Posted on: 08 December 2015
'Tis the season: tips for rewarding your staff this Christmas
HR Reward | Reward Consultancy | Motivation | Reward Intelligence | Recognition |
Now is the perfect time of year to reward your employees, keeping them focused during the festive season and motivated to work right up until the end of the year. So, if you’re more Scrooge than Santa, here are our tips for rewarding and recognising staff this festive season…
Party time
Christmas parties are a fantastic way to boost team motivation and morale. You can celebrate this year’s successes and employees can get to know their colleagues in a social setting. There’s no need to splash out on a fancy venue with a three course dinner, open bar and entertainment – a nice lunch or dinner in a local restaurant will work just as well.
Personal gifts
For gifts to be really appreciated they need to be personal. Think about what you’re saying to someone when you give them a bottle of wine like everyone else, but they don’t drink. Putting a bit more thought into your Christmas gifts will leave a lasting impression on staff. Gift cards or pre-paid debit cards are a great option, giving employees a choice of what to spend their money on. It might help them cover normal costs over the expensive Christmas period, or allow them to make a special purchase.
Communication is key
What companies often get wrong around Christmas reward is the communication of it. Leaving a gift on a person’s desk without a personal note is a missed opportunity. Don’t underestimate the power of a proper thank you and make sure you’re clear about the contribution they’ve made. Rewards often make the biggest impact when they are given publically. Make a show of giving out Christmas rewards to staff, acknowledging their personal contribution.
The gift of time
If you don’t have the budget for gifts, consider giving employees some time off in addition to their annual leave - a day or half day for Christmas shopping, watching a nativity play or getting ready for the Christmas party.
January blues
A little ‘welcome back’ gift when employees return, will lift spirits on the first cold January morning. It will also help to re-engage staff with the business after a long Christmas break.
So don’t be a ‘Bah, humbug’ like Scrooge, bring a little ‘Ho, ho, ho’ like Santa!
