Keeping the Cheer Alive: Tips for Managing Holiday Schedules and Celebrations in the Workplace

As the festive season approaches, it often brings a surge of time-off requests, event planning, and the challenge of keeping productivity on track amidst the merriment.

As an HR professional or manager, it is your job to ensure your team can enjoy the holidays while keeping the business running smoothly. Let us dive into some key tips for managing holiday schedules and celebrations!

1. Establish Clear Time-Off Policies

• Work with your team to set fair and transparent policies around holiday time off.
• Determine blackout dates, maximum concurrent leave, and other guidelines that ensure adequate coverage while still allowing employees to celebrate.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and personal traditions.

• Encourage your team to take the time they need to recharge and enjoy the season.
• Lead by example and model healthy work-life integration – leave at a reasonable hour, unplug on weekends, and make time for your own holiday activities.
• Consider offering flexible scheduling, remote work options, or additional paid time off during the holidays.

3. Plan Inclusive Celebrations

When it comes to company parties and events, strive for inclusivity.

• Gather feedback from your employees on preferred celebration formats, dietary needs, and cultural sensitivities.
• Look for ways to honor different traditions, whether it is featuring multicultural food, scheduling events at inclusive times, or incorporating inclusive decor and music.

4. Foster a Spirit of Giving

The holidays are a natural time to give back to the community.

• Work with your team to organize volunteering opportunities, charitable drives, or other acts of service. These activities not only spread holiday cheer but also reinforce your company’s values and culture.
• Recognize and celebrate the employees who exemplify generosity and a commitment to making a positive impact. Use awards, public recognition, or even small tokens of appreciation to show your gratitude for their efforts.

5. Maintain Communication and Collaboration

Even with busy schedules and time off, it is critical to keep communication flowing throughout your organization.

• Use collaboration tools like messaging, video conferencing, and project management to help teams stay connected and aligned.
• Schedule regular check-ins, even if they are brief, to ensure everyone is aware of important updates, deadlines, and priorities.

6. Prioritize Well-being

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people, with added social obligations, financial pressures, and emotional demands.

• As an employer, you have an opportunity to support your team’s holistic well-being.
• Encourage employees to take care of themselves, whether that is through mindfulness sessions, healthy snack breaks, or simply creating space for self-care.
• Consider bringing in experts to lead workshops on topics like stress management, work-life balance, or even seasonal affective disorder.

Clink on the link to find out more!