Keeping employees engaged during the holiday season

The air is crisp and Halloween is over, that means Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. While some may revel in turkey and togetherness, others find the holidays especially stressful. Those that fret about this time of year often let their anxiety carry over into their work life. This can lead to a less than engaged workforce, which can be quite challenging to leaders expecting an efficient staff. Consider the following three tips for keeping your workers focused and involved during the festive season ahead.

Don’t ignore the holidays
While you don’t have to hold tacky Christmas sweater competitions or encourage employees to exchange gifts, it is best to remember they will want to celebrate. Therefore, don’t pretend like the holidays aren’t happening, as that will only make your staff resentful. Acknowledge it’s a special time by scheduling a holiday lunch or dinner for your staff and their families. Or, on a smaller scale, simply decorating the office or playing Christmas music can subtly create a festive and fun working environment.

Offer flexible hours
It’s natural for your staff to want time off from work to spend with family during the holiday season. But, because everyone can’t be off at the same time, it’s important to communicate your expectations with them up front. Don’t deny them adequate holiday leave, but set appropriate standards and an effective schedule. Not only will this ensure the work gets done, but it will also demonstrate your consideration for your staff’s happiness during the holidays.

Prepare for end of year
Just because it’s a special season, doesn’t mean work deadlines go out the window. Keep your staff engaged with their work by reminding them of the importance of meeting year-end goals. Provide them with valuable incentives for accomplishing tasks (an extra afternoon off, for example) and continuously encourage them to work together to end the year on a high note.