Who says Elf on the Shelf is just for kids? Check out over 50 fantastic Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Workplace – with the majority of them using props that you already have in the office.

Having an Elf on the Shelf in the workplace can bring a lot of joy and excitement to employees during the holiday season. Not only does it add a fun and festive element to the office, but it can also help to boost morale and promote teamwork among coworkers.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition involves hiding a small elf doll each day. While most scout elves are hanging out in houses and flying back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa, we’re talking about elves that like to hang out in the office.

To bring Elf on the Shelf ideas in the workplace, you’ll simply have an elf or two around the office each day. The elf can “hide” in mystery places or be set up with fun scenes. While I‘m pretty lazy when it comes to our own Elf on the Shelf, I did come up with some super fun scene ideas that you could easily set up in the office.

This post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, I may make a commission. Thank you for your support.

The fun comes when you encourage your employees, or co-workers, to find the elf each day. This can lead to friendly competition and collaboration, as coworkers work together to locate the elf each day or even take turns hiding the elf or setting up the scene. It can also be a great conversation starter and icebreaker, helping employees to connect and bond over the fun, holiday experience.

While the Elf on the Shelf tradition may have originated as a children’s activity, it has become increasingly popular among adults in recent years. Many workplaces have adopted the tradition as a way to bring some lighthearted fun and holiday spirit to the office.

Even individuals without children at home have embraced the tradition, using it as a way to connect with coworkers and friends during the holiday season. The Elf on the Shelf can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and its ability to promote teamwork, positivity, and fun makes it a great addition to any workplace or social group.

While most of my Elf on the Shelf ideas for the workplace evolved around a true office type setting, many of them can be changed or adapted if you work in special offices like:

Doctor’s Office
Dentist’s Office
School

You can also find very specific props and even outfits to go with special type of work environments too. I share some of those below.

Additionally, the Elf on the Shelf can be used as a tool for recognizing and rewarding good behavior in the workplace. For example, the elf could be placed at the desk of an employee who has gone above and beyond in their work, or who has shown exceptional teamwork or leadership skills.

Or the opposite can be fun too – I included a “Bad Behavior Printable” in this list too – of course, to be used all in good fun. That’s where the mood of the office should definitely come into play. If your office would like a nice elf or a mischievous elf, keep that in mind when you’re setting these ideas up!

Either way you decide to use the Elf on the Shelf in the workplace, it can bring a lot of fun and a positive atmosphere that can boost morale and promote teamwork.

Are you ready for over 50 Elf on the Shelf Ideas to use in the workplace? Be sure to pin them for later!

If you have a Keurig or coffeemaker in your office kitchen, set up your elf with his/her own K-cups!

I often find that the note is the best part of the scene – everyone knows how the Christmas tree lights are always in a knot. This one takes such little effort – but is super cute and always fits in with my office and all of the tangled cords.

It’s a classic Elf on the Shelf style prank – hiding in the copier for printed elf selfies.

If you have a candy jar in the office, it’s the perfect place for an elf. Candy is definitely one of their main food groups.

This is a fun and easy setup – print a fake resume for the elf to fill out. If you want to include a few jokes about coworkers, go ahead.

This elf switched out all pens and pencils in the office with color pencils. This works even better with crayons.

I love this funny elf prank – put a small post-it on the bottom of a coworker’s mouse so it won’t work!

Speaking of Post-Its, use a few to totally cover up a computer screen.

Remember that selfie the elf made with the copier? File it under important documents. So many of these ideas use very little “props” and some you can use again in different ways later in the month of December.

Now, let’s get to a few funny ideas for your Elf on the Shelf in the office. I think these are super fun IF your coworkers and employees will get the joke. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings because having an Elf on the Shelf is all about fun and happiness.

If you have a great relationship and joke with coworkers, this one is fun!

I can’t resist a good bathroom joke and this letter makes all the difference with this prop.

Another fun one if you call out someone who might fall asleep at their desk from time to time.

You can always let the elf practice coloring or doodling on boring office worksheets.

Fun prop IF you have glitter around your office kitchen like I do.

Wires aren’t the only thing elves can get wrapped up in – this little guy is just stuck with some Scotch tape.

This might be my favorite. Of course, I wouldn’t REALLY white-out a true certificate. Print a fake one out and have your Elf be the employee of the month for December!

Buddy the Elf says it’s 5:00 – that’s because he changed the time himself so he could get to that tropical drink early.

Want more Elf on the Shelf ideas for the workplace? Sure you do – because you’re going to need at least 1 a day for December. Check out some other bloggers’ ideas below: