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Holidays Have Your Staff Flatlining? Bring Back the Pulse!
How To Combat Employee Disengagement Over the Holidays
By Anelle McLaughlin
HR Manager, Staffmax
We all know what happens around this time of year. The actual vacations haven’t happened yet but mentally…oh boy, they’re already there! Everyone is thinking about their shopping lists, food and baking needs, which dinners they’re going to and when, how they will avoid that one uncle who just wants to talk politics, how they might lose all hope if that Boney M Christmas album is played one more time (looking at you, Ashley), or if they’re lucky enough, that vacation to the warm regions coming up.
That’s right. The big old holiday checkout.
Thing is, work still needs to get done and companies don’t stop just because Janice in Accounting can’t get Jingle Bells out of her head! Of course, we always hope our staff stays self-motivated and keeps the grind going until the last moment, but human nature is what it is. The good news is that managers and owners can help. So how do you engage your employees around the holidays? By doing something that seems counterintuitive.
Bring. The. Fun.
Yes, we know holiday parties are pretty standard but why not continue the holiday cheer in little ways that make your staff feel jolly and appreciated? We know that work is work and expectations are ever present but why not fuel engagement and lead by example? Celebrating almost any occasion builds office morale and increases employee motivation. These are two components of a very important workplace equation: MORALE + MOTIVATION = PRODUCTIVITY!
Some of my own personal recommendations include:
- Secret Santa gift exchange
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes
- Holiday centered baked goods/dainties
- Potluck lunch – or take them out to lunch!
- Staff decorating activities
- Contests – can be ugly sweater, trivia, or even ugly fruitcake!
- Holiday “happy hour” with some egg nog and seasonal themed items – peppermint, ginger, caramel flavours are a hit
- Volunteer together with a charitable organization
- Have a “Santa’s Workshop” family day with decorations and some treats
- Gift wrapping party
- Pajama party and lunch hour boardgames
These little morale boosts don’t have to be a whole to-do, but little things that bring a touch of cheer. Ideas like the hot chocolate and PJ party are really cost effective and can easily be done around the workflow. Small activities will also encourage your staff to take much needed breaks, which also improve productivity and morale.
The biggest boost to you personally? Your staff will be looking into the New Year feeling like they are appreciated and their work really means a lot to you. This means you can start leaving turnover behind in 2019 and say hello to retention. Some might say you’ll have…..2020 vision!!
Staffmax is a recruiting agency based in Winnipeg with locations across Canada. Our sole focus is the recruitment and placement of the most talented and qualified candidates. Blog author, Anelle McLaughlin, is Staffmax's Senior Recruitment Consultant and HR Manager based in Winnipeg.
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