Home Sweet Home Office: How to Help Employees Stay Productive Around the Holidays

Just as Santa guides his reindeer through the night sky, managing numerous details and delivering joy to the world in a single night, employers must navigate their remote teams during the holiday season. This is a time of year filled with celebrations, food, and lights – but there’s also a flurry of activity that can bring stress to many. The planning, shopping, and effort to maintain productivity at work can create a delicate balancing act. Employers play a role in acknowledging these challenges and finding opportunities to create balance between the joy of the season and the demands of work and everyday life.

Seasonal Stressors

The holiday season is full of activity, both professionally and personally. From organizing family gatherings to shopping for gifts, calendars can fill up quickly. The whirlwind of commitments can overwhelm even the most organized among us, and the pressure can lead to a lack of focus and productivity at work. The constant stream of holiday-related tasks can create distractions, making it challenging for employees to concentrate.

Between paid time off (PTO), unplanned absences, and festivities, nearly a third of employees find it difficult to balance work and holiday obligations. One survey shows that over half (51%) of employees are uncomfortable asking for time off during the holidays because managers expect them to be available during their time off and the holidays are the busiest time of the year.

Balancing Festivities and Focus

Balancing work responsibilities with holiday festivities can be a delicate juggling act, but with thoughtful strategies in place, both employers and employees can make the most out of this special time. Promoting a productive and happy workforce during December requires thoughtful strategies and a splash of creativity.

• Set Expectations: Specify work hours during the holidays, any altered deadlines, and communication channels. Employees will know exactly what they need to bring to the table. Create a shared calendar highlighting key dates, meetings, and deadlines, to ensure everyone is on the same page. Create a welcoming virtual environment, where you encourage open communication and let them know that any concerns about holiday work schedules are appreciated.

• Be Flexible: Flexibility in the workplace during the holiday season increases productivity more than any other benefit. Let employees adjust their work hours within a reasonable range. For example, some employees might want to start work early and finish early to accommodate family gatherings. Flexibility respects employees’ diverse needs during the holidays and can improve morale. Consider implementing compressed workweeks or additional paid time off. For example, employees could work longer hours from Monday to Thursday to enjoy a full day off on Friday and an extended weekend.

• Seasonal Shutdown: Not getting enough time off during the holidays can make employees less productive. Research shows that people who take vacations are more efficient than those who don’t. Consider closing your office for additional days beyond statutory holidays, when feasible. For some companies, the cost could prove too burdensome, but employees have reported increased satisfaction and productivity into the new year.

• Celebrate: Strengthen social connections among remote team members so they continue to feel connected during this busy time of year. Acknowledge their hard work through personalized notes, holiday care packages, or virtual recognition events. Making a virtual celebration feel special, rather than just another Zoom meeting, requires some thoughtful planning. Incorporate interactive activities, such as games or quizzes, that encourage participation. Consider choosing a theme, such as a holiday costume party, and encourage employees to share sentimental stories or their holiday traditions at home.

Staying on Track

Employers play an important role in keeping their employees on track during this busy time. Recognize the hustle and bustle, acknowledge the need for flexibility, and offer support. This will ensure your team is productive, and create a workplace culture of well-being that will last well beyond the holiday season. Contact us so we can work together to create strategies that work best for you and your team.

Suggested Reading

7 Reasons the Smartest Companies Shut Down for Christmas Week

Holidays Can Be Stressful. They Don’t Have to Stress Out Your Team.

Additional Resources

Employee Productivity During the Holiday Season Hinges on the Right Incentives and the Ability to Work Remotely