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CV-Library’s founder Lee Biggins offers his top tips for getting the most out of your workforce over the Christmas season.
It’s a known dilemma that once the Christmas lights go up, productivity levels go down. Whether you have a workforce of five or 50, it can be difficult to keep on top of your staff, especially if you’ve brought temporary employees on board to help with the rush. Here are my tips for getting the most out of your workforce this holiday season:
Plan ahead
By putting in place a scheme that ensures employees who worked the previous year are allowed first refusal this year, you’ll create a fair system that doesn’t cause a drop in morale.
In terms of keeping workers motivated to get work done, you should plan ahead and make your team aware of what needs to be done and when. This way, no one is left with any last-minute surprises.
Weekly meetings
If you’ve hired new team members over the holiday period, it can be difficult to get to know them. Hold weekly meetings with your employees to give you a chance to keep up-to-date with your staff, as well as letting them know that you care and value their contribution.
It’s worth noting, however, that if you choose to implement this strategy, timing is key. If staff are rushed off their feet, it might be best sticking to first thing in the morning or the end of the day.
Share the responsibility
Ensuring that all team members have a clear point of contact during their working hours is vital, and by delegating the responsibility of mentoring and supporting new recruits to your more experienced workers, you’re providing a great way to make them feel valued.
Furthermore, by empowering staff to make decisions, and particularly temporary staff who may end up asking unnecessary questions, you’ll be demonstrating your confidence in your workers and giving them that all- important motivation boost.
Incentivise
If you’re a smaller company, it can be hard or even impossible to keep up with larger companies when it comes to rewards at Christmas. If you are in the position to be able to hand out Christmas bonuses, make sure that your staff are aware; this tends to have a stellar impact on motivation.
If you are unable to offer monetary rewards, why not consider a smaller gesture such as chocolates or a bottle of something fizzy for the best performing team?
Have fun
At a time when employees would probably rather be at parties, Christmas shopping, or with their families, it’s important you create a fun and friendly atmosphere. Playing festive music, running a Christmas jumper competition, or getting mince pies are all ways of showing you care about your employees’ wellbeing.
Lee Biggins is the founder and managing director of CV-Library.
www.cv-library.co.uk
