4 Tips for Keeping Your Employees Motivated Through the Holiday Season

It’s a magical time of year – and the most distracting for employees. Keeping your employees motivated can be challenging. Thoughts slip toward travel, family time, and vacations. If you’re managing a business, the holiday season can be problematic. For many businesses, the end of year period can be one of their busiest times, from wrapping up projects and meeting deadlines to preparing strategies for the new year. How can you help to keep your employees motivated and engaged at work?

Celebrate Successes

The end of the year is a great time to celebrate the achievements of your team. What goals did you reach in the past year? Did an employee really shine on a project? Now is the time to recognize your individual team members, and the entire group for their hard work. Demonstrating appreciation for how far you all have come in the past year can be a great motivator to keep pushing in the new year. After all, the success of your employees translates into the success of your business!

Create New Goals

Long term goals are great, but your team can lose their motivation if they don’t have shorter benchmarks to reach for. Keep your employees engaged by “game-ifying” your sales goals. Set very short term (daily or weekly) challenging, yet attainable goals. Then, offer a fun reward for reaching those goals – like a gift card. A little competition can be just the thing to keep your team going through the holiday season.

Hold Evaluations

Honest feedback is necessary for employee growth. Take the opportunity during the holiday season/end of year time to meet with your employees individually. Be sure to express your appreciation for their commitment to the business. Identify any areas for improvement, and brainstorm opportunities for them to grow professionally with the company. This approach can help you avoid employee stress due to frame of mind and concerns over performance.

Recognize the Importance of Work-Life Balance

The holidays are a big deal for many employees and their families. The stress of travel, and the joy of time making memories are an important part of life. It’s vital that you, as an employer, recognize the need for a healthy balance between work and home life. Encourage your employees to leave work at the office, and avoid sending emails or requests during their time off, or after work hours. This is a great way to give your employees (and yourself) a much needed break – and promotes a positive attitude going into the new year.