There, we have done it. We have only gone and said the “C” word and it is only mid-October (sorry, not sorry). But for many businesses, now is a good time to get plans in place to enjoy a productive Christmas at work, as well as a happy Christmas at home.
So, while before long you will be decking the halls with boughs of holly, listening to Mariah Carey and George Michael on repeat and tucking into mince pies, there are a few (Christmas) gifts you can give to your future self now to get the business ready.
Of course, for some businesses Christmas is a super busy time, whilst for others it goes quiet. Every company is different, so make sure you focus on what is important for your business. Here are five areas to look at to ensure Christmas goes to plan.
One – Workforce planning
Assuming things are going to get busy, start checking in with your staff now so that you are aware of their availability before, during and after the festive period. Annual leave is one thing (see point two), but it is useful to know whether existing staff are available for overtime if necessary.
Once you know how much you can call upon your existing team, you can decide if you need to bring in reinforcements. Advertising seasonal vacancies directly, or using a temping agency, are both ways forward. Just make sure your contracts are right, and enough time is built into the process to train new staff up and consider health and safety.
Two – Managing annual leave
Christmas is one of those pinch points in the calendar when many employees may understandably be trying to take the same days off at once. Having a good annual leave management system is a big help (ask us if you don’t have one yet), as it takes away much of the admin for you; and, of course, you will need a policy as to how decisions are made. First come, first served is often simplest. Or you may alternate who gets what time off from year-to-year to find fairness. Whatever you do, be consistent though.
Some businesses may block annual leave for certain periods, while others may enforce a shutdown where leave must be taken because it’s quiet.
Three – Party planning and staff benefits
Christmas is a time for giving, and many businesses use it as an opportunity to thank staff for a job well done over the previous 12 months. Most traditionally this might be done through a staff Christmas party. Venues can get booked up fast so if you haven’t got somewhere lined up by October, you had better get cracking.
If you plan to host your party on your own premises, make sure you have health and safety covered and that it will not disrupt operations. You may offer a Christmas bonus, or if not that, some other perk. Checking your cashflow now will help you budget for any gesture like this come December.
Four – Considering alternative faiths and cultures
Although it is a key part of our calendar, Christmas holds less importance for some people. Perhaps they are of a different faith, or maybe they do not celebrate for personal reasons. Be sensitive to this, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to any celebrations, but equally giving employees the space to have a low-key Christmas should they wish.
Five – Policies and expectations
For all the fun that should be had, you still have a business to run. It may even be your key time of year. Therefore, early December, prior to a Christmas party, is often a good time to remind employees of some basics: etiquette at Christmas parties (they are an extension of the workplace), showing up fit for work for contracted hours and maintaining productivity.
This may be where your disciplinary policy comes into its own, but prevention is better than cure. So make sure staff are aware of the consequences of poor behaviour.
Your festive HR helper
At The HR Dept, we love Christmas but we also love helping SMEs prevent people problems. Whether it is some help with seasonal recruitment, holiday management software, assistance with a disciplinary or something else, we are here to help. So please get in touch if you would like a hand.
