November 11, 2024
The festive season brings excitement, joy, and a welcome change of pace, yet it also introduces unique challenges for employees who are balancing work responsibilities with holiday commitments. Colder weather, busier schedules, and the pressure of wrapping up year-end tasks can contribute to seasonal stress, impacting employee wellbeing. Employers who prioritise employee wellbeing during this time can create a more motivated, engaged, and resilient workforce. After all, content and supported employees form the backbone of a thriving workplace.
From understanding the holiday stressors employees face to implementing thoughtful programs, these approaches will help you foster a positive work culture that lasts beyond the season.
Why Employee Engagement Matters During the Holidays
Employee engagement is not just a trendy concept; it is vital for the smooth operation of any organisation. Engaged employees are more productive, satisfied, and invested in their work, which positively impacts the business’s overall performance. During the holiday season, when the focus can easily shift away from work due to personal commitments, festivities, and the year-end rush, employee engagement becomes even more crucial.
The festive season can lead to distractions and disengagement, particularly when employees feel overworked or disconnected from their teams. However, by prioritising engagement during this period, businesses can not only keep morale high but also set the stage for a successful year ahead.
Additionally, showing appreciation for the diversity of holiday traditions and customs within your workforce is an excellent way to build stronger connections with your employees. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply a time for rest and reflection, acknowledging the different ways in which your employees celebrate can foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
Understanding Employee Wellbeing During the Holidays
The holiday season often introduces pressures that may impact an employee's emotional and mental wellbeing. These challenges can include meeting year-end deadlines, balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and managing financial pressures associated with the season. For some, the combination of these factors can lead to burnout or stress if they don’t feel sufficiently supported at work.
Employers who recognise these stressors and make proactive efforts to support their teams are better positioned to maintain high morale, reduce burnout, and keep productivity steady.
Simple gestures, such as showing appreciation through festive bonuses, personalised thank-you notes, or team gifts, can make employees feel valued and uplift their spirits. Acknowledging their hard work and offering small tokens of appreciation signals to employees that their efforts are noticed, helping them feel more engaged and less overwhelmed. Even creating a more festive atmosphere with seasonal decorations can inject a sense of cheer that lifts morale.
Additionally, fostering team connections during the holiday season can reduce the feeling of isolation, especially for remote employees. Organising indoor activities, such as a potluck, or virtual gatherings, like an online holiday quiz, can build a sense of community and warmth.
Strategies for Enhancing Employee Engagement
Increasing employee engagement during the Christmas season involves a combination of clear communication, flexibility, and team-building activities that resonate with your team. Here are some practical strategies to consider:
- Open Communication: Start by checking in with your employees to understand their needs, concerns, and expectations. This can be done through surveys, one-on-one check-ins, or team meetings. Transparent communication fosters trust and can uncover simple ways to support your team. For instance, some employees may appreciate flexible work hours to accommodate holiday preparations, while others may benefit from temporary adjustments in workload to manage stress.
- Flexible Work Schedules: With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many employees juggle personal commitments with professional duties. Providing options for flexible working hours or remote work can reduce stress and make it easier for employees to balance both aspects. If your business allows, consider offering “flexible Fridays” or shorter workdays during December. Small adjustments can go a long way in helping employees feel they have control over their schedules.
- Festive Team-Building Activities: Holiday-themed activities are a great way to build team cohesion and celebrate the season together. Virtual holiday parties, charity events, or a Secret Santa gift exchange can create a festive spirit, making employees feel appreciated and included. If in-person gatherings are possible, consider organizing a holiday lunch or potluck to bring everyone together.
- Mental Health Resources: Offering access to mental health support, such as counseling services, online wellness platforms, or simply reminding employees about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), can help those experiencing seasonal stress. Some companies even introduce holiday-themed mindfulness or relaxation sessions, which give employees tools to manage stress.
- Physical Wellness Initiatives: Encourage physical wellbeing through activities that motivate employees to stay active despite the colder temperatures. This is where wellness challenges come into play, providing both a fun and healthy way to engage employees.
Support Your Company with a Wellbeing Challenge
One innovative way to boost morale during the winter is by organising a corporate wellbeing challenge. Terryberry’s Corporate Wellbeing Challenge is an example of an employee step challenge that supports physical wellness through engaging virtual activities. This type of programme not only encourages healthy behaviours but also promotes friendly competition and social connection among employees.
In the wellbeing challenge, employees can build teamwork by sharing accomplishments, offering encouragement, and tracking their progress together. This approach can improve morale, foster a sense of unity, and remind employees that their company values their health. With the help of real-time data and a dynamic admin portal, the Terryberry challenge allows for flexibility in duration, metrics, and theme. Plus, it’s inclusive, with over 100 ways to participate, including activities tailored for wheelchair users.
Physical challenges can have a lasting impact by helping employees build healthy habits and creating a vibrant, connected team. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to their employees' health and wellbeing build a culture of care and appreciation, which can improve loyalty and reduce burnout.
Introducing Be Recognised: A Solution for Employee Wellbeing
Incorporating a dedicated recognition platform can amplify your efforts to create a supportive and engaging workplace culture. Be Recognised is a customisable employee recognition platform that makes it easy to celebrate achievements and foster a positive environment, no matter where employees are located. By making employee recognition part of everyday interactions, employers can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and inspire employees to give their best.
The platform allows companies to set up custom rewards, from digital thank-you notes to tangible gifts, based on milestones and accomplishments. Recognition can be as simple as acknowledging small wins or as formal as awarding Employee of the Month, with the aim of reinforcing positive contributions and inspiring continuous engagement.
During the holidays, Be Recognised can be used to organise seasonal recognition campaigns, where employees can acknowledge each other’s contributions and achievements. This recognition can also be used in tandem with wellbeing challenges, making employee appreciation a more holistic experience that spans physical, mental, and emotional support.
Next Steps: Prioritising Wellbeing During the Festive Season
Supporting employee wellbeing over the Christmas season is essential for maintaining a productive, harmonious workplace. By acknowledging the challenges unique to this time of year, employers can proactively implement strategies that benefit both employees and the company. Simple actions, like flexible schedules, holiday recognition, wellbeing programmes, and mental health support, can reduce seasonal stress and build loyalty among employees.
To recap:
- Recognise employees’ holiday-specific stressors and respond with flexibility and empathy.
- Implement a wellbeing challenge or similar programme to encourage physical activity and camaraderie.
- Leverage recognition platforms to reinforce a culture of appreciation and continuous engagement.
By embracing these strategies, you’ll ensure a positive, supportive work environment during the festive season. The benefits of prioritising employee wellbeing extend beyond just one season, positively impacting company culture, productivity, and employee retention in the long run.
Interested in a tailored approach? Contact Terryberry to explore how our wellness and recognition solutions can make a meaningful impact on your team. Let’s make this holiday season a season of growth, gratitude, and good health for your entire workforce.