International Day of Friendship is coming up on Wednesday, July 30 for Canada and August 3rd for the US, and it's the perfect chance to strengthen team bonds, show a little appreciation, and build a more connected workplace culture.
For busy HR professionals and People & Culture leads, it’s a great midyear opportunity to bring people together without the heavy lift of a major holiday event. Whether your team is fully in-office, remote, or somewhere in between, there are easy ways to mark the day and deliver a memorable experience that reinforces inclusion and teamwork.
Here are five smart and simple ways to celebrate Friendship Day at work this year. The first three are internal ideas that require minimal setup. The last two are professionally facilitated options from Teambonders that can be customized to your company goals and culture.
1. Create a “Wall of Appreciation”
Whether it’s physical or digital, a public space where employees can post kind words and compliments can go a long way. Set up a whiteboard in a high-traffic area or create a dedicated Slack or Teams channel where people can write notes of appreciation to coworkers.
To spark participation:
- Send a daily prompt leading up to the day, such as “Who helped you out last week?” or “Who always brightens your day?”
- Offer small incentives or a raffle entry for every post
- Print or display the messages to keep the good vibes going
This simple gesture creates lasting impact and encourages positive peer recognition.
2. Host a Friendship-Themed Potluck or Lunch
Food is always a win. Whether your team goes full potluck style, orders catering, or brings in food trucks, bringing people together over a shared meal is one of the most timeless and effective ways to foster connection.
To make it Friendship Day specific:
- Have employees bring dishes that remind them of meaningful relationships or their culture
- Create themed table cards where people can write fun facts about themselves
- Play a light icebreaker game such as “two truths and a friend” to encourage interaction
You can keep it casual, fun, and low pressure while still creating real moments of connection.
3. Encourage “Coffee Chats” Between Unlikely Pairs
This one is perfect for hybrid or remote teams. Use a pairing app or simple spreadsheet to match up employees across departments for short 15-minute coffee chats, either virtually or in person.
Provide a few conversation starters such as:
- “What’s your favorite part of your job that people may not know?”
- “What’s the best work advice you’ve ever received?”
- “What’s one skill you’d love to learn this year?”
This easy-to-run initiative builds bridges across teams, encourages informal networking, and can be repeated throughout the year.
4. Book a Bonding for Charity Event with Teambonders
Take the meaning of Friendship Day a step further by giving back. Bonding for Charity programs from Teambonders combine team building with purpose, offering a chance for your team to connect while doing good in the community.
Choose from impactful activities such as:
- Building care packages or kits for shelters or hospitals
- Assembling bicycles or toys for kids in need
- Creating stuffed animals for donation to local children’s hospitals
These activities can be hosted onsite or offsite, and everything from materials to facilitation is handled by the Teambonders team. It is an all-in-one way to make your team feel connected, appreciated, and aligned with company values.
Explore Bonding for Charity Options
5. Add a Little Competition with “Minutes to Win It”
Looking to bring some friendly energy into the workplace? Minutes to Win It is one of Teambonders’ most popular team building experiences, and for good reason. It is fun, fast, and designed for everyone.
Your team will compete in a series of light physical and mental challenges that build teamwork, spark laughter, and break up the daily routine. It is perfect as a midday energizer, an end-of-day celebration, or a fun kickoff to a summer town hall.
- Works in-office, offsite, or even outdoors
- Fully inclusive and professionally hosted
- Scalable for any team size
Learn more about Minutes to Win It
What teams love:
“We laughed the entire time and left feeling more connected. It was exactly what we needed.”
FAQ: Friendship Day at Work
When is International Day of Friendship in 2025?
Wednesday, July 30 for Canada and August 3rd for the US.
Can we mix and match these ideas?
Absolutely. Many teams start with something internal in the morning, then cap off the day with a hosted experience like a Teambonders program.
What if we have a hybrid team?
Teambonders offers mobile, virtual, and hybrid-friendly events. Whether your team is remote, in-office, or somewhere in between, we will make it work.
How far in advance should I book a Teambonders event?
Ideally three to four weeks ahead, especially if you are customizing the experience.
Make Friendship Day a Moment That Matters
Whether you go for DIY ideas or a fully hosted event, celebrating International Day of Friendship at work is a chance to reinforce what really makes your culture great—your people.
Want help planning something that is easy, fun, and impactful?
Contact Teambonders or browse our full catalog of team building experiences to get started.
We will help you create a celebration your team will remember and your leadership team will appreciate.
