the workday than a chance to unwind.

For those who enjoy socializing, these events can be a great way to connect with colleagues outside of the office. But for those who prefer to keep work and personal life separate, they can feel like yet another work commitment that just happens to involve cocktails.

Final Thoughts

Corporate events have evolved in fascinating and sometimes downright strange ways. From event massages to escape rooms to silent retreats, companies are constantly experimenting with new ways to engage employees, reduce stress, and encourage teamwork.

While some of these activities genuinely enhance workplace culture, others raise eyebrows. The key to a successful corporate event is ensuring that employees actually enjoy it rather than simply tolerating it. After all, the best team-building experiences are the ones people talk about afterward for the right reasons—not because they were forced to sing karaoke in front of the entire department.

What’s the weirdest corporate event you’ve ever attended? Let us know!