The pandemic will likely prevent many families from being together, and employees may require additional support and uplifting from their managers and colleagues. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The holidays can be a difficult time to keep employees engaged. Add the ongoing challenge of managing remote workers due to the pandemic and it could be harder than ever to maintain a productive workforce this holiday season. Fortunately, there are steps companies can take to create a greater sense of humanity, inspiration, and positivity throughout their organizations in the month of December and beyond.
Be overly flexible and understanding of work-life harmony
Help employees designate time for work, family, and free time by being understanding and flexible about when work gets done. Being open to people's different needs not only creates an environment for flexibility but also for trust, which can help increase employee engagement and productivity. Similarly, showing understanding and compassion will reap greater benefits than prioritizing manager preferences.
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Related: 3 cost-effective ways to help employees feel safe and financially secure this holiday season
Celebrate your company community as a whole
Ideally, workplaces are diverse and inclusive, so company-wide holiday celebrations (even if virtual) should be cognizant of that. Christmas, while popular in the United States, can be isolating for those who don't celebrate it and could lead to employees feeling alienated and disconnected from their work, or employers, as a result.
All employees should feel equally celebrated, so keep celebrations non-denominational to ensure employees feel included and supported. Keep in mind that the pandemic will likely prevent many families from being together; therefore, employees may require additional support and uplifting from their managers and colleagues.
Recognize what a challenging year it has been for employees
The pandemic flipped people's lives upside down, both at work and in everyday life. Take the time to recognize the sacrifices employees made during the year and thank them for their continued commitment and motivation, despite all they may be up against in their personal and professional lives. If someone is struggling to stay focused, use this opportunity to thank them for their contributions over the past year.
Expressing authentic appreciation is the difference between a great team and an underperforming one, and social recognition is one of best ways to do this consistently. Research shows the profound positive impact that recognition has on engagement and connection in the workplace. Social recognition platforms are critical for implementing a culture of appreciation, especially in a virtual work environment. While the future remains unknown, a recognition tool is an easy way to maintain or build a community and invest in what matters most: your employees.
Honor your company's commitment to time off during the holidays
Taking time to refresh and recharge is critical to employees' mental health. It can also contribute to better performance, higher retention, and increased productivity. This is even more important now that employees are remote and likely struggling to find work-life harmony. Managers should encourage time off for employees to recharge, while also alleviating the stress that is often associated with it. For example, help employees offload their workload so time off will feel feasible rather than overwhelming. This is similarly critical for managers and leaders who must lead by example and recharge their own batteries so they can set the tone for their employees.
Prioritize ongoing feedback and check-ins
Annual performance reviews and end-of-year reports can weigh heavily on employees' minds toward the end of the year. Shifting to ongoing conversations, feedback, and regular check-ins will keep employees engaged and motivated to do meaningful work throughout the year, minimizing the stress of job performance and security come December. As a result, the end of the year can be used as an opportunity to set goals for 2021 and plan for employees' career growth and development so employees can be successful and motivated start to the new year.
2020 has been a challenging year for the workforce with countless ups and downs. The holidays are a perfect time to reprioritize celebrating humanity in the workplace, as it will make employees feel more inspired and motivated to do the best work of their lives.
