By Addy Smith
As the holidays get closer, everyone starts to feel the excitement—and maybe a little distraction. The to-do lists grow longer, and productivity can take a backseat to festive daydreams. So, how do you keep your team motivated while embracing the holiday spirit?
Here are 10 practical and impactful ways to motivate your employees as we approach the holiday season.
1. Acknowledge the Season
Ignoring the holidays won’t make them disappear. Instead, lean in! Acknowledge that this time of year is special and a little chaotic. Host a quick team huddle to discuss priorities and encourage everyone to share how they’re feeling about the upcoming season. It’s a simple way to make people feel seen.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
Don’t pretend it’s business as usual. Recognize that people are juggling family plans, shopping, and events. Adjust deadlines where you can and focus on the must-dos. When employees feel like you understand their reality, they’re more likely to give their best.
3. Offer Flexible Scheduling
A bit of flexibility can work wonders. Let people leave early to finish holiday shopping or shift hours to fit in seasonal commitments. Trust me, this little gesture of goodwill builds loyalty and keeps morale high.
4. Incorporate Fun—With a Purpose
Holiday-themed activities are great, but keep them low-pressure and optional. Think a “decorate your workspace” contest or a holiday trivia quiz during a meeting. Tie it into team-building or organizational values to keep it relevant.
5. Recognize Achievements
The end of the year is a natural time to reflect. Publicly acknowledge accomplishments—big or small—that happened throughout the year. A heartfelt shout-out or a personalized thank-you note can inspire employees to finish the year strong.
6. Give the Gift of Time
If possible, surprise your team with an afternoon off or an extra day of holiday leave. Time is a priceless gift, and offering it shows you value your employees as people, not just productivity engines.
7. Focus on Well-Being
The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone—some find them stressful or even lonely. Share resources like an employee assistance program (EAP) or organize a mindfulness session to promote balance and mental health.
8. Offer Professional Development Opportunities
It may not sound festive, but investing in employees’ growth is one of the best motivators. Host a quick end-of-year workshop or provide access to online courses. Frame it as a gift for their career journey, not just the job.
9. Give Meaningful Gifts
If you’re giving gifts, make them thoughtful. Skip generic items and opt for something personal, like a book tailored to their interests or a donation to a cause they care about. Small, meaningful gestures can have a big impact.
10. Encourage Goal Setting for the New Year
End on an inspiring note by inviting your team to think about their personal and professional goals for next year. You can even pair this with a vision board activity or a workshop on setting achievable goals. It’s forward-looking and gives everyone something exciting to work toward.
