What kind of employee engagement activities can get logical left brain thinking, tech workers to unwind and unplug? And what if employees are millennials and generation Z, a demographic that tends to love retro themes.
The event planning team at Atlassian at in San Francisco, decided activities geared around the Haight-Ashbury/1967 Summer of Love* would be the perfect nostalgic theme for their employees. (see text box below describing this era)
The company dining hall on 13th floor was transformed into a totally immersive 1960’s experience. There was signage that said “Groove & Bloom,” and banners hung from the ceiling with fabric prints of flowers.
As music from the 1960’s played in the background employees could choose to participate in a variety of immersive activities. They could tie-dye a tee shirt, make a mini tapestry wall hanging, join a drumming group, get their face painted or design a flower crown – the activity that our company, Mannequin Madness, provided.
One of the wonderful benefits of our flower crown class is it is a group activity that is highly individualized and there is no right or wrong way to make a flower crown. And we brought faux flowers and eco friendly embellishments like shells, silk butterflies, beads and rhinestones, so that the flower crowns can be worn for years after this activity is over.
Why a flower crown? One of the most popular songs of that era was “If you are going to go to SF, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” sung by Scott McKenzie and written by John Phillips from the group The Mamas and the Papa.
The song has been called “the unofficial anthem of the counterculture movement of the 1960s” and was the defining song of the Summer of Love along with the Beatles‘ “All You Need Is Love“.
We brought flowers and lots of accessories to re-create a hippie vibe. Our flower crown class offered these techies a chance to step away from their screens and into a world of color, texture, and creative expression.
With tables full of faux florals, repurposed materials, and mannequin heads to display their creations, the atmosphere quickly transformed from workplace to whimsical.
Participants inspired each other with their ideas, offered compliments, and even helped one another out making for a fun, interactive group experience. The male employees were just as eager to make a flower crown as the female employees. Some were making the flower crown for themselves, others for their girlfriends.
At Mannequin Madness, we’ve always believed that creativity is the ultimate connector. And it’s a proven fact: Using your creative juices in an unrushed, casual environment is known to foster collaboration, sharing, and conversation. If you would like to book a class for your team at your workplace or a private party in our view, click here for more information.
| What was the Haight-Ashbury era? The Haight-Ashbury era, particularly the 1967 “Summer of Love,” is a significant American period, marking the rise and eventual decline of the “hippie” movement. It was a time of social/political unrest, including protesting the Vietnam War and a rejection of mainstream values; its impact is still felt today. The Haight neighborhood was the epicenter of the hippie movement, attracting artists, musicians, and free spirits. Tens of thousands of young people, called “flower children,” converged in Haight-Ashbury, seeking a countercultural experience..Bands like The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane shaped the soundtrack of the movement. (Generative AI) |
Creating something freely is also known to have a calming effect on the creator. So, when a local technology company reached out about hosting a unique employee engagement activity, we had just the thing—our signature flower crown class.
Tech teams are known for solving complex problems, coding for hours, and working under tight deadlines. But even the most high-performing teams need time to recharge and reconnect. That’s where the magic of flowers comes in.
We kicked things off with a short demo on flower crown techniques and shared a bit about the sustainable approach behind our materials. Then, it was hands-on (dare we say it: un-adulterated) fun. Some teams collaborated on themes (think “Tropical Vibes” and “Woodland Royalty”), while others embraced freestyle designs. Laughter filled the room as coworkers exchanged flowers, adjusted each other’s crowns, and—yes—snapped lots of selfies.
The feedback? Incredible. One employee told us, “It was the first time in ages, I felt relaxed at work. Who knew making a flower crown could be so therapeutic?” Another added, “It helped me bond with people in departments I don’t usually interact with.”
The best part? Everyone walked away with not just a handmade crown, but a sense of joy, connection, and a fresh burst of creative energy.
Whether your team is in tech, finance, or fashion, our flower crown class is a delightful way to boost morale, foster team spirit, and promote mindfulness—all while chillin’ for a day.
Interested in bringing this experience to your workplace? Let’s make your next team-building activity full of floral fun and energetic engagement.
Judi Townsend,Mannequin Madness (MM) president, and Kyana Holzman, lead designer, of MM’s Floral Crown Headdress Workshop.
Visit our website to shop for mannequins and dress forms, rent display pieces, or recycle your old mannequins.
