Employee Retention During Holidays: 7 Tips for HR Success
The Christmas wind-down is often a high-pressure “wind up” for businesses. HR teams must juggle events, appraisals, and complex leave requests. This busy period can harm staff morale and lead to burnout.
Statistics show that many people search for new jobs in January. Neglecting your team now could lead to resignations in the New Year. You must prioritize employee retention during holidays to keep your best talent. Use these seven strategies to reduce workplace stress.
1. Prioritize Your Tasks
Create a list of essential tasks to finish before your break. Focus on items that might cause stress during your time off. Everyone deserves to rest and reset without working through their holiday.
2. Delegate and Handover
Identify tasks that need management while you are away. Complete a high-quality handover with the responsible person. This ensures work is handled correctly and gives you peace of mind.
3. Communicate and Value Staff
Acknowledge the efforts of your team as they work hard toward the year’s end. Formal reviews may happen later, but informal feedback is vital now. Show your employees they are noticed and valued.
4. Implement Fair Scheduling
Listen to employee requests if your office remains open. Distribute holiday hours fairly among the team. Be inclusive of family needs and religious practices. Review past rosters to avoid the same people working every year.
5. Encourage Annual Leave Year-Round
The festive season is not always the best time for deep relaxation. Encourage staff to take vacations throughout the year. This helps them switch off more effectively. It also makes Christmas rostering much easier to manage.
6. Provide Mental Health Support
Christmas is a stressful time at home and at work. Watch for signs of burnout or personal struggle in your team. Offer support to those who may be feeling the pressure. For more advice, read our guide on [outbound link: understanding employee burnout].
7. Strengthen Workplace Culture
Summarize the year’s achievements to motivate your employees. Identify goals and exciting changes for the year ahead. Encourage everyone to join company social events to bond and unwind. Check out our [outbound link: 5 fun Christmas party ideas] for inspiration.
How Assurance HR Management Can Help
We assist many Tasmanian businesses with their holiday HR needs. Contact us for help with leave, bonuses, rostering, or performance concerns. Call 1800 577 515 to speak with our expert team today. We resolve workplace problems so you can enjoy your holidays.
For more information check the link
Indeed. (2018, January 15). New year, new job: But where do aussies want to work?.
