When the excitement of year-end celebrations catches on, it’s easy to overspend on things you think will make the party. Yet, these things often end up being unnecessary and short-lived. So, spending your year-end function budget wisely should be top of mind.
We’ve asked Brahman Hills’ CEO, Orrin Cottle to share some insights on where and on what best to spend your bucks for the best possible year-end celebration:
The venue is one of the first things to consider when it comes to a year-end function. “Select a venue that offers more than just great food and atmosphere,” says Orrin. “For instance, Brahman Hills boasts 26 international award-winning garden rooms and is set within the 1000-hectare Blue Crane Nature Reserve. This expansive natural setting provides a serene backdrop for reflection on the year’s achievements and allows employees to connect with nature, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation as they prepare for the coming year.”
An awards ceremony is key to any year-end function. “Babies cry for it, grown men die for it – recognition!” So, give recognition to those who have worked hard over the past year. “For top achievers, consider offering a night’s stay or a weekend away,” says Orrin. There are numerous top-quality accommodation options across the country, like Brahman Hills’ luxurious bed and breakfast offering which caters to various budgets, making it an incredible reward for outstanding performance within your company.
Why should a year-end function only consist of a party if you can maximise on it with the opportunity to grow your people and build trust within teams? Orrin suggests that you should spend part of your year-end celebration budget on an additional teambuilding activity or three. “Brahman Hills, for example, can offer an exhilarating experience with our full-scale obstacle course, complete with a zipline, tailormade for teambuilding and excitement at your event.”
In addition to teambuilding activities, any engaging, interactive experience would allow employees to learn and create memories together. Think along the lines of wine or whiskey tasting sessions, a sip and paint experience where participants can unleash their creativity, or even guided garden and sculpture walks (like those offered at Brahman Hills). “These interactive experiences not only entertain, but also provide opportunities for team bonding and personal growth in a relaxed setting,” says Orrin.
Another way to bring the team together as the end of the year approaches, is by using your year-end celebration as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the local community. “Brahman Hills supports multiple Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres through the NPO, The Unlimited Child. You can spend the morning giving a local crèche a mini makeover before heading back to Brahman Hills for the year-end party. Many of these centres need a good paint job or repairs to buildings and facilities. This hands-on approach to giving back is not only fulfilling, but also reinforces the importance of investing in our future. This activity will ensure that you end the year on a meaningful and impactful note,” Orrin concludes.
While we’re all for making the most of your year-end function, we’re even more for making it matter and for allocating your year-end celebration budget in a clever and considerate way.
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