Being a good manager requires you to support your people. It promotes trust within your workplace and demonstrates your dedication to your employees.
In the midst of the holiday bustle, it’s easy to overlook that our employees are just as valuable as we are. While they may not spend more time with their friends or family this holiday season, most of them might still have a lot of things to do at home. So, whether you’re an employer or a manager, here are approaches to express gratitude to your employees over the holiday season:
Allow for more schedule flexibility
It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reward your staff throughout Christmas. Many firms provide flexible schedules all year, but now is the time to start if yours does not. You can also urge your employees to take vacation days ahead of time; so they don’t have to come in over the holidays. Consider sending out a corporate-wide email they can access through the employee service portal to let everyone know they’ve been working hard and to show your appreciation.
While it is often simple to allow knowledgeable employees to set their own schedules, remember that you can also provide flexibility to hourly workers by giving them more control over the days and times they work.
Allow employees to work from home
Consider allowing your staff to work remotely a couple of days per week during the holidays if they aren’t already (if it is feasible for their task). If your organization has taken a hybrid strategy, you can increase the days your employees can work from home over the following month or two. It allows employees to manage part of their vacation or family-related tasks and shows you trust them.
Minimize Employee Workloads
While it may appear contradictory, reducing workloads can assist your employees in avoiding burnout. The issue is that most businesses do not track workloads. However, there are methods for measuring them. You may, for example, ask each employee to complete a survey before and after the Christmas break through the company’s HR management software. Then, examine the results to determine which company areas want improvement. You may boost employee happiness and morale by doing so.
Be generous with your holiday gifts
Giving holiday gifts to your staff might be tricky. On one side, you want to express your gratitude for their efforts. But, on the other side, you don’t want to overspend. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available to you.
The corporate culture of your organization is an excellent place to start. If your company values generosity, you should do the same. For example, you may give bonuses to your top employees or donate to a cause that is important to your staff.
Another consideration is whether to give cash or stuff as a present. Of course, money is always appreciated, but if you want to save money, consider sending your staff something useful like new shoes or a water jug.
Make use of digital mediums to bring teams together
While it is crucial for employees to unplug during the holidays, remember that not everyone has a wide network of family or friends with whom to spend time. Even if they do, they may regard their coworkers as their “work family” and wish to keep in touch with them throughout the holidays. It can be challenging for distant teams, but technology can support it. You can organize virtual gatherings using Zoom or set up a Slack channel where people can share their unique Christmas traditions.
Check in with your workers regularly!
As a supervisor, you may be feeling swamped and may be inclined to cancel your usual one-on-one check-ins with your team members. Perhaps you believe that staff would appreciate a break as well, but the reality is it could lead to them feeling alienated or even abandoned. So keep those check-ins coming, ask people how they’re doing, and thank them for their efforts. In today’s workplace, kindness and appreciation can go a long way.
Cultivate employee well-being and self-care
Anyone can experience holiday stress. That is why it is critical to provide your staff with the resources they require to deal with stress. Remind your staff of the importance of being active, taking breaks, and prioritizing their mental health, and provide them with holiday safety tips. Consider providing your staff wellness-related gifts or discounted gym memberships if your budget allows.
Encourage your employees to give back
The holidays are a time for giving and helping those in need, and research shows that people who engage in social activities are happier and healthier. Some employees, however, may not have the funds or time to volunteer, so consider giving them an emotional lift by directing your company’s gifts to the organizations they support.
