The holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many, but for hourly workers, it can be a stressful and exhausting time. Employers who rely on an hourly workforce need to take steps to ensure that their employees remain engaged through the holiday season. Here are seven tips for managing and leading your hourly employees well during this time:
Understand your employees’ motivations
To keep your hourly employees motivated through the holidays, it is essential to take the time to understand their motivations. For some, the holidays may be a time to earn extra money to cover gifts or travel expenses. Others may be motivated by the opportunity to earn holiday bonuses or time off. Still, others may simply enjoy the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. By taking the time to understand your employees’ motivations, you can tailor your approach to best fit their needs. For example, those motivated by money may appreciate bonus opportunities, while those motivated by time off may appreciate an early release on holiday days. Whatever the motivation, understanding it is key to keeping your hourly employees engaged and productive during the holiday season.
Offer incentives for a job well done
The holidays can be hectic for businesses, as customers demand more and employees may seek time off to spend with family and friends. However, during this busy season, businesses often rely most heavily on their hourly employees. As such, it is important to find ways to keep these workers motivated and productive. One way to do this is by offering incentives for a job well done. For example, you could offer a bonus for employees who maintain high productivity levels during the holiday rush. Alternatively, you could offer gift cards or other prizes to employees who go above and beyond their duties.
Recognize employees’ efforts
One way to show your appreciation is to recognize their efforts. This can be as simple as sending them a handwritten thank-you note or giving them a small bonus. Another way to show your appreciation is to give them some flex time so they can enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. And finally, you can show appreciation by offering holiday-themed incentives, such as gift cards or extra vacation days. By taking the time to recognize their efforts, you’ll help to ensure that your hourly employees stay motivated throughout the holiday season.
Let your employees take time off during the holiday season
As an employer, you can show your employees that you’re aware of their needs by letting them take some time off during the holidays. If possible, offer flexible scheduling or additional vacation days so employees can make the most of their time off. You can also let employees know you’re available if they need an emergency leave. Being understanding and accommodating can help keep your employees motivated and focused on their work during the holiday season.
Communicate clear expectations
Everyone should understand their responsibilities and what is expected of them, which can help prevent confusion and frustration. In addition, it’s important to be available to answer any questions or concerns that your employees may have. By taking the time to communicate effectively with your staff, you can help maintain a high level of morale and ensure that your business runs smoothly during the holiday season.
Stay positive and upbeat
The holiday season is a time of year when people are generally more stressed than usual. For hourly employees, this can be a particularly difficult time. In addition to the regular demands of their job, they may also be facing extra pressure to meet holiday deadlines. As a manager, staying upbeat during this time is essential to keep your employees motivated. One way to do this is to focus on the positive aspects of their job. For example, if they’re working on a project that’s due soon, emphasize the importance of their work and how it’s helping to contribute to the company’s overall success.
Additionally, try to provide opportunities for breaks and relaxation. This can help reduce stress levels and make it easier for employees to focus on their work. These steps can help ensure that your hourly employees stay motivated and productive during the holiday season.
Show appreciation for your employees
The holidays can be a trying time for any business, especially for those who rely on hourly employees to keep things running smoothly. With the added stress of holiday shopping and family gatherings, it’s more important than ever to show appreciation for your employees. A little recognition can go a long way toward keeping them motivated and committed to doing their best work.
Here are a few ideas to show your appreciation:
Celebrate wins together: Whether it’s a big sales goal or simply surviving the holiday rush, take some time to celebrate your employees’ achievements. This could be as simple as treating them to lunch.
Bonuses and parties: Who doesn’t love a little extra cash during the holidays? Consider giving bonuses or spot bonuses for a job well done. And don’t forget about the office party! A festive gathering is great to show your team that you appreciate their hard work.
Take some time to say “thank you”: One of the simplest and most effective ways to show appreciation is to express your gratitude directly. Whether it’s a handwritten note or taking the time to genuinely thank someone for their help, this gesture will not go unnoticed.
The holidays can be a busy and stressful time, but showing appreciation for your employees is always worth the effort. A little recognition can go a long way in keeping your team happy and motivated throughout the season.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of finding and hiring quality hourly employees for the holiday season, let us help. At Chattr, we understand what it takes to find qualified candidates who are a good fit for your company culture and will work tirelessly to match you with the perfect candidate for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get started on your holiday staffing plan.
