The festive season is often regarded as the most joyful time of the year, filled with holiday markets, twinkling lights, and treasured moments with family and friends. However, despite its reputation for joy and happiness, a survey by The Skills Network found 42% of employees see December as the most stressful month in the calendar year.
With busy schedules, increased expenditure and family responsibilities, it’s important for employers to support their staff through employee engagement and positive work initiatives.
Take a look at our top recommendations for keeping employees engaged during the holiday season:
Reward employees with branded festive desk drops
The holiday season is all about giving, so why not let your employees feel the love by gifting branded desk drops to surprise, delight and perhaps alleviate some of that stress.
Desk drops are a great way to create excitement and form talking points amongst your employees. They come in many forms whether it is a branded advent calendar, wellbeing pack, shopping gift cards or a tasty festive treat, desk drops are a great way to give employees something they will enjoy, remember and value.
Whether it’s a contribution towards their Christmas supermarket shop or a chocolate advent to take home to the family, a small gift for all employees can help acknowledge and appreciate their hard work during the year.
Recognising employees with loyalty programmes
According to a survey by OnePoll, 65% of employees said they would put in more effort if their contributions were acknowledged more effectively by management. Employee loyalty programmes have gained popularity over recent years, aimed at acknowledging hard work through rewards and benefits. These programmes are an excellent means to engage employees, express appreciation, and enhance their disposable income during the festive season.
In September 2024 14% of UK employees work from home, with 31% reporting they were hybrid working. Loyalty programmes serve as a fantastic way to connect with all employees across the organisation creating a sense of inclusion and belonging. Introducing fun competitions or incentives in to your loyalty programmes during the holiday season, such as spin-the-wheel or snow globe games, can help to keep employees motivated and engaged. Put a small reward budget behind any seasonal gamification to help drive game plays and reward active participation.
Balancing Team events and rewards this holiday
Team events play a vital role in ensuring employees feel appreciated, however they are not always so effective during the holiday season, with 87% of workers in a recent survey saying they would choose a Christmas bonus or gift card over a staff party in 2024. Businesses may want to consider a kick off event in the new year, or an annual reward and recognition event, and instead put their Christmas event budget into rewards, desk drops and gamification during the holiday season.
The holiday season is the perfect time to connect with your employees. Get in touch to explore how FMI can assist your company in engaging with employees during this festive period and enhance their holiday spirit.
