‘Tis the season to be distract……ed.
I tend to find that at this time of year (much like in the summer) my office environment tends to shift into vacation mode. While we are incentified to make one last push to meet end of the year goals, many employees seem to already be (figuratively) punched out.
While this is not exclusive to the days before Thanksgiving, but rather the day before Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, Labor Day Weekend, etc..., it almost seems like there is a vacation, being taken in anticipation of the actual day off.
But the big question here is—as an employer, how can you keep your employees motivated during the holiday season? There are a few things you can do to keep your staff in full gear or close to it (see below)— but in all reality I think it’s a given that whatever you do, you should expect a little less output from your team during the holiday season, that just seems to be the way the gingerbread cookie crumbles (you have to love cheesy holiday jokes).
- Set an example. I know that my manager sets a great example by letting her staff know that she knows that this time of year can be distracting and she is trying hard to not let her personal holiday stresses take away from her work. Just knowing that my manager empathizes with how the rest of the staff feels, makes it seem like we’re all in this together and if she is going to give 100% so am I.
- Inspire your employees. Reinforce to employees why they are doing what they’re doing. For example, here at Beyond.com we are focused on helping professionals connect with the right employers and if those professionals happen to make the right connection over the holiday season—well then, that’s a little something extra to celebrate this holiday season.
- Remind staff about their accomplishments. At our organization, our yearly reviews are given in January when we return from the New Year, so the end of the year in our office is a time when self evaluations are performed and lists of accomplishments are compiled and submitted to our managers—which ensures that the staff is in tip-top shape through the end of the year. Having employees perform evaluations and submit a list of their yearly accomplishments at this time—can REALLY help to keep staff working at full capacity in anticipation of reviews and possible raises.
- Say thank you. At this time of year, show the staff your appreciation by having a holiday celebration of some kind, i.e. a party, a lunch, a gift exchange, etc.... Even little gestures like bringing in bagels or cookies can go a long way. Also, be sure to thank your staff for all the hard work they put in throughout the year.
