By Rob Bridges, CEO
Q4 brings countless expectations. Brand managers want to wrap up projects before the end of the year. CMOs hope to spend any remaining budget (lest they lose it). Sales teams are pushing for every win in hopes of bonuses. Accounting departments are in tax planning mode. C-suiters are demanding EOY performance reports, earnings reports, and every imaginable report, prepping for board or shareholder meetings. And so on and so on… People are busy, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Combine that with the financial strain of holiday shopping, decorating, partying, travel, and the inevitable avalanche of employee PTO requests, and you have a perfect recipe for employer/employee burnout—tied up with a beautiful satin ribbon and served with a delicious side of turkey gravy.
To quote bumper sticker psychology, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” (Fun fact: countless people think this is a Robin Williams quote, but research shows it was author Darielys Tejera in 2009.)
The holidays are a tough time of year for many. Savvy businesses show extra appreciation and listen when tensions are peaking to help staff feel valued and balance work and home.
It’s Cliché, but True: Businesses Are Only as Good as Their People.
Because teams matter to a business’s success, how you treat your team directly impacts success. That’s certainly the case at Mad Genius—so much so that we have two guiding people principles by which we steer our ship.
- Family first
- Have fun
So, to all team leaders, middle managers, CEOs, COOs, and business owners, please listen up as your rock-star employees leave for holiday PTO. 44 percent of employees think about quitting while on vacation, and one in five do so within a month. Most return to work but quietly begin job hunting, with half of those gone within three months. Vacation is when people get the headspace to reflect.
What Did You Give Them to Reflect Upon?
As you ponder that ominous question, here’s a better one: What are some things we can do as leaders to leave teams feeling valued, supported, and heard? Brace yourself—here we go, a-wassailing!
Connect With Your Employees
Take every opportunity to remind teams of the shared mission, vision, and values and how each person can contribute to your organization’s success, including a strong sense of individual purpose.
Empathize With Your Employees
Though a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, the holiday season can also bring some people stress, loneliness, and even grief. In those moments, be a leader, not a boss (point of order: be this always.) A good leader listens with a supportive ear and asks how they can come alongside teammates to lift them rather than assigning blame.
Be Inclusive of Your Employees
Promote a culture of mutual respect. Employees should feel valued and supported without feeling pressured to compromise their beliefs. Strike a balance between acknowledging employees’ unique experiences and adhering to beloved established traditions like office parties, gift exchanges, or luncheons. Find ways to incorporate each team member’s diverse holiday traditions. There’s always room to learn.
Encourage Time off for Your Employees
Promoting self-care practices among your team is essential, whether during holidays or any time of year. Remind employees to take regular breaks throughout the day, use their accrued PTO, and engage in activities that bring them joy. Be considerate that their child’s holiday play is way more important than the presentation they’re working on. Encourage them to be present and make memories. Consider offering flexible schedules or remote work options to help prioritize family and navigate the demands of a busy holiday schedule.
Be Realistic With Your Employees
Avoid excessive workloads that contribute to stress and burnout where possible. Realistic expectations, priorities, goals, and deadlines will help employees navigate their commitments more effectively.
Express Gratitude to Your Employees
Finally, recognize achievements. Give credit where credit is due, always remembering to share the wins and own the losses. While this admission is a must throughout the year, expressing appreciation for hard work and dedication is especially meaningful during the holidays. Consider simple gestures like handwritten notes or small rewards like coffee, breakfast, or snacks.
Honk if You Love Your Job!
This is not hard, folks. Be thoughtful. Be intentional. Be human. Be nice. Heed the wise advice of the aforementioned bumper sticker.
Doing these things will create a positive company culture that fosters a sense of value, connection, and appreciation. It will also help your team avoid the holiday blues, promote a supportive work environment, and be more engaged and motivated.
And maybe, just maybe, while they’re sipping on eggnog and laughing at a drunk uncle, your team will pause, give thanks, and reflect on what a great life (and job) they have.
Merry Christmas, errbody!