Walking in a winter wonderland, but feeling the pressure to meet end-of-year deadlines? As a manager, it can be tough to balance the efficiency of your team while also celebrating the holiday season. Here’s how you can keep your team productive through the end of 2019.
Bring the Cheer
Some holiday spirit can’t hurt in the workplace. Authoritarian managers will often push against some December downtime, but wiser managers lean into the fun. The more you resist the glad tidings, the more resistance you’ll receive from your staff. If you don’t bend a bit, your workers may feel overworked and slack off. Think of little ways you can perk up the workplace, like asking people what holidays they celebrate and arranging a “Secret Snowflake” gift exchange.
Communicate!
Nothing is more important than effectively relaying instructions and concerns to your subordinates, especially during the holiday season. You can expect workers taking time off and needing coverage, so have a clear plan in place for employee absences, so no task slips through the cracks.
Keep It Clean
Don’t forget the downsides of the holiday season: sharing germs! In the winter, you’ll find your staff plagued with illnesses that can keep them from their work. Keep your staff productive by heading off disease and keeping them healthy. Hand-sanitizing stations are a must, and encourage your staff to stay home or work remotely if they are ill. Decreasing the spread of sickness can help your staff stay efficient through the winter season. You can also bring in professionals to administer flu shots on-site to prevent that critical illness.
Show Appreciation
Gratitude from leadership is more than appropriate for the holiday season. Now is the time to tell your people you appreciate them, and show them how valued they are. If the budget is tight, you don’t need to cater a fancy meal or purchase special gifts for every worker. However, you do need to make an effort to give back after a year of challenges and successes. We encourage an end of year meeting – maybe even some awards! Poll your staff and ask how they like to receive appreciation to find the best method of thanking your team.
Looking to grow in 2020?
To embrace 2020, you need to be the best leader for your team. For management tips, hiring insight, and tons of information about how you can grow your business, check out Job Store Staffing®.