Holiday Shopping
The holiday season usually brings cheer and togetherness, but in the workplace, it can also be accompanied by disengagement. Looming deadlines, heightened personal obligations, and the delicate emotional balance of work and life can all lead to increased distraction and even burnout: Gallup reports that only 31% of employees feel engaged, while 17% are actively disengaged. Moreover, the holidays can amplify feelings of being undervalued and disconnected for many, with fewer than four in ten workers saying that someone at work cares about them as a person.
All of these factors can contribute to a recipe for “soft quitting,” declining focus, and ultimately lost productivity. As we close out a year marked by a “Great Detachment” — with U.S. employee engagement at a decade low following nearly half of workers changing employers in 2024 — the challenge is clear: How do you keep employees engaged, motivated, and connected when the holidays can pull focus away from work?
Workplace benefits can serve as an important tool to help sustain employee engagement, as we know employees want their employers to actively support their financial wellbeing. Providing comprehensive benefits and support shows you value your employees and enhances retention by meeting their key financial needs — all of which takes on added meaning and impact during the busyness and bustle of the holidays.
Communicate benefits clearly and often
Morgan Stanley research shows that 94% of workers think their company should ensure it offers the best employee benefits available in their respective industry. With year-end deadlines and open enrollment, employees can feel bombarded with information, making it essential to cut through the noise with concise, actionable communications about benefits, equity plans, and financial wellness resources. Err on the side of restraint and give employees choices in how they want to engage with benefits communications. Highlight any time-sensitive deadlines or financial benefits programs that can translate directly into supporting employees and their families during the holidays.Equity compensation and financial wellness programs can be powerful tools for engagement if employees understand and feel confident using them. Nearly two-thirds say they want education on equity, retirement, and investing, and 4 in 5 believe their company should help them maximize stock plan benefits. The holidays are an ideal time to highlight these programs and contact information for additional support—not just as perks, but as tangible expressions of value and appreciation. Position your full benefits offering as a resource to help employees save on costs, enhance their financial outcomes, and promote general wellness throughout the season.
Support wellbeing and flexibility while leveraging technology
While often festive and joyful, the holidays can also bring financial stress through added personal expenses, hosting, and travel.
It can help to acknowledge the stress of the season by reminding employees of available support such as financial planning, wellness programs, or access to Financial Advisors. Other measures of workplace support can help employees relieve stress in other ways, such as offering flexible schedules, mental health resources, and extra time off where possible.
At the same time, make your benefits and resources more accessible through mobile apps and digital platforms—awareness is often low, so consider promoting these tools with holiday-themed campaigns, tutorials, or contests that encourage exploration and usage. Together, these efforts can help employees feel supported and connected during a busy time of year.
Foster connection and prepare leaders to amplify engagement
Remote and hybrid work can make the holidays feel isolating, so it can help to create opportunities for meaningful interaction through virtual town halls or holiday-themed workshops to spark dialogue and gather feedback. Encourage cross-team collaboration on charitable initiatives or wellness challenges to build camaraderie.
At the same time, train managers to recognize signs of burnout and disengagement, and equip them with resources to support their teams—including making sure managers are aware of the financial benefits and support resources available for employees. Leadership visibility and empathy are especially critical during the holidays, ensuring employees feel both connected and cared for.
Don’t forget your executives
Executive engagement is especially vulnerable during the holidays. Personalized outreach and tailored incentives can help retain top talent and set the tone for company-wide engagement. Equity is a powerful motivator—nearly half of employees say it’s the most effective way to keep them engaged, and many value it for offering a stake in the company’s success.
However, benefits alone aren’t enough for employees. During a season when personal and professional stressors collide, people crave belonging and recognition. The holidays offer a natural opportunity to express gratitude, but generic messages fall short. Consider spot bonuses, equity grants, or tailored benefits that reflect individual impact. Combining clear communication with genuine appreciation can strengthen engagement and loyalty across the organization.
Embrace the season as a strategic opportunity
The holidays don’t have to be a time of lost momentum. Focus on strategies that create an environment where employees feel valued and supported to help keep engagement levels high even when schedules and priorities shift.
By pairing meaningful benefits with thoughtful communication, flexibility, and personalized recognition, organizations can turn the season into a catalyst for deeper connection and loyalty. Communicate with your employees, act on their feedback, and celebrate their contributions — not just as a year-end ritual, but as an investment in engagement that will last well beyond the holidays.
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