HR and H&S strategies to assist during the festive season
As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches with many clients looking to commence annual close downs in just over a week, both employers and employees are gearing up for a well-deserved break and festive celebrations.
While it's a time of joy and merriment, it's also crucial for businesses to maintain a balance between festivities and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Ensuring Workplace Safety
Managing workloads: December, typically, often sees an increase in workload as we all rush to meet year-end goals. At this time it is good practise to closely monitor employees' workloads, ensuring that they don't become overwhelmed. Encourage open communication so employees can request support if needed.
Holiday schedules: If you haven't already, now is the time to ensure that holiday schedules and leave requests are organised efficiently to maintain adequate staffing levels. This helps prevent burnout among employees who may feel pressured to work during the festive season.
Safety first: As always, continue to emphasise safety during work-related (and personal) parties and events. Remind employees of the importance of responsible drinking, providing transportation options for those who may have indulged, and ensuring a harassment-free environment.
Fostering a Festive Work Atmosphere
Decorations and celebrations: If it is appropriate in your workplace, encourage employees to decorate their workspaces and engage in festive activities (but make it clear that also need to clean it up themselves after Christmas). This can boost morale and create a sense of togetherness.
Secret Santa and team bonding: In so far as your budget may allow, look to organise team-building activities like Secret Santa gift exchanges or holiday-themed games to foster camaraderie and positive workplace relationships.
Flexible work arrangements: Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, to accommodate employees who have family commitments or need to travel during the holidays.
Employee Wellbeing
EAP and Mental Health support: It is important to recognise that the festive season can be emotionally challenging for some employees. Wherever possible, look to promote mental health support services and encourage employees to seek help if they need it, reminding that the services remains available, even if the workplace is closed.
Thanking employees: This one may seem a no-brainer but you would be surprised at how often we can forget to do it. Show appreciation for your team's hard work throughout the year by offering a small token of gratitude or a heartfelt thank-you email / card.
The Christmas season is a time to celebrate, bond with colleagues, and unwind. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between festivity and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
By implementing some of the above HR and H&S strategies, you can ensure that your employees have a joyful and safe holiday season while keeping your organisation on the right track.
Remember, a happy and healthy workforce is the best gift you can give and receive during this time of year.
Disclaimer This article, and any information contained on our website is necessarily brief and general in nature, and should not be substituted for professional advice. You should always seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters addressed.
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