A cubicle decorating contest is a fantastic way to boost workplace morale, spark creativity, and foster team spirit. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a themed office event, or just a fun way to break the monotony, a well-organized contest can bring excitement to any workplace. However, to ensure maximum participation, you need a compelling and well-structured email invitation.
In this article, we’ll provide you with an engaging cubicle decorating contest email sample along with essential tips to craft an email that grabs attention and encourages employees to join the fun.
Key Elements of a Contest Email
1. Subject Line: Engaging and Informative
The subject line is the first thing recipients see, so it must be eye-catching and relevant. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling subject:
Keep it short and clear (50 characters or less).
Highlight excitement (e.g., “Win Prizes! Join Our Cubicle Decorating Contest!”).
Use action words (e.g., “Show Off Your Creativity! Enter the Contest Today!”).
Personalize when possible (e.g., “John, Are You Ready for the Ultimate Office Challenge?”).
Example Subject Lines:
- “Transform Your Cubicle & Win! Enter Our Office Decorating Contest”
- “Get Creative! Join Our Fun Cubicle Decoration Contest”
- “Who Will Win? Sign Up for the Best Cubicle Decor Award!”
2. Greeting: Personalized or General
Your greeting sets the tone for the email. Choose the style based on your workplace culture:
- Formal Approach: “Dear [Employee’s Name], We are excited to announce…”
- Casual & Friendly: “Hey Team! Ready to show off your creativity?”
- Team-Oriented: “Dear [Company Name] Family, Let’s make our workspace vibrant and fun!”
A personalized greeting makes the email more engaging and encourages employees to read further.
3. Contest Details: Theme, Rules, Date, and Judging Criteria
The core of your email should provide clear and concise details about the contest. Use bullet points or tables for better readability.
| Key Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | Specify if there’s a theme (e.g., “Winter Wonderland” or “Superhero Showdown”). |
| Rules | Provide decorating guidelines (e.g., “No permanent alterations to cubicles, decorations must be safe and appropriate”). |
| Start & End Date | Clearly state when the contest begins and ends. |
| Judging Criteria | Explain how winners will be chosen (e.g., “Creativity, Use of Theme, Overall Aesthetic”). |
| Judging Panel | Mention who will be judging (e.g., a committee, employees, or managers). |
Example:
“The contest runs from December 1st to December 15th, and the winners will be announced on December 20th. Judges will evaluate decorations based on creativity, use of theme, and overall design.”
4. Submission Guidelines: Deadline & How to Enter
Make participation as simple as possible by outlining clear submission steps.
Important Details to Include:
- Deadline: When all decorations must be completed.
- How to Enter: Whether employees need to submit pictures, sign up, or simply decorate their space.
- Additional Requirements: If a description or justification of the theme is needed.
Example:
“To enter, simply decorate your cubicle by December 15th and send a photo to [email address]. No need to register—just have fun!”
5. Incentives & Prizes: Motivating Participants
A great way to boost participation is by offering exciting rewards.
Prize Ideas:
- Gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, or local restaurants)
- Extra time off (An extended lunch break or a half-day off)
- Branded company swag (T-shirts, mugs, or office supplies)
- Trophy or Certificate (Best Decorated Cubicle Award)
Pro Tip: Mentioning “Surprise Bonus Prizes” can intrigue participants and increase excitement!
6. Call to Action (Encouraging Engagement)
End your email with a strong and clear call to action.
Create urgency: “Don’t miss out—decorate by December 15th!”
Use an action phrase: “Click here to sign up!” or “Reply to this email to participate!”
Make it fun: “Join the fun and let’s make the office festive!”
Example Closing Statement:
“We can’t wait to see your amazing creations! Gather your decorations, unleash your creativity, and let’s make this contest unforgettable. Ready to join? Reply to this email and start decorating!”
Cubicle Decorating Contest Email Sample
Also read: Good News Letter Example
A cubicle decorating contest is a great way to boost creativity, engagement, and team spirit in the workplace. To ensure high participation, you need a well-crafted email that clearly communicates the contest details, rules, and incentives. Below are nine sample email templates tailored for different tones and purposes.
1. Formal Invitation Email
Subject: Join Our Cubicle Decorating Contest – Show Your Creativity!
Dear [Employee’s Name],
We are excited to announce our [Company Name] Cubicle Decorating Contest! This is your chance to showcase your creativity and transform your workspace into something unique and inspiring.
Contest Details:
- Theme: [Theme Name]
- Start Date: [Start Date]
- End Date: [End Date]
- Judging Criteria: Creativity, Theme Adherence, and Overall Presentation
- Prizes: [List of Prizes]
To participate, simply decorate your cubicle by [Submission Deadline] and submit a photo to [Email Address]. We look forward to seeing your amazing creations!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
2. Friendly and Engaging Invitation
Subject: 🚀 Ready to Win? Join Our Cubicle Decorating Contest!
Hey [Team/Everyone]!
It’s time to get creative and have some fun! We’re launching our Cubicle Decorating Contest, and we want to see your best decorations.
🎨 Get creative with the theme: [Theme Name]
📅 Deadline: [Date]
🏆 Awesome prizes await the winners!
Just decorate your workspace, send us a photo, and you’re in the running! Let’s make the office more fun and festive. Reply to this email to sign up!
Let the decorating begin!
[Your Name]
3. Follow-up Reminder Email
Subject: ⏳ Last Chance! Decorate Your Cubicle & Win Prizes!
Hello [Name],
Just a quick reminder that our Cubicle Decorating Contest deadline is approaching! If you haven’t started yet, now’s the time!
📅 Deadline: [Date]
🏆 Prizes: [Prize Details]
📸 Submit Your Entry: [Email Address]
Don’t miss this fun opportunity to showcase your creativity! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
See you at the competition!
[Your Name]
4. Encouragement Email (Mid-Contest Boost)
Subject: 🚀 Amazing Decorations So Far – Still Time to Join!
Hey [Team],
Wow! We’re loving the creativity in our Cubicle Decorating Contest so far! The office is looking fantastic, and we can’t wait to see more designs.
If you haven’t started yet, don’t worry—there’s still time! The deadline is [Date], so grab your decorations and let your imagination run wild.
Need inspiration? Check out some of the amazing entries so far [Attach Examples if Possible].
Keep decorating! 🚀
[Your Name]
5. Deadline Extension Email
Subject: 🕒 Deadline Extended! More Time to Decorate & Win!
Dear [Team],
Good news! Due to popular demand, we’re extending the deadline for our Cubicle Decorating Contest. You now have until [New Deadline] to submit your entries.
Take advantage of this extra time to perfect your decorations and bring your vision to life. We can’t wait to see your creativity in action!
📌 New Submission Deadline: [New Date]
Let’s make this contest unforgettable!
[Your Name]
6. Voting Announcement Email (If Employees Vote)
Subject: 🗳️ It’s Time to Vote for the Best Cubicle!
Hello [Team],
The entries are in, and now it’s time to choose the winners! Take a look at the amazing Cubicle Decorating Contest entries and vote for your favorite.
📸 View Entries Here: [Link/Attachment]
🗳️ Vote Here: [Voting Link]
📅 Voting Deadline: [Date]
Your vote decides the winners, so make sure to cast yours today!
Happy voting! 🎨
[Your Name]
7. Winner Announcement Email
Subject: 🎉 Congratulations to Our Cubicle Decorating Contest Winners!
Dear [Team],
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our Cubicle Decorating Contest! The creativity and effort put into each entry were truly impressive.
🏆 First Place: [Winner Name] – [Brief Description of Their Theme]
🥈 Second Place: [Winner Name]
🥉 Third Place: [Winner Name]
A big thank you to everyone who participated! Your creativity made the workplace more fun and festive. Stay tuned for more exciting events!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
8. Thank You Email to All Participants
Subject: 🌟 Thank You for Participating in the Cubicle Decorating Contest!
Hello [Team],
We just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who participated in our Cubicle Decorating Contest. Your creativity and enthusiasm made this event a huge success!
Even if you didn’t win, know that your effort made the office a more vibrant and exciting place. We appreciate you all and look forward to our next fun challenge!
Stay creative! 🎨
[Your Name]
9. Contest Feedback Request Email
Subject: 📢 Tell Us What You Think – Cubicle Contest Feedback!
Hello [Name],
We hope you enjoyed participating in the Cubicle Decorating Contest! To make our future events even better, we’d love to hear your feedback.
📋 Take this quick survey (2 min): [Survey Link]
Your input helps us create more fun and engaging contests in the future. Thank you for being part of this event—we appreciate your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Also read: Potluck Email to Employees
1. What should be included in a contest email?
A contest email should include:
- A compelling subject line to grab attention.
- A friendly greeting to engage the reader.
- Contest details (theme, rules, deadline, judging criteria).
- Incentives and prizes to motivate participation.
- A strong call-to-action (CTA) to encourage immediate action.
2. How can I make my contest email more engaging?
To make your contest email engaging:
- Use clear and concise language to avoid confusion.
- Add a sense of urgency (e.g., “Only 2 days left!”).
- Include eye-catching visuals related to the contest.
- Highlight the benefits of entering (e.g., fun, recognition, prizes).
3. What are some examples of effective subject lines for contest emails?
” Show Off Your Creativity – Join Our Contest!”
” Win Exciting Prizes – Enter Now!”
” Last Chance! Submit Your Entry Today!”
” Ready to Compete? Enter the Contest Now!”
4. How do I ensure my contest email is mobile-friendly?
Use short paragraphs for easy readability.
Keep email width under 600px for proper display.
Use large, readable fonts (minimum 14px).
Make CTA buttons tap-friendly with enough spacing.
5. What is the best way to encourage participation?
To encourage more participants:
- Clearly outline prizes and benefits.
- Make the entry process simple and straightforward.
- Use social proof (e.g., “Last year’s winner received a $100 gift card!”).
- Follow up with reminder emails before the deadline.
6. How do I create urgency in my contest email?
Use time-sensitive words like:
- “Hurry! Limited Spots Available!”
- ” Only 24 Hours Left to Enter!”
- “Last Chance – Submit by Midnight!”
7. What mistakes should I avoid in a contest email?
Overly long or complex emails – Keep it concise.
Unclear instructions – Make sure participants know how to enter.
Weak CTA – Always include a strong call to action.
No mobile optimization – Many people check emails on their phones.
8. How many times should I send contest emails?
Also read: Internal Interview Thank You Email
📌 3 to 4 emails work best:
1️⃣ Announcement Email (Introduce the contest)
2️⃣ Reminder Email (Midway through the contest period)
3️⃣ Last Chance Email (24–48 hours before the deadline)
4️⃣ Winner Announcement Email (Celebrate and encourage future participation)
9. What is the best call-to-action (CTA) for a contest email?
“Enter Now”
“Submit Your Entry Here”
“Sign Up Today for a Chance to Win!”
“Show Off Your Creativity – Join the Fun!”