Keeping Employee Morale High During the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means that people all around the world are getting into the Christmas spirit. Though it might be a joyous occasion for many people, it often leads to distraction in the office.

Not every business can take a break during the holidays. In fact, it becomes many businesses most stressful times. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, along with any potential sales that stores love to give during the holiday season, many consumer businesses get swamped, which means that employees have to work twice as hard. Even worse, if they don’t want to be there, they are less inclined to care about servicing the people that need help.

There are ways to remedy this, though. Businesses have had to figure out creative ways to not only get people into their store, but to keep them satisfied, and that starts with staff treating them well and helping them with anything they might need.

Here are some ways to keep employee morale during the holidays, regardless of what business you are in:

Christmas bonus

The easiest way to keep employee morale high during the holidays is to offer a Christmas bonus to all of your employees, regardless if they are working during the holiday. Employees will be much more likely to work diligently if they know they are receiving a Christmas bonus.

Have a competition

Competitions bring the best out of people. If you do it right, not only will they enjoy the friendly competitions, but they will work much more efficiently, especially if they know what is at stake. It can be as simple as an employee of the month competition, something that revolves around sales or a monetary reward for the most enthusiastic salesman.

Pay overtime

Like a typical Christmas bonus, employees will be more inclined, if not excited, to work during the holidays if you pay them extra for their services during that time. For instance, if they work on Christmas day, pay them time and a half instead of their normal salary. Regardless of what time it is, employees will appreciate the sentiment, and people that really need the money will want to work.

Have games/party

The holidays are a time to get to know one another and figure out whom everyone really is. Holiday parties are perfect for that. Regardless of how big or how small your company is, you should make a concerted effort to have a fun, exciting holiday party with all of your employees. Exchange gifts, provide good food and alcohol and let your employees know that you appreciate what they do.

Reward people with paid time after holidays

Especially if you are in retail, the post-holiday hangover can be bad. People are bound to be tired, angry and sometimes even delusional. Reward the people that had to work during Christmas or Thanksgiving with paid time off after the holidays. This will make them fresh for the new year.

Holidays can be stressful, especially if you have to work. Show your employees that you care, and morale should be sky high.

Anthony Sens is a digital marketing specialist for Waterline LLC, a company that provides crude oil tank cleaning