By Kim Franklin
The holidays are always such a contagiously exciting time of the year! However, with so many events to attend and tasks to wrap up by the end of the year, it can also be a challenging time at work. The busy nature of the season can lead to higher stress levels as your employees are spread thin, which could decrease morale.
To avoid the reduced productivity that can result from feeling overwhelmed during the holidays, here’s how you can help keep spirits high at work all the through the season:
Reward Employees for Their Work
This reward often comes in the form of a year-end bonus, but rewards don’t necessarily have to be financial in nature. Simply letting your employees know how much they are valued – and how much you appreciate their efforts – can go a long way toward boosting morale. Consider writing a simple thank you note to each employee as a cost-effective gesture of gratitude.
Make Sure your Branch is Covered
The holidays are, of course, a popular time to take vacation. Make sure there is a plan in place so the branch is adequately staffed. Developing a coverage plan for the holidays is always a good idea – everyone needs to be aware of who will be out when, and who is expected to cover for them. This is especially critical if you offer any sort of flex or work-from-home time.
Host an Office Holiday Party
You should also consider hosting a holiday lunch at the branch to say thank you to your employees. This is a great opportunity to not only celebrate the season, but also your credit union’s successes over the past year. By taking a break from the daily grind to come together and socialize, you’ll build a sense of camaraderie and keep the office mood light and fun.
Encourage Creativity
Allow your employees to decorate their desks and workspaces. You could even hold a friendly competition and give a prize for the best-decorated space. Holiday decorations are an easy way to spread the cheer of the season. Remember – everyone loves a good ugly-sweater competition, too!
Give Back to the Community
Credit unions are all about showing appreciation for our members and communities. What better time of the year to get involved and give back to the community? You could host a food drive or other event at your credit union, consider volunteering at a local organization or donate to a charitable cause as a team. Giving to others is what the holiday season is supposed to be about, after all.
Keeping morale high this time of year boils down to showing your employees that you understand their needs and value their hard work. It’s also about being realistic and accommodating their hectic schedules, while making sure the branch stays productive and your employees stay engaged. Taking a few easy steps to maintain positive energy will help you sustain momentum and end the year on a high note!
Kim Franklin is human resources manager at EPL, Inc.