5 year-end functions with a difference
It’s already time to start preparing for those year-end functions, and considering the trajectory of this year so far, you’re going to want to make this one a really worthwhile celebration of employees. Although the vaccination programme is underway, it’s likely we’ll still have Covid-19 regulations in place for the remainder of the year, so best start planning with that in mind. Here’s a look at our five best year-end functions ideas for 2021.
5 Unique year-end functions ideas
1. Live escape room
If you have quite an adventurous or competitive workforce, then this is the absolute best option for your year-end function. Suited to smaller groups, the team is trapped in an escape room with a selection of clues that have to be solved in order to get out. It’s a race against time as participants only have 60 minutes to figure it all out. There will usually be a lunch afterwards to celebrate the escape, discuss the clues and generally bond as a team
2. Spa treatments
When it comes to year-end functions ideas that employees will truly appreciate in 2021, try a pamper session at a spa. Establishments will follow all necessary Covid-19 regulations while offering fantastic specials on spa group packages. This is a great option for a smaller workplace, although treatments can be done in sessions if preferred. An establishment like Joburg’s Evolve Day Spa is offering incredible Spa Group Specials at only R400 per person, which includes an Ancient Arabian mud rasul ritual experience, as well as a back, neck and shoulder massage. There are also great custom group packages from R500 per person with special treatments including Rooibos and honey infused massage and hydration hand or foot treatment, African Marula skin conditioning back massage, de-stress tension relief massages as well as manicures or pedicures. Further add-ons include personalised gifts, luxurious food and drink and home spa treatment classes.
3. Murder mystery
This is a fancy new take on the classic French manicure – sophisticated yet really stylish. Include some colour in the tip – or even two colours along the tip. Alternatively, you can add a colour lining around the edge of the nail, or at the base, as well as on the nail tip.
4. MasterChef
Whether your staff cohort are foodies or not, this MasterChef year-end function is always a delicious treat. You’ll need at least 12 colleagues who can then be paired up or grouped into teams. Once they’ve determined their team’s name, and are dressed in their chef’s kit, the cooking task can be presented with ingredients supplied and a few curve balls thrown in for fun. The tasks don’t need to be too difficult, because everyone will be at a different skill level, it’s more about working together in a relaxed, if slightly competitive, environment. Make sure you organise some impartial judges, and then dine out on the competition spoils.
5. Treasure hunt
If you have someone who’s great with riddles on the workforce, then put them in charge of the ultimate treasure hunt with the ultimate treasure your year-end function destination – and welcome cocktails of course! This can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like, and will really depend on the size of your operation. If there are lots of groups involved, maybe restrict to about five or six clues, whereas smaller operations could go to about 10 – but more than that might be overkill. You can tailor the clues so that they’re significant to your business, or inside jokes that everyone is ‘in’ on. This is a great bonding exercise without too much actual exercise!
No matter what your industry, the last year has been incredible difficult for employees – both professionally and personally – so make sure you go that extra mile and do something to show you truly care this year!
Bonus Idea: Hire a Guest Speaker
A motivational or business speaker can be a unique idea for a a year end function. A good keynote speaker offers extensive knowledge and connectedness with unique perspective on business and life.
