Fighting Year-End Fatigue: Friday Ice Cream Day At Impact Tank

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves grappling with year-end fatigue. The days get shorter, the to-do lists longer, and the energy dwindles. At Impact Tank, a place where IMPACT thrives, we decided to take a stand against this weariness. And how did we do it? We introduced "Friday Ice Cream Day". And it all started with an impromptu act of kindness from our CEO, Elzine Gawaxab - Mushambi

Imagine the sweet jingle of an ice-cream truck on a warm Friday afternoon. It's an enticing sound that can lift anyone's spirits. At Impact Tank, we experienced just that when our CEO heard an ice-cream truck passing by our office. Instead of letting it go unnoticed, our CEO decided to treat the entire team to a delectable ice cream cone right then and there. The smiles, laughter, and genuine delight that ensued were priceless. Thus, "Friday Ice-Cream Day" was born.

For November, the marketing team decided every Friday, our team will gather to enjoy an ice cream treat. It's not just about indulging in a sweet delight, but it's also about taking a break, connecting with colleagues, and appreciating the little moments of joy. It's incredible how something as simple as ice cream can make everyone's week feel a little lighter.

For this first Friday of the month, we decided to take "Friday Ice Cream Day" to a whole new level by incorporating "Swift 30." This Namibian trivia board game proved to be the perfect choice, infusing our afternoon with laughter, competition, and a sense of camaraderie.

With each question answered, we celebrated our victories and laughed heartily at our mistakes. The game was called "Swift 30" for a reason - it was all about quick thinking, rapid decision-making, and having a blast. The competition was intense, but it was all in good fun.

At the end of the game, we realised that "Friday Ice Cream Day" combined with "Swift 30" was the perfect antidote to year-end fatigue. Not only did it rejuvenate our spirits, but it also fostered a sense of unity and collaboration among the team. We left the office this Friday with a sense of accomplishment, having shared moments of joy and lightheartedness that helped us reenergize for the final push of the year.

As we head into the last few weeks of the year, we are armed with a renewed sense of vigor, ready to face any challenges that come our way, and always looking forward to the next "Friday Ice Cream Day" and the delightful surprises it may bring.

Here are five simple office games and fun activities that can help combat year-end fatigue

Puzzle Competitions: Set up a puzzle station in the office where employees can work on jigsaw puzzles during their breaks. Consider organising a competition to complete a puzzle within a specific time frame, fostering teamwork and providing a mental break from work.

Trivia or Quiz Sessions: Host short trivia or quiz sessions related to fun and light-hearted topics. You can create teams or conduct individual quizzes during lunch breaks or at the end of the day to engage everyone in some friendly competition.

Minute-to-Win-It Challenges: Arrange simple minute-to-win-it challenges like stacking cups, cookie face challenges, or other quick, entertaining games that individuals or teams can participate in during breaks. These games provide a quick burst of fun and laughter.

Themed Dress-Up Days: Plan a series of themed dress-up days for a week or a month. For example, you can have "Crazy Hat Day," "Pyjama Day," or "Tropical Shirt Day." Encourage employees to participate and have fun with it. It's a lighthearted way to break the monotony of the workweek.

Holiday Karaoke or Lip Sync Battle: Set up a mini karaoke or lip sync station in the office and allow employees to showcase their singing or lip-syncing skills. It's a lighthearted and entertaining way to bring some laughter and joy to the workplace.

These office games and activities can provide a welcome break from the usual routine, foster team bonding, and inject some fun and energy into the workplace, helping employees combat year-end fatigue.

Hang in there, it’s just the last stretch, finish strong (add some fun), YOU GOT THIS!