4 tips for keeping your employees motivated during the holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but the holiday season is often the least professionally productive. Your employees are preparing for guests at home, planning holiday meals, and shopping for the perfect gifts, all while trying to stay motivated at work. There are various things you can do to help your staff stay focused on their professional tasks while still juggling holiday responsibilities at home. Here are four tips for keeping them motivated even while they have “sugar plums dancing in their heads.”

Stay organized

With any important work, it is key to remain organized and on track. This can be more difficult when there is more going on at home as well, but encourage your staff to prioritize their job duties. Communicate with everyone on holiday schedules and who will be away from the office and when. Having a good game plan is always helpful.

Set goals

It is important to take things one day at a time, but also remind your staff of the value in setting goals. Keeping track of progress and encouraging one another to reach objectives can keep your team determined and motivated. Continue to inspire them the closer they get to their goals and provide incentives.

Give them time off

Let’s face it everyone likes time off work, whether it’s during the holiday season or not. Allowing your employees to spend time with their family especially during the holidays demonstrates your appreciation for them. If they are not given adequate time away they may become resentful which will affect their job performance. Decide early on the standard for time off so that there are no surprises when the holidays arrive.

Celebrate

Embrace their festive spirit and incorporate the holidays into your work environment. Decorate the office together, plan a tacky sweater day, or schedule a holiday lunch or dinner outside the office. Even if there is a lot of work to be done, pretending like the holidays aren’t happening isn’t realistic. If you can make them part of your time at work it will encourage positivity and bring a little fun to the office, which can increase morale and promote productivity.