The 2024 Olympic Games are underway in Paris, France. The Olympics will give spectators a front row seat to some of the top worldwide talent in the magical world of sports. Many are excitedly anticipating the spectacular performances from the star-studded Team USA athletes. The expected top performers from the United States this year will be athletes like Lebron James, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky. Team USA is across the pond competing, but the support will be heard from all over.

Take this as a great opportunity to boost corporate morale in celebrating the Olympics in your workplace. Think of all the ways that you can have team spirit and encourage healthy competition amongst the different departments. Not unlike March Madness, there are countless fun activities that will help boost morale while also endorsing team building and bonding throughout the office. Here's ways that you can foster a great work environment during the international games this month.

1. Let the games begin…

Host a kick-off event that can be your own version of the Opening Ceremony. Address the different events and activities that take place. Set the tone for what all will be done with clear rules and guidelines. Encourage employees to wear colors or outfits representing their teams. Acknowledge that your employees are diverse and come from different backgrounds, allow them to represent their chosen country. Broadcast the Olympics coverage where TVs are allowed.

Activity Idea: Have each team create a flag to represent their team. Choose what their song anthem would be. Play this song to introduce the different teams and when they win. Allow teams to design their symbol or uniform.

2. GO TEAM!

Think of this like a company field day like what you did as an elementary school child. If possible, include traditional sports like relay races, soccer or tug-of-war in a nearby park or outdoor space. Read through the different Olympic games that your teams would enjoy. For example, there's break-dancing as an event. It'd be great to see members of your accounting team get into the tunes.

Don't confine yourself to trying to push the staff to be like Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson in races. Reminder that there are employees with physical difficulties. This still could be an Office Olympics Game. Think of using the objects that you have around office. This can allow staff that may need to sit to complete while being safe indoors.

Activity Idea: Organize events like office chair races, desk pong (table tennis with office supplies), paperclip archery and wastebasket basketball.

Reminder to always be inclusive. For remote or hybrid employees, consider virtual competitions for them. Create or use online trivia, virtual escape rooms or e-sports tournaments. Allow employees not at the office to live-stream in to see the different office games. Hybrid or remote employees could be fair judges to the games.

3. Let's move!

Often, it's difficult to organize events or times to complete the games due to the daily workload or conflicting staff schedules. However, this doesn't need to be an excuse to stop the fun. Allow challenges that could be completed during breaks or even at home. In addition to think of how these games promote physical health for all employees. Incorporate fitness challenges that employees can participate in daily, such as step counts or workout sessions. These types of challenges could be used throughout the year. It helps showcase the company's support of employees embracing a healthy lifestyle.

Activity: Offer workshops or talks on health, wellness and teamwork to complement the activities. Partner with local gyms and workout studios for discounts for employees. Offer fitness time during the workday for staff to complete the challenges.

4. Victory lap

Celebrate how great the teams did during this time. This could be done during the games and at the end of the competition. Keep a running leader board to track team standings throughout the Olympics. Give periodic updates on how everyone's doing via email or message postings. Provide incentives such as extra vacation days, gift cards or team outings for the winning teams.

Activity: Host a medal ceremony at the end of each event, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top teams. Host a Closing Ceremony event. Allow participants and judges to vote for special awards and stand out performances. Offer additional recognition for teamwork, sportsmanship, and creativity.

Get in the summer Olympics spirit

Feel free to not only incorporate these ideas but your own ideas, as well. Make the goal for the event to be memorable and impactful in bringing employees together, promoting a positive workplace culture and boosting overall engagement. Ensure all activities are inclusive and accessible to all employees. Be open to suggestions and feedback to best help for high participation.