You found our list of diversity games.
Diversity games are activities that help participants understand and appreciate differences. For example, these games may involve role-playing exercises or cultural trivia quizzes. The purpose of these games is to foster an environment of inclusion and respect. These games are also known as “diversity games for work,” “cultural diversity games,” and “cultural sensitivity games.”
These diversity games are a subset of culture building activities similar to diversity program ideas, diversity training programs, and diversity and inclusion activities.
This list includes:
- diversity games for work
- cultural diversity games
- cultural sensitivity games
- diversity activities
- diversity board games
- DEI games for the office
Let’s get to it!
List of diversity games
From Inclusion Jenga to Harmony Tiles, here is our list of the best games that can help foster a more inclusive environment.
1. Inclusion Jenga
Inclusion Jenga promotes diversity and teamwork in the workplace. Players take turns removing blocks from a Jenga tower, with each block asking a different question about diversity. For example, questions could include, “Share a time you felt proud of your culture” or “Share a story of how you faced a diversity challenge.” Folks will respond to the blocks they pull.
As the tower becomes more unstable, participants discuss how diversity strengthens the team. This game fosters communication, empathy, and understanding among colleagues. Playing Inclusion Jenga can enhance workplace culture and promote respect for diverse perspectives.
2. Multicultural Puzzle
A Multicultural Puzzle game can be a valuable tool in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Puzzles can feature diverse scenes, such as cultural festivals, landmarks, or global scenes. Teams will work together to assemble the pieces. Folks will discuss the elements depicted in the puzzle. In addition, teams can take breaks to discuss the cultures represented on the puzzle.
By solving puzzles that showcase different cultures, workers can learn about and appreciate diversity. This game encourages teamwork, communication, and cultural awareness among colleagues.
Here are more team building puzzles.
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3. Diversity Bingo
Diversity Bingo is one of the best DEI games for the office. This exercise promotes inclusivity and celebrates differences in the workplace. Participants can learn about various cultures, backgrounds, and experiences while playing. Teams can talk to colleagues and mark off squares when they find a coworker who represents each item.
For example, employees can find colleagues who fit the following:
This game encourages teamwork, communication, and understanding among colleagues. By playing Diversity Bingo, employees can develop empathy, respect for diversity, and a sense of unity within the team.
4. Cultural Quest
Cultural Quest is a fun, gamified twist on a cultural exchange! To play this game, set up stations around the room, each representing a different country or culture. At each station, there will be fun activities and challenges to complete, like trying new foods or learning a traditional dance. Each participant can use a “passport” to collect stamps or stickers as they complete challenges. The more challenges players complete, the more points they earn. Whoever gets the most points wins! Folks can work together, have fun, and celebrate the diverse world around them!
This activity is similar to The Amazing Race.
5. Diversity Roleplay Challenge
In the Diversity Roleplay Challenge, teams will act out scenarios that explore diversity topics. For this experience, start by writing a series of scenarios that reflect common workplace situations related to DEI. Each participant will assume different roles, such as employees or managers. In character, teams will discuss how to navigate situations like misunderstandings or ensuring inclusivity.
After each roleplay session, participants will provide feedback and offer suggestions for improvement. Hosts can award points to workers who show strong empathy and communication. Participants will learn to promote kindness and understanding at work.
Check out more theater games for groups.
6. The Diversity Web
The Diversity Web is among the best cooperative storytelling diversity activities. This exercise celebrates the richness of different cultures and perspectives. To play this game, gather a group of players and sit in a circle. The group will choose a theme or a prompt that highlights diversity, such as “cultural celebrations” or “family traditions.” Each player takes turns contributing to the story. Players add details that showcase diverse cultures, customs, and beliefs. Participants will try to create a story that embraces inclusivity and understanding. The game continues until the team feels satisfied with the story’s progression.
7. Cultural Cooking
Cultural Cooking involves preparing dishes from various cultures. This exercise expands participants’ culinary experience and fosters appreciation for diversity. For this activity, you can ask employees who are good at cooking to lead a short course. Another option is hiring a local chef to come to the office. Teams can make delicious meals from other cultures.
Individuals will get to explore new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Cultural cooking can enhance teamwork by promoting collaboration and understanding.
8. Cultural Trivia
Cultural Trivia games are a fun way to celebrate diversity and learn about different cultures. Employees will compete to answer questions about different parts of culture. Examples include traditions, history, cuisine, and language.
Here are a few examples of trivia questions you could ask:
- What country is known for its annual Diwali Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights? Answer: India
- What is the national dish of Thailand, known for its blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors? Answer: Pad Thai
- What fermented cabbage dish is a staple in Korean cuisine? Answer: Kimchi
- What is the official language of Nigeria? Answer: English
By playing trivia, employees can improve their cultural awareness and promote inclusivity. Folks will be able to share their knowledge and experiences while appreciating diverse cultures.
Check out more trivia night ideas.
9. Guess My Country
One of the easiest cultural diversity games to consider is Guess My Country. In this activity, participants take turns providing clues about a country they have in mind. The rest of the players try to guess the correct answer. Whoever guesses the most answers correctly wins!
This game fosters cultural awareness and encourages teamwork and communication among colleagues. By playing Guess My Country, individuals can learn more about different nations.
Note: Make sure you steer away from stereotypes and lean more towards fascinating facts and lesser tidbits.
Here are more guessing games for work.
10. Inclusion Charades
Inclusion Charades is a fun and engaging game that promotes diversity and teamwork. Participants act out various scenarios related to inclusivity. For example, a player could act out teamwork by miming a high five. Other team members will guess what word or phrase the actor is performing. Whoever has the most correct guesses wins!
This game helps employees understand the importance of embracing diversity. Plus, this special version of charades fosters a more inclusive work environment. By encouraging open communication and empathy, Inclusion Charades can enhance collaboration.
Feel free to use this charades generator.
11. Language Game
In the Language Game, participants take turns sharing words or phrases in different languages. Each participant shares a word or phrase in their native language or a language they are familiar with. Words focus on terms related to inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. Teams can take turns guessing the meaning or language of the word. Players who guess the most correct answers win! This game shows players how language builds connections across communities. Plus, players will get to learn new words in other languages!
12. Diversity Hopscotch
In Diversity Hopscotch, players get to enjoy a physical and interactive game. When planning this exercise, draw a hopscotch grid on the ground. Each square represents a different part of diversity, such as culture, identity, or tradition. Players take turns hopping through the grid. When folks land on squares, they name different parts of diversity related to each square. For example, one square might prompt players to share a cultural tradition. Another square might ask about a personal experience related to inclusion. This game promotes physical activity and fosters meaningful conversations.
13. Multicultural Music Chairs
Multicultural Music Chairs is one of the best diversity games for work that celebrates diversity through music. Participants dance to various cultural tunes while circling chairs. When the music stops, folks sit in the chairs. Whoever does not get a spot on a chair is out of the game. Hosts will remove a chair and continue gameplay. The last player standing wins!
This game fosters cultural appreciation, teamwork, and inclusivity in a fun and engaging way. Folks can embrace different musical styles and traditions while promoting unity.
14. Diverse-Language Scrabble
Diverse-Language Scrabble celebrates language diversity, creating a unique game experience. Typically, Scrabble rules dictate that words must be in English. In this version, players can play words from any language they are familiar with. This game supports language learning and cultural exchange. Folks will have a great time playing with words from multiple cultures.
15. Diversity Jeopardy
In Diversity Jeopardy, players take turns choosing categories and point values from a game board. Each category represents a different part of diversity, like “Cultural Awareness” or “Inclusive Language.” Once participants pick a category and point value, the game leader reads out a question related to that category. Players then try to answer the question correctly to earn points. The player or team with the most points at the end wins. This exercise is a fun way to learn about diversity topics and test your knowledge with friends or colleagues.
Read this guide on playing Jeopardy at work.
16. Picture Perfect
In Picture Perfect, players share information about their background or culture. Each participant brings a photo or an object that represents a part of who they are, like a family tradition, a favorite food, or a holiday celebration. Then, one by one, each member shows their picture or object to the group and explains why it is important to them. This exercise is a great way for teams to learn about each other’s backgrounds and what makes them unique. Plus, this game is a great way to celebrate diversity and find common ground with others.
Check out more group photo ideas.
17. Diversity Card Game
In the Diversity Card Game, hosts create cards that have diversity-related topics or scenarios written on them. Each player takes turns drawing a card and reading the topic out loud. Then, the group discusses the topic together. Topics could include “How can we make our workplace more inclusive?” or “What does it mean to be an ally?” The game encourages open conversation and allows the team to share their thoughts and ideas about diversity.
Here are DEI topics you can use for inspiration.
18. Inclusive Scattergories
When looking for diversity board games, consider playing Inclusive Scattergories! This exercise puts a fun twist on this classic game. Players each receive a list of categories, such as “Types of Food” or “Places to Visit.” Hosts set a short timer, and players must think of diverse words that fit each category, starting with a specific letter. For example, if the letter is “B” and the category is “Types of Food,” players might say “Biryani” or “Banh Mi.” The challenge is to come up with unique words that no one else has thought of. After the timer runs out, players share their answers. If another player has the same word, then they do not get a point. Whoever earns the most points wins! This fast-paced and fun game encourages creativity and quick thinking.
Here are more Scattergories lists.
19. Diversity Memory Game
For the Diversity Memory Game, hosts create a set of cards featuring diversity-related images or concepts. Examples include flags from different countries or symbols of various religions. Players will shuffle the cards and line them up face down. Folks take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find matching pairs.
If workers find a pair, then they keep the cards and get a point. If not, they flip the cards back over, and it is the next player’s turn. The game continues until teams find all the pairs. Afterward, go through the cards as a group and discuss each symbol or image. This game is a fun way to learn about diversity while exercising memory skills and concentration.
20. Diversity Taboo
In Diversity Taboo, players sit in teams with a deck of cards containing diversity-related terms or concepts. One player from each team takes a card and tries to describe the term to their teammates without using certain “taboo” words listed on the card. For example, if the term is “Equality,” taboo words might include “Fairness” or “Rights.” The goal is to get their team to guess the term without using taboo words. Correct guesses are worth one point, and the team with the most points wins. Cultural sensitivity games like this encourage communication skills and understanding of diverse topics.
Final Thoughts
Diversity games help create an environment where folks feel valued and respected. These exercises highlight the importance of understanding different cultures. In addition, such games promote teamwork and collaboration. By adding these engaging activities to your workplace or classroom, you can create a strong culture.
Next, check out our posts on Global Diversity Awareness Month ideas, employee resource group best practices, and virtual DEI activities.
