How many times did you ask your self how to motivate employees? December is here in full force, and there is certainly more temptation to slack off than ever. Yes, there is a large base of customers flowing through the doors, but at the end of the day, your employees would rather be those customers. There are also fewer employees, with the holiday break taking full force.
So, how do you keep them motivated?
Plan Ahead
You need to ensure that before any holiday stress overwhelms everyone, that you have a plan underway to ensure that your employees are aware of what should be expected. You need to take into consideration that some of your employees will not be working overtime and that there are some who will not be available on certain days.
Ensure that you always have a team together working each day, and if need be, pick days where your business will be closed due to the specific holidays coming up. At the end of the day, everyone needs a holiday.
Flexible Hours
Consider having flexible working hours where your employees can make up some hours in advance so that they can complete work earlier if they want to. Make your business also have flexible hours. Don’t open too early and don’t end too late. If you are a 24-hour business, then ensure that you have employees who have all received a form of flexible hours.
This is an easy and is a cost-effective way that will definitely motivate your employees. You need to look at their needs, as well as the needs of your business. Giving them more leeway and comfort is the best possible thing you could do.
Offer Incentives
Whether it is a financial incentive or a non-financial incentive, you should still be making a point of rewarding your employees. If one of your employees are working at a restaurant of yours, establish a family-friendly policy, whereby up to four of their family members can come eat with a discount. This way you not only are making your employee happy but their family at their festive time.
If you are able to supply your employees with a bonus, do so. That little extra amount will go a long way in keeping them motivated and productive. You can also have an awards evening where you hand out appreciation gifts to each staff member to show them that you are grateful to have them part of the team.
Easy Management
Ensuring that you have a well-run system is beyond imperative. You want your employees to feel at ease, and you do not want there to be heightened stress with systems that do not work. You need a management system that will help you around the back-end and the front-end.
With 3S POS, we have a range of solutions that can make your management and production a whole lot easier. You will be able to manage everything from your employee’s schedules to tracking your bookings. We also previously wrote a blog surrounding how EPOS can help you this festive season. The holiday season never looked this exciting!
Communication is Key
As the festive season ramps up, maintaining open lines of communication becomes even more crucial. Your employees may have various commitments and obligations outside of work during this time, making it essential to keep them informed and engaged.
Regularly update your team about any changes in schedules, upcoming events, or important deadlines. Utilize communication channels such as email, messaging apps, or team meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page. By keeping your employees informed, you demonstrate transparency and foster a sense of trust within your team.
Encourage Feedback
In addition to providing updates, encourage your employees to share their feedback and suggestions. Actively listen to their concerns and ideas, and be willing to make adjustments where necessary. By involving your team in the decision-making process, you empower them to take ownership of their work environment and feel valued as contributors to the company's success.
Recognise and Appreciate
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the festive season, don't forget to recognize and appreciate your employees' hard work and dedication. Take the time to acknowledge their efforts individually and publicly, whether through a simple thank-you note, a shout-out during a team meeting, or a small token of appreciation.
By showing genuine gratitude for their contributions, you boost morale and reinforce a positive work culture. Remember, a little recognition goes a long way in motivating your team to continue performing at their best.
Stay Accessible
Lastly, make yourself accessible to your employees, especially during this busy time. Let them know that your door is always open for questions, concerns, or even just a friendly chat. Being approachable and supportive as a manager fosters trust and encourages open communication within the team.
Create a Holiday Atmosphere
Above all else, you need to remember that it is a festive season. All your employees have already got the spirit and they all want to be able to celebrate along with everyone else. Offer gingerbread cookies and coffee, have a day dedicated to bonding. Anything that will help them feel that they are joining in on the festivities.
Keeping a positive attitude will help motivate your employees to take the same attitude. Ensure that you have a way of making the festive season fun for both customers and employees.
Conclusion
As you navigate the festive season, prioritise communication as a key component of employee motivation. By keeping your team informed, engaged, and appreciated, you set the stage for a productive and positive work environment during this joyful time of year.
Keeping your employees motivated is never easy. Especially if it is in a festive time. Take the tips we have provided you with, and we guarantee success. Try out our EPOS solutions as well, just to keep everything running that much smoother!