Happy Holidays, Connections!

Now that I've finished decorating, I know I'm feeling all the holiday feels! Speaking of holidays… Maintaining a positive and productive work environment while embracing the festive cheer is a delicate balance. You don't want to be a Scrooge and end up on your team's Naughty List. That's why I've put together my top three tips to juggle work and holiday cheer with your awesome team successfully.

SETTING CLEAR HOLIDAY PARTY EXPECTATIONS

Holiday parties can be a great way to boost team morale and celebrate the year's achievements. However, setting clear expectations is essential to ensure the festivities are inclusive and align with the company's values. First, be mindful of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds within your team. Second, make celebrations convenient for your staff by hosting a luncheon on the premises or "close up shop" a couple of hours early to allow employees to enjoy themselves without adding more time to their workday. Lastly, encourage responsible behavior. Remind employees to celebrate responsibly. If alcoholic beverages are part of the festivities, emphasize the importance of moderation and provide alternative options for those who choose not to drink.

IMPLEMENTING CLEAR OUT-OF-OFFICE POLICIES

During the holidays, many employees may take time off to spend with family and friends. Implementing clear out-of-office policies helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth workflow. Be sure to communicate deadlines in advance. Encourage employees to communicate their time-off plans well in advance to allow teams to plan around absences and ensure that crucial deadlines are met. Establish communication protocols and expectations for communication during time off. Specify whether employees are expected to check emails or if there are designated points of contact for urgent matters.

COORDINATING TIME OFF FAIRLY

Balancing employee time off requests can be challenging, especially during peak holiday periods. To manage this effectively, establish a fair and transparent system for approving time off, such as a first-come, first-served basis or a rotating schedule. Ensure that the process is communicated clearly to all employees. Be sure to prioritize critical functions within the team and ensure coverage for essential tasks. This may involve cross-training team members or hiring temporary support during peak periods.

Successfully managing employees during the holidays involves a combination of clear communication, flexibility, and thoughtful planning. By setting clear holiday party expectations, implementing effective out-of-office policies, and coordinating time off fairly, leaders can create a positive work environment that allows both celebration and productivity to thrive during the festive season.

Here's hoping you don't get any coal in your stocking this year!

Ken