Whether you're a festive fanatic or a bit of a scrooge, Christmas is just around the corner - and we might even get to have a proper Christmas this year! Between shopping online for gifts, doing the place up, and a dreaded Christmas food shop, a lot of employees can become a little distracted. It's a time when a cheerful and generous spirit can be forgotten in place of tit-for-tat giving, financial pressures, and even unnecessary seasonal competition. Getting back to giving-for-giving's sake and instilling a little traditional Christmas spirit isn't just a great way to live, it's also good for business.
Here's why:
Boosted Morale
More than ever, morale could do with a little bit of a boost. Christmas can do that on its own for the most part, but acknowledging that festive feeling at work helps not to dampen the excitement. Do nothing, and you risk moods running low as people drag themselves to their desk - feeling like work is getting in the way of festivities and quality family time. Seasonal video call backgrounds, a collaborative Christmas playlist or a Secret Santa might just do the trick. At the very least, it will go some way to ensuring your staff feel happier wherever it is they're working.
Christmas comes hand in hand with a new year, so think about your staff incentives. This doesn't necessarily have to be monetary - it could be something more personal. Show your staff you care by celebrating the year in success. Christmas, and the new year, offer leaders the perfect opportunity to praise and reward.
Increased Productivity
Staff morale and productivity go hand in hand. Christmas is an obvious time of year for productivity levels to drop off. This can be due to preoccupied staff and excitement surrounding the Christmas break. If you were to spread Christmas spirit, you might also boost employees' morale. It can make for a happier, more content workforce who are eager to perform. Their eagerness should have a positive effect on your productivity levels! Ensuring your staff remain happy throughout the Christmas season can last well into the New Year.
Positive Company Culture
Company culture is a buzzword/phrase that can often feel pretty empty. Developing your culture into something meaningful could start with the positivity and generosity that should come with Christmas. Spreading Christmas spirit shows that you care about your employees' wellbeing. This could contribute to the longevity of their service. In turn, this positive company culture will also help with talent acquisition and employer branding. If your employees like working for you, then you'll be a more attractive prospect for future applicants.
Promote Communication and Friendship
Creating a friendly atmosphere around your workplace at Christmas through a Secret Santa, Christmas e-Party, Christmas Jumper day or something similar will, at the very least, inspire conversation. This can give newer staff a chance to better establish themselves as part of the team, more senior staff the chance to bond with their teams and can generally result in your working team becoming a closer unit.
Ensure you're spreading genuine Christmas spirit with your team. It will show a human side to your organisation and create a happier, more productive workforce. They will, in turn, be more willing to give back to the business.