17 Funny Awards for Employees + How to Host the Perfect Ceremony in 2025

“Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret.” — Mary Kay Ash.

When companies arrange an award ceremony for their employees, some people may feel left out due to the sheer competition that they may not get any awards at all.

Additionally, traditional awards, while meaningful, can often feel formal, predictable, and sometimes dull. Funny awards break away from the routine by adding an element of humor and creativity, which makes recognition feel more personal and memorable.

Giving out funny awards can also be a great team-building activity by creating lots of laughter between you and your colleagues.

This is why we come up with an idea, to create funny awards to boost employee morale and strengthen workplace culture through humor and recognition.

*Motivate your employees with funny awards for employees | Image: shutterstock*

Benefits of Employee Recognition

Improved Team Cohesion: Shared laughter creates stronger bonds between team members
Increased Engagement: Creative recognition is more memorable than traditional awards
Stress Reduction: Humor decreases workplace stress and prevents burnout
Enhanced Company Culture: Demonstrates that fun and personality are valued

According to a 2024 Harvard Business Review study, employees who receive personalized, meaningful recognition (including humorous awards) are:

4x more likely to be engaged
3x more likely to recommend their workplace to others
2x less likely to seek new employment opportunities

Funny Awards for Employees — Work Style

1. Early Bird Award

For the employee who always arrives at the crack of dawn. Seriously! It can be awarded to the first person to come to the workplace. It can be a great way to encourage punctuality and early arrival.

2. Keyboard Ninja Award

This award honors the person who can complete tasks with lightning speed using keyboard shortcuts, or those who have the fastest keyboard typing speed. This award celebrates their digital dexterity and efficiency.

3. The Multitasker Award

This award is a recognition for the employee who juggles tasks and responsibilities like a pro, all while maintaining their cool. They effortlessly manage multiple tasks while staying calm and collected, showcasing exceptional multitasking skills.

4. The Empty Desk Award

We call it the Empty Desk Award to recognize the employee with the cleanest and most organized desk. They've mastered the art of minimalism, and their clutter-free workspace inspires efficiency and serenity in the office. This award truly acknowledges their tidy and focused approach to work.

Funny Awards for Employees — Personality & Office Culture

5. Office Comedian Award

We all need an office comedian, who has the best one-liners and jokes. This award can promote talents that help everyone in the workplace lighten their mood which can lead to increased creativity through their humorous stories and jokes. After all, a good laugh can make the daily grind much more enjoyable.

6. Meme Master Award

This award goes to the employee who has single-handedly kept the office entertained with their hilarious memes. Why is it worthy it? It is one of the best ways to boost positive influence in the workplace and help to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

7. Office Bestie Award

Each year, the Office Bestie Award should be a reward for celebrating the special bond between colleagues who have become close friends in the workplace. Much like a peer-to-peer program in school, companies use this award to promote team connection and high performance.

8. The Office Therapist Award

In the workplace, there is always a colleague whom you can ask for the best advice and who is willing to listen when you need to vent or seek guidance. They, indeed, contribute to a positive and caring workplace culture.

Funny Awards for Employees — Customer & Service Excellence

9. The Order Award

Who is the person to help order drinks or lunch boxes? They're the go-to person for ensuring everyone gets their preferred coffee or lunch, making office dining a breeze. This award is given to recognize their organizational prowess and team spirit.

10. Tech Guru Award

Someone who is willing to help fix everything from print machines, and computer errors, to glitchy gadgets. There is nothing to doubt about this award to the office IT expert, who ensures smooth operations and minimal downtime.

Funny Awards for Employee - Lifestyle & Interests

11. The Empty Fridge Award

The Empty Fridge Award is a funny award that you can give to an employee who always seems to know when the good snacks are being delivered, snack-savvy. It adds a fun twist to the daily routine, reminding everyone to savor the little joys, even when it comes to office snacks.

12. Caffeine Commander

Caffeine, for many, is the morning hero, rescuing us from the clutches of sleepiness and giving us the energy to conquer the day. So, here's to the morning caffeine ritual award for the person who consumes the most coffee in the office.

13. Snacking Specialists Award

In every office resides a Kevin Malone who's always snacking, and his love for food is unbeatable. Make sure to craft this award as an M&M tower, or any snack of your choice and give it to them.

14. Gourmet Award

It is not about ordering food and drinks again. The "Gourmet Award" is awarded to those individuals with an exceptional taste for cuisine. They are true connoisseurs, elevating the midday meal or team dining with culinary excellence, inspiring others to explore new flavors.

15. Office DJ Award

There are plenty of times when everyone needs a break from stress with music. If someone can fill the workplace with energizing beats, setting the perfect mood for productivity and enjoyment, the Office DJ Award is for them.

Funny Awards for Employee - Style & Presentation

16. The Dress to Impress Award

The workplace isn't a fashion show, but The Dress to Impress Award is crucial for maintaining a high standard of uniform code, especially in the service industry. It recognizes the employee who demonstrates exceptional professionalism and attention to detail in their attire.

funny awards for employees ahaslides — *Funny awards for employees*

17. Office Explorer Award

This award acknowledges their willingness to explore new ideas, systems, or technologies and their curiosity in finding innovative solutions to challenges.