Engagement Technique: Joegan’s Den

This one, like many of these engagement techniques, isn’t actually my idea. The difference with this one is I can actually credit the originator, thanks Keith Moule from Chelmsford City Football Club, who kindly named it Joegan’s Den, during our time working together. I was genuinely honoured to have it carry my name, especially because it’s such a brilliant concept, and a show I’ve loved for years.

If you’ve read the previous Engagement Technique post on the Innovation Challenge, this one’s in the same spirit, but instead of million-pound ideas, Joegan’s Den starts with the wild and wonderful, then focuses in on smaller, practical, game-changing improvements that can make a big difference to daily life at work.

The Exercise.

The point is to get people thinking creatively about what would improve the workplace. As your group to think about an idea they would like to ‘pitch’ to the rest of the team. It’s good to come with an example of an idea – but think things like:

🎯 A dartboard for the breakout area
🌿 More plants in the office
💧 Health and wellness products in the bathrooms
☕ A new coffee machine

Set the parameters

Every idea comes with a cost limit (you decide what’s realistic for your business). The goal is to encourage creative thinking within constraints.

Participants need to think like business owners: Is this idea worth the spend? What impact will it have?

The idea is that people think about separating what they would ‘like to have’ with ‘what’s realistic’. People might say ‘we should all have an extra days holiday’, but when they are asked about making a case for them, with logic, enthusiasm, and a bit of showmanship, they start thinking about what challenges a business have – and the group get to discuss and scrutinise the idea too!

How to run it

I think best is department by department. Each person (or pair, if you want to make it easier) pitches their idea in a Dragons’ Den–style session.

• You could feature one person per week,

• Or host a group session with a judging panel – ideally from leadership or Operations.

• The winning idea could be rewarded, or there may be a case to implement it!

This works brilliantly as an Operations-led initiative, since it gets everyone thinking about efficiency, cost, and value, but it doesn’t have to be. The idea could also become a great cross-team morale booster, and get people practicing public speaking, idea sharing, and having a chance to be heard!

Why it works

• Builds entrepreneurial thinking and ownership.

• Improves public speaking and pitching skills.

• Encourages people to see decisions through a business lens.

• Creates visibility and momentum for grassroots ideas.

And best of all, you end up with real, tangible improvements that make work better – not from the top down, but from the people who live it every day.

What to watch out for

• Some people may not feel confident pitching – pair them up or create smaller groups, or make it ‘optional’, but make this a safe space – put yourself up first maybe, maybe accept that an idea wouldn’t work, but the team figure that out.

• Make it a “no silly ideas” zone. The goal is psychological safety, people comfortable idea sharing, and knowing that if something doesn’t work, it’s ok!

• People may get passionate about things, which is great! But be conscious that the reasoning is discussed for ‘rejecting’ an idea.

• Maybe call it something other than ‘Joegan’s Den’ – there’s better names for this I’m sure. If you’ve got a Hank, why not try Shark Hank? Or Dragon’s Ben if there’s a Benjamin playing?

 

The takeaway

Joegan’s Den is an engaging, light-hearted way to get employees thinking like owners, sharing ideas confidently, and seeing how small changes can make a big impact. It’s creative, inclusive, and a great step toward a culture of innovation.

 

This post is part of our Engagement Techniques series of practical, low-cost ideas to bring more connection and meaning into work. Find the rest here

👉 Want to explore techniques like this in more depth? I run interactive employee engagement workshops where we bring these ideas to life.