With
Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year all just around the
corner, it can be a challenge to keep your employee’s heads in the game and not
focused on their personal lives. Here are 5 tips to help keep productivity and
employee engagement strong during this time of year.
1.
Acknowledge the season.
There is no hiding the fact that the holiday season is a hectic time of
year. Have an open conversation about it. Let your employees know that you
understand how schedules and personal lives can become strained around this
time of year, but also acknowledge that everyone is still expected to give
their all.
2.
Remind your employees that what they
are doing is making a difference. During
the holiday season it’s easy for employees to get so caught up in their
personal lives that commitments and productivity at work take the back seat and
ultimately suffer. Remind your employees that what they are doing is making a
difference in the community, and their work is valued. They play a vital role
in the company.
3. Remember
to say thank you. Make sure your employees are aware that you appreciate
the effort they are putting forward. Give outstanding employees handwritten
notes expressing your appreciation. “Organizations that care about employees
and demonstrate that appreciation have higher engagement. It improves
productivity, increases shareholder value, and companies are able to get more
output and performance from employees,” says Allan Steinmetz, CEO of Inward
Strategic Consulting in Workzone: Boss
doesn’t need to be Scrooge.
4.
Find out what employees want to
accomplish in the New Year. While
everyone is busy planning out their New Year’s resolutions, it is the perfect
opportunity to have a group discussion on employee’s professional goals. Having
employees fill out self-evaluations is also a good way to keep employees
engaged by encouraging them to take stock of their strengths, weaknesses and
goals.
5.
Create an enjoyable atmosphere. It is incredible how productive
employees who feel welcome and accepted into the workplace can be. Consider
decorating for the season, or get feedback from employees on how they would
like to celebrate the holiday season in the office.
If you are
interested in learning more ways to strengthen employee engagement, visit our
website at www.inwardconsulting.com.
