NYC 2025 Workplace Events Trends Report
Prepared by Ben Hawes, NYC Creative Entrepreneur & Founder of Rent My Booth, with 12+ years of experience in event planning, HR, employee engagement, and beyond.
Let’s Dive In!
Workplace events have the power to transform teams and drive organizational success. By fostering connection and engagement, events bring employees together and create moments that reinforce a company’s culture and values.
What Has Changed Since the Pandemic?
Five years post-pandemic, the way employees engage with their coworkers and workplace events has shifted dramatically. With hybrid and remote work models becoming the norm, colleagues see each other less frequently. As a result, workplace events have transitioned from frequent happy hours and casual late-night gatherings to high-impact, purposeful events like offsites, holiday parties, anniversaries, product launches, and sales kickoffs.
This new approach means that while events may be less frequent, they are now more important than ever. Here’s why:
Team Building Matters More: Infrequent face-to-face interactions make intentional team-building opportunities critical.
Memorable Moments Count: With fewer events, every gathering should focus on creating lasting memories and shared experiences.
Buzz Builds Engagement: Employees who look forward to meaningful, well-planned events are more likely to stay engaged and connected to their organization’s culture.
Adding a calendar of inclusive celebrations—like diversity months and milestone events—provides a structured way to plan purposeful and engaging gatherings. This ensures that every event feels thoughtful and tied to the values of the organization.
In 2025, one of the most effective ways to enhance employee engagement is by prioritizing fun. It’s not just about having a good time—there’s a psychological science behind why fun boosts workplace performance:
Reduces Stress: Laughter and enjoyment release endorphins, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Increases Productivity: Happy employees are 13% more productive, according to a 2019 study from Oxford University.
Strengthens Connections: Shared positive experiences build trust and camaraderie, enhancing collaboration.
Improves Retention: Employees who feel valued and enjoy their workplace are far more likely to stay long-term.
How Events Drive Engagement
Workplace events are a proven strategy for fostering fun and engagement. Here are some creative trends for 2025, along with NYC-based ideas for workplace events and celebrations:
Interactive Entertainment: Add unique activities like trivia nights, escape rooms, or team-based scavenger hunts around iconic NYC landmarks.
Pop-Up Celebrations: Host surprise celebrations at rooftop bars or scenic locations like Hudson Yards to mark milestones or project completions.
Creative Offsites: Opt for venues like the New York Botanical Garden or Brooklyn Navy Yard for inspiring offsite meetings.
Seasonal Festivities: Celebrate NYC seasons with events like a Central Park ice-skating party in winter or a summer picnic at Governors Island.
Diversity-Centered Events: Hold inclusive gatherings at cultural hubs like the Museum of the City of New York to honor heritage months.
Wellness-Focused Days: Partner with NYC-based yoga studios or meditation experts for a health and wellness day.
Foodie Experiences: Book food tours in Little Italy or Flushing for team bonding with a culinary twist.
Live Performances: Hire local talent, such as jazz bands or improv comedians, for an intimate and entertaining evening.
Photo Booths with Flair: Elevate events with themed photo booths offering NYC-specific props and backdrops.
Charity Team Building: Organize volunteer days with New York Cares or similar organizations to give back to the community while building camaraderie.
Real Story: During an annual end-of-year party for Ennead Architects in NYC, a photo booth was a simple yet memorable addition that brought their team together through laughter and shared moments. The festive atmosphere made it the highlight of the year, fostering camaraderie and engagement. (Read the full case study here: Ennead Case Study)
According to a workplace experience manager at a top NYC firm, "Providing employees with moments to laugh, connect, and celebrate reminds them why they love their jobs—and each other."
Busting Myths About "Forced Fun"
In the post-pandemic workplace, some employees express hesitance about "forced fun" at work events, citing feelings of obligation or inauthenticity. This perception has led to a broader conversation about how to balance engaging activities with genuine enjoyment.
Research from the University of Warwick shows that happiness increases productivity by 12% (2014), but it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to fun doesn’t work. Here’s what workplace managers should consider:
Respect for Personal Time: Employees in 2025 value fulfillment through meaningful work and personal autonomy. Events should feel like an enhancement to their experience, not an imposition.
Inclusive Planning: Engaging employees in planning ensures activities reflect their interests and build anticipation.
Purposeful Fun: Events tied to milestones, achievements, or shared company goals feel more genuine and rewarding.
Building the Case for an Entertainment Budget at Your Corporate Event
If you’re advocating for an entertainment budget to your CHRO or CFO, here are tools and data to build your case:
Fun Builds Culture, Culture Builds Effectiveness: Engaged employees are at the heart of successful organizations. Fun, interactive events foster connection and trust, laying the foundation for a culture of collaboration and innovation.
21%: Companies with engaged employees are 21% more profitable (Gallup, 2020).
82%: Workplace celebrations make 82% of employees feel more appreciated (Gallup, 2020).
ROI of Entertainment: Investing in entertainment has measurable returns. Employees who feel valued and entertained are:
2.5x more likely to recommend their workplace (Glassdoor, 2023).
3x more likely to rate event satisfaction highly (EventMB, 2022).
How to Frame the Ask:
Tie it to Business Goals: Highlight how events can strengthen culture, increase retention, and align with company values.
Use Data: Reference how impactful extras improve productivity and morale.
Position it as an Investment: Reinforce that happy employees contribute to higher profits and lower turnover costs.
Include the Right Extras: The staples—catering, DJs, and photographers—are expected. It’s the additions like entertainers, interactive games, or photo booths that turn a good event into a memorable one.
In the words of Richard Branson, "Take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business." Investing in entertainment is an investment in your team’s happiness and your company’s success.
Planning Your Next Event
To help workplace managers plan effectively, here’s a calendar of annual celebrations and milestone days to consider when creating engaging events. This inclusive guide balances workplace culture with holidays and diversity months, ensuring thoughtful and meaningful gatherings.
Quarterly Event Calendar
Q1: January - March
New Year Kickoff Party
Lunar New Year (January/February)
Black History Month (February)
International Women’s Day (March 8)
Q2: April - June
Earth Day Celebration (April 22)
Pride Month Planning Kickoff (June)
Summer Team Building Retreat
Juneteenth Observance (June 19)
Q3: July - September
Mid-Year Review Celebration
National Intern Day (Last Thursday of July)
Hispanic Heritage Month (Starts September 15)
Summer Send-Off Picnic
Q4: October - December
Halloween Team Costume Contest
Diwali Festival (October/November)
Year-End Holiday Party
Year Round Opportunities
Company Birthday/Anniversary
Product Launches
Milestone Successes
With fewer gatherings post-pandemic, each event should focus on creating lasting memories and fostering connections that align with company culture.
Workplace experience managers and event planners have the unique opportunity to shape moments that make employees feel valued. Whether it’s a holiday party, a team-building retreat, or a cultural celebration, thoughtful planning and engaging activities can make any gathering unforgettable.
About Rent My Booth
Rent My Booth photo booth rentals, created and owned by Ben Hawes, is a relaxed and easy addition to your NYC workplace events. Ben’s corporate customers typically hire him for one to two smaller parties each year, along with a big, all-company celebration such as a year-end holiday party or annual kickoff. Known for well-priced, high-impact packages, high energy and encouraging/motivational vibes, Rent My Booth brings fun and excitement to every gathering.
Employees are often surprised by the way Ben seamlessly blends his understanding of team-building with milestone celebrations, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels connected. Next time you have something to celebrate, Rent My Booth offers a stress-free way to deliver tangible memories and engagement—think of it as engagement in a box!
