215 Conversation Starter Questions for Work

Here is our list of the best conversation starter questions.

Questions for work are questions employees can ask to get to know their colleagues better. Examples include casual get to know you questions and funny icebreaker questions. The purpose of these questions is to help create personal and professional connections in the office. Questions for work are also known as friendly conversation starters and casual conversation prompts.

Questions for work are similar to get to know you questions, icebreaker questions, and random questions.

This list includes:

• deep get to know you questions
• icebreaker questions for introductions
• casual get to know you questions
• friendly conversation starters
• funny icebreaker questions
• casual conversation prompts
• career-related questions
• questions for networking events
• either or questions
• morning routine questions

Here we go!

Deep get to know you questions

1. What is a belief or value that you hold strongly and why?
2. Can you describe a moment in your life that shaped who you are today?
3. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
4. What is a goal or dream you have that you haven’t shared with many people?
5. How do you handle failure, and what have you learned from it?
6. What book, movie, or piece of art has impacted your life?
7. If you could choose any skill or talent to master instantly, what would it be?
8. How do you relax and take care of your mental well-being?
9. What is a quality you admire in others but find challenging to foster in yourself?
10. If you could time travel, what era or moment in history would you visit and why?
11. What does success mean to you, personally and professionally?
12. Can you share a lesson you learned from a difficult experience in your past?
13. What are your core values, and how do they guide your decision-making?
14. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
15. What is a hobby or interest that you are passionate about?
16. How do you define happiness?
17. What is your philosophy on building and maintaining meaningful relationships?
18. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
19. How do you maintain a strong work-life balance?
20. If you were to write a letter to your future self, what would you want to say?

Icebreaker questions for introductions

1. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
2. What’s the last TV show or movie you binge-watched?
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go first?
4. What’s a hidden talent or skill you have that not many people know about?
5. Do you have a favorite book or author?
6. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
7. What’s your go-to comfort food?
8. What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited or lived in?
9. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
10. What’s your favorite type of music or favorite band?
11. What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
12. Do you have any unusual or unique hobbies?
13. What’s your favorite season, and why do you love it?
14. If you could learn any new skill instantly, what would it be?
15. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
16. What’s a goal or accomplishment you’re proud of?
17. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
18. What’s your all-time favorite board game or card game?
19. If you could have any job for a day, what would it be and why?
20. What’s a hobby or activity you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?

Casual get to know you questions

1. What’s the last song you listened to on repeat?
2. Coffee or tea?
3. Beach vacation or mountain retreat?
4. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
5. What’s your favorite movie genre?
6. What’s your favorite childhood cartoon or TV show?
7. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
8. What’s your favorite type of dessert?
9. Do you play any instruments?
10. How many languages do you speak?
11. What is the signature dish you cook or bake?
12. What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned recently?
13. Do you have a favorite app on your phone that you can’t live without?
14. What’s your ideal way to spend a rainy day?
15. If you could have any fictional creature as a pet, what would it be?
16. If you were a character in a sitcom, what would your catchphrase be?
17. What’s your most-used emoji when texting?
18. Do you have a favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
19. Do you collect anything? If so, what is it?
20. What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever tried and liked?

Friendly conversation starters

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently, and why did you enjoy it?
2. What’s a childhood memory that always makes you smile?
3. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?
4. If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
5. If you could invent a new holiday, what would it be, and how would people celebrate it?
6. What’s your go-to workout song?
7. If you had to eat the same meal every day for a month, what would it be?
8. What’s a skill you’ve developed during the past year that you’re proud of?
9. What is your favorite candle scent?
10. If you had a $1,000 shopping spree to any store, which store would you pick?
11. What’s a favorite childhood game or activity that you would still enjoy today?
12. If you could learn any language instantly, which one would you choose and why?
13. What’s a topic you’re passionate about that you could talk about for hours?
14. What’s a food you disliked as a child but love now, or vice versa?
15. If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?
16. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
17. What was the best concert you ever attended?
18. What’s a habit or routine that has positively impacted your life?
19. If you could choose a new name for yourself, what would it be and why?
20. Would you rather never do dishes again or never do laundry again?

Funny icebreaker questions

1. If you were a potato, how would you like to be cooked?
2. Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or a hundred duck-sized horses?
3. What’s the most ridiculous way you’ve injured yourself?
4. If you had to replace your hands with objects, what would you choose and why?
5. What’s the most unusual item in your refrigerator right now?
6. If you were a stand-up comedian, what would be your opening joke?
7. If your pet could talk, what do you think they’d say about you?
8. If you could swap lives with a cartoon character for a day, who would it be and why?
9. What’s your most embarrassing childhood nickname?
10. If you could have a superpower that’s completely useless, what would it be?
11. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever found in your pocket?
12. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be?
13. What’s the funniest joke you’ve ever heard?
14. What’s the weirdest thing you believed as a child?
15. If you were a professional wrestler, what would your entrance music be?
16. What’s your best dad joke?
17. What’s the weirdest fashion trend you’ve ever participated in?
18. What’s your most random habit?
19. What’s a dream you’ve ever had that you can remember?
20. What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard today?

Casual conversation prompts

1. Any exciting plans for the weekend?
2. Seen any good movies or TV shows lately?
3. Any favorite books you’d recommend or ones you’re currently reading?
4. Do you have a favorite spot in the town for coffee?
5. Any exciting goals or dreams you’re working toward?
6. Any recent news or events that caught your attention?
7. Have you come across any cool apps or gadgets lately?
8. Do you have any pets? Any funny or cute stories about them?
9. What’s something on your bucket list you’re determined to check off?
10. What are your favorite board games, card games, or video games?
11. What do you enjoy most about your work or studies?
12. Do you prefer hiking in the mountains or relaxing by the ocean?
13. What is your favorite food to order for delivery?
14. What’s a small act of kindness someone has done for you that you still remember?
15. What’s your favorite kitchen appliance?
16. Where do you take family members when they visit town?
17. If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you choose?
18. What’s your favorite treat?
19. What’s a trend or fad from the past that you would love to see make a comeback?
20. What’s the most unusual or unique item you own?

Career-related questions

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?
2. How do you stay motivated and productive during work?
3. What is a career accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
4. What’s the most valuable career advice you’ve ever received?
5. How do you handle work-life balance?
6. Are there any professional development courses or resources you recommend?
7. What’s a skill you’re currently working on improving?
8. What are your top networking tips?
9. What is a challenge you overcame in your career?
10. What’s a book, podcast, or TED talk that has influenced you at work?
11. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
12. What professional goals have you set for yourself this year?
13. What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
14. How do you handle conflicts in the workplace?
15. Is there a particular project you’re excited about right now?
16. How do you keep up with industry trends?
17. What’s your approach to skill development?
18. Do you have a favorite work-related podcast or newsletter?
19. How do you approach giving and receiving constructive feedback?
20. What is your daily work routine?

Questions for networking events

1. What brings you to this event today?
2. Can you tell me a bit about what you do and your role?
3. How did you get started in your career?
4. What projects are you currently working on?
5. What’s the most exciting part of your job?
6. What are you hoping to achieve or learn from this event?
7. Are there specific people or types of professionals you’re looking to connect with?
8. What trends or changes do you see happening in our industry?
9. Have you attended any interesting conferences or workshops lately?
10. Have you come across any innovative solutions to common industry issues?
11. How do you stay updated on industry news and advancements?
12. Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests you’re passionate about?
13. Are there any industry-related events or groups you participate in?
14. What do you enjoy most about working at your company?
15. If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in our industry, what would it be?
16. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
17. It’s been great talking to you. Can we exchange contact information for future networking or collaboration?
18. Is there a particular topic or area you’d like to explore further in our conversation?
19. What motivates you to stay engaged and passionate about your work?
20. Can you share a valuable networking tip or technique that has worked well for you?

On a similar note, here are networking event ideas.

Either or questions

1. Cats or dogs?
2. Cake or pie?
3. Fiction or nonfiction?
4. Sweet or salty?
5. Early bird or night owl?
6. Summer or winter?
7. Movies or books?
8. Chocolate or vanilla?
9. City life or countryside?
10. Pizza or burgers?
11. Rain or sunshine?
12. Texting or calling?
13. Sunrise or sunset?
14. Comedy or drama?
15. Pancakes or waffles?
16. Netflix or YouTube?
17. Pen or pencil?
18. Android or iPhone?
19. Hiking or biking?
20. Sneakers or sandals?
21. Cook at home or order takeout?
22. Facebook or Instagram?
23. Summer Olympics or Winter Olympics?
24. Chocolate milk or strawberry milk?
25. Swimming pool or hot tub?
26. Pop music or rock music?
27. Laptop or tablet?
28. Ice cream cone or sundae?
29. Watching sports or playing sports?
30. Camping in a tent or staying in a cabin?
31. Board games or video games?
32. Fruit salad or vegetable salad?
33. Dancing or singing?
34. Morning shower or evening shower?
35. Window seat or aisle seat on a plane?

Check out this list of this or that questions.

Morning routine questions

1. What time do you wake up, and how do you feel about it?
2. Do you do exercise, meditation, or something else to start your day?
3. What is your go-to breakfast choice?
4. Do you have screen time first thing or wait until later?
5. How do you prioritize tasks for the day?
6. What is your favorite morning beverage?
7. How do you prepare for the day mentally?
8. Do you listen to music, podcasts, or news in the morning?
9. What is one thing that sets a positive tone for your day?
10. Do you use time management strategies in the morning?
11. What is a recent beneficial addition to your routine?
12. How do you do self-care in the morning?
13. Do you have any morning habits you want to change?
14. Are there any time-saving hacks you swear by for your morning routine?
15. How do you handle mornings when everything seems to go wrong?
16. Do you have a favorite morning candle or essential oil?
17. Do you use affirmations or positive mantras to kickstart your day?
18. What’s one thing you always make time for in your morning routine, no matter how busy you are?
19. Have you noticed any changes in your mood or productivity on days when you stick to your morning routine versus when you don’t?
20. Any special morning stretches or exercises that help you wake up?

Tips on starting a conversation with coworkers

Starting a conversation with coworkers can be a great way to build rapport and create a positive work environment. You can start discussions with a warm and genuine greeting. For instance, ask how your coworker’s day is going or if they have any exciting plans for the upcoming weekend. Office-related topics such as current projects, recent achievements, or upcoming events can serve as excellent conversation starters.

Complimenting a colleague on a recent success or expressing appreciation for their teamwork can also create a positive tone. Additionally, finding common interests can be a great way to connect. Be sure to approach conversations with openness and actively listen to your coworkers’ responses. This attitude creates a welcoming atmosphere for collaboration and team bonding.

Conclusion

Asking questions at work is a great way to get to know your colleagues. You can use these questions to break the ice or open meetings. Further, these topics make for great discussions during coffee or lunch breaks. Several team building activities also rely on get to know you style questions. Whether you want to connect with new colleagues or learn more about existing ones, this list is a great place to start.

Next up, check out these articles on where do you stand questions, conversation starters, and questions of the day.