Maintaining high morale during the festive season can be difficult. Everyone is focused on their Christmas shopping, wrapping presents and spending time with their families, so it can be hard to get everyone focused on work. Luckily, there are ways to ensuring that your employees stay motivated and productive as Christmas approaches.
Recognize the Effort Your Staff Are Making
In workplace cultures, thanks is often overlooked and it can quickly drag down the morale of a team. Employees like to know that the effort they are putting in is being appreciated, which drives them to continue to do great work. It also makes for a happier work environment, even during those periods when everyone would sooner be relaxing at home. So, when a job is done well, take the time out to thank your employees with a handwritten note, a gift card or even just a surprise coffee from the local coffee shop. Even small gestures make for a positive effect.
Arrange an Outing to Show Appreciation
There’s no better time of the year to show your appreciation that during the Christmas period. Christmas is a busy time, not just at work but also in our personal lives, so taking the afternoon off for a break from the hustle and bustle of the year can be great for morale. Perhaps you can treat your team to a breakfast or group lunch as a thank you for their hard work over the course of the year, or if your company budget allows, maybe take them out for an off-site excursion. From drinks to paintball, escape rooms or even a meal, there are numerous options to give your team a much-deserved break so they can return to work recharged and refreshed.
Give Out Awards
In the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year, it can be a great opportunity to hand out awards that recognise the contribution different employees have made. Using an HR system can make it easier to find out who has stood out in particular, possibly through recommendations. This is a great way to encourage people to continue working hard and to motivate them to go into the office to see if they’ve been awarded something. It can even become company-wide so encourage friendly competition between departments.
Provide Food
Everyone loves a snack, particularly when they are lagging in energy from the busy festive season. If you want to show that you care about your team there’s no better way to do it than with free food – in fact, surveys have shown that 57% of workers believe that food-based perks make them feel valued in a company, while 50% said that enjoying food in the office made them feel more satisfied with their workplace. So, why not spread some Christmas cheer and provide some tasty snacks for your team to enjoy while they are at work?
Sponsor a Volunteer Day
Many companies provide sponsored days or half-days off from work to allow employees to volunteer at a charity of their choosing. Volunteering at Christmas spreads good will and promotes fellowship, plus it enables staff to feel good about giving to others.
