Funny Leaving Do Ideas for a Colleague
A good leaving do sends someone off laughing, without anyone needing to speak to HR on Monday. Whether it’s a colleague moving on or a retirement after decades, these ideas work for drinks after work, a team lunch or a farewell call.
1. A photo reveal of their time at the company
Gather photos from Christmas parties, away days, team nights out and their very first week. Put them on a private site, print a QR card for each table or share the link in the team chat, and reveal the code during the leaving speech. Everyone browses and reacts on their own phone, including colleagues working from home.
Albums that work well: Christmas Parties, Away Days, Desk Life, Team Nights Out and The Early Days.
2. The desk tour
Take a photo of their desk on an ordinary day: the mug collection, the sticky notes, the plant that refuses to die. Add it to the photos and have someone narrate it as a museum exhibit during the speech.
3. Quotes of the year
Collect their best catchphrases, unforgettable meeting moments and most-used email sign-offs. Read them out, or caption the photos with them.
4. The “guess the year” wall
For a long-serving colleague or a retirement, gather photos from across their career. Guests guess the year from the haircut, the computer on the desk or the office décor.
5. A farewell video call segment
Remote teams can still join in. Share the site link and clearance code in the chat during the call, and give everyone two minutes to find their favourite photo and react.
Keeping it work-appropriate
- Embarrassing, not compromising. A terrible fancy dress costume is fine. Anything from a night out that could affect someone’s reputation isn’t.
- Check the photos with a close colleague before the reveal.
- Think about the whole room. Senior leaders, clients and family members may all be there.
- Be able to hide a photo instantly, in case one lands badly.
Setting it up
With PhotoLeak, one person creates the site and invites colleagues to upload photos. You approve each one before it appears. Print the QR cards for the drinks, or share the link with remote staff, and reveal the code during the speech. Many teams split the cost like a leaving collection.
Planning a retirement? See our retirement party page for ideas that span a whole career.
Try the demo to see how it works.