Workplace Management Tips: Christmas 2024 Edition

As the festive season approaches, most people start looking forward to a little downtime. But for managers and business owners, this time of year often brings practical challenges, from holiday scheduling to creating inclusive celebrations. We’ve got you!  

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common Christmas HR questions, cutting through the jargon so you can focus on making the season enjoyable for everyone while keeping your business running smoothly. 

Q. Do I have to organise a Christmas party or function for my staff? 

No, there’s no legal obligation to host a Christmas party. However, many businesses choose to do so as a way of recognising their team’s hard work. A well-thought-out celebration can boost morale, foster team spirit, and show your appreciation. 

If hosting an event has become an unwritten tradition in your company, your staff may expect it. While you don’t need to break the bank, consider creative, cost-effective options like: 

• Hosting a “lucky dip” or “secret santa” 
• Planning a team-building activity. 
• Provide an end-of-year bonus or personalised thank-you note 

Make sure to remind employees about workplace rules to keep the festive fun respectful and appropriate for everyone. 

Q. Everyone wants time off over the holidays. How can I manage this? 

Balancing holiday requests is one of the trickiest parts of the festive period. Start by reviewing your employment contracts and holiday policies. Make sure they outline: 

• How and when employees can request time off. 
• How you prioritise requests (e.g., first-come, first-served or rotating priority) 
• If you anticipate high demand, consider: 
• Setting a deadline for holiday requests 
• Communicating any blackout periods where leave isn’t allowed (e.g., during a peak sales week) 
• Offering flexible working options like shorter shifts or remote work where possible 

Being transparent and fair is key to keeping employees happy while maintaining business operations. 

Q. How do I ensure my celebrations are inclusive? 

It’s important to recognise that not everyone celebrates Christmas or celebrates it in the same way. While Christmas is a national holiday in the UK, you can also: 

• Acknowledge other religious or cultural festivals (e.g., Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid). 
• Involve employees in planning celebrations to ensure everyone feels included. 
• Focus on a more general ‘end-of-year’ theme rather than Christmas-specific traditions. 

Q. Should I give my staff a gift? 

Giving gifts is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and show appreciation for your team’s efforts. If you decide to do so, consider the following: 

• Ensure all staff, including those on maternity/paternity leave or sick leave, receive their gift 
• Avoid gifts that might alienate or exclude, such as alcohol or items with religious symbolism. Thoughtful, universal gifts like gift cards, hampers, or extra holiday days often go down well 
• You could also give Christmas or holiday baskets, which make wonderful gifts for employees to share with their families. 

Q. How can I keep staff motivated during the festive season? 

It’s normal for productivity to dip as the holidays approach. Keep employees engaged by: 

• Setting clear, achievable goals for the period. 
• Offering incentives like early finishes or team lunches. 
• Recognising achievements, big or small 

Remember, a little flexibility goes a long way during this time of year. After all, it i’s  Christmas and the season of good will! 

By tackling these common challenges thoughtfully, you can create a festive season that’s enjoyable for everyone while keeping your business running smoothly.  

If you’d like more tips, guidance, or tailored HR advice to support you through the festive season or for all year-round, subscribe to Dakota Blue Academy, where practical and realistic HR solutions are here to help you.