11 Ways to Increase Employee Happiness & Morale During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is undoubtedly a time for celebration, but it can also be a hectic and stressful period, particularly for those working in retail, e-commerce, nonprofit, and customer service industries. With events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, employees often find themselves working around the clock to meet the demands of the season. However, it doesn't have to be all work and no play. Employers can play a significant role in making their employees feel happier, less stressed, and truly appreciated during this busy time of the year.

Reinforce the Basics & Communicate Employee Policies

As an employer, it’s important to reinforce a few basics that are often overlooked during a busy season. Sticking to these core tenets even as the work day gets busier can make a huge difference in employee morale.

1. Recognition: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of your employees. It can be as simple as highlighting an "Employee of the Week" or "Top Performer of the Month." You can also send personalized thank-you notes to acknowledge exceptional contributions. When employees feel valued and recognized, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.

2. Employee Discounts: If applicable, offer employees special discounts or exclusive access to promotions during the holiday shopping season. This can be a significant perk, especially for those working in retail or e-commerce. It not only helps them save money but also enhances their connection to the company.

3. Encourage Breaks: During the busiest times of the year, it's easy for employees to get caught up in their work and forget to take breaks. Encourage your employees to take regular breaks, whether it's a quick walk, a short coffee break, or a longer lunch. These breaks can help them de-stress and return to work with a fresh perspective.

4. Communication: Keep the lines of communication open. Let employees know what to expect during the holiday season, whether it's changes in work schedules, revenue goals, or company initiatives. Transparency can help alleviate anxiety and stress, as employees will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

5. Offer Flexibility & Floating Holidays After the Busy Season: For businesses with a seasonal rush, it can be hard (if not impossible) to be as flexible with scheduling and PTO as you may like. Employee productivity is crucial — but it doesn't mean you can't support your team once the holiday push is over. Consider offering more flexible schedules or remote work options in January and February (and beyond, if you like). Another idea is to offer additional PTO or floating holidays that employees can use in the slow season. Whatever approach you take, the point is to give employees that much-needed time to recover and restore later, while still making sure folks are present in November and December.

Go Above and Beyond to Boost Employee Happiness

While the basics are key, there are a few things employers can do to go above and beyond for their employees, too. Not every employer will be able to enact these ideas, but even considering a few that are most applicable to your business can go a long way.

6. Bonuses and Incentives: A little extra financial boost during the holiday season can do wonders for employee morale. Consider giving out performance-based bonuses or rewards for hitting revenue targets. Even small gestures, such as gift cards or company-branded merchandise, can make employees feel recognized and appreciated for their hard work.

7. Holiday Parties and Celebrations: Don't forget to inject some holiday spirit into the workplace. Organize holiday parties, potlucks, or gift exchanges. These events can help create a sense of camaraderie among employees and provide a well-deserved break from their daily routines. 

8. Extra Help and Support: Hiring temporary or seasonal staff to alleviate the workload can make a significant difference. It allows your regular employees to focus on their tasks without becoming overwhelmed. Additionally, providing resources like extra training and support can help employees feel more confident in handling the holiday rush.

9. Employee Feedback: Listening to your employees is crucial. Create a feedback loop where employees can express their concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improving the work environment during the holiday season. This demonstrates that you care about their well-being and are open to making necessary adjustments.

10. Support Personal Giving: The holiday season is also a time for giving back to the community. Encourage employees to get involved in charitable activities or offer paid time off for volunteering. Many companies organize group volunteer activities, which not only support a good cause but also foster a sense of togetherness among employees. If your organization is remote, consider matching donations and having employees share the charities that are most important to them to build more camaraderie in the workplace.

11. Stress-Relief Activities: Working long hours during the holiday season can be mentally and physically draining. Consider bringing in a massage therapist for a day, hosting yoga or meditation sessions, or providing access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling services. These measures can help employees relax and recharge, ultimately making them more productive.

The holiday season can be a challenging time for employees, especially in industries where the workload intensifies. Employers have the power to make this period more manageable and enjoyable for their workforce. Remember that happier, less stressed, and appreciated employees are more likely to perform at their best, which benefits both the employees and the company as a whole. So, this holiday season, let's spread the cheer in the office and show employees the gratitude they deserve.

Justworks Can Help Support Your Employees

This holiday season, it might be time to give your business and your employees the gift of Justworks! Justworks PEO can help take care of administrative tasks from payroll to benefits and even compliance, which is one less thing to worry about during the busy season. Moreover, as a Justworks PEO customer, employees can take advantage of stress-relief benefits such as Talkspace, a teletherapy service, large-group health insurance perks like a fitness membership, and support that employees can rely on to support them through a busy period.

If you're ready to learn more, get started today.