Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest both in our personal lives and in work. For some workplaces, the Christmas period is the highlight of the year, with planning for the festive period beginning when schools resume in September.
Therefore, absence, be it sickness or unauthorised absence, may be detrimental to overall workplace performance during the festive period. It’s imperative to do everything possible to minimise absence so your business can continue to operate effectively.
Nurturing a great culture
To create a workplace where absence is low, nurturing a great culture is key. When employees feel valued, where their concerns are heard and listened to, and where they’re treated as individuals, a great workplace culture will be easier to foster.
It’s important for employees to have the opportunity to engage with their manager on a one-to-one basis. This allows them to discuss how they’re truly feeling and ask any questions or raise any concerns. This will require a proactive management team who know their team personally and have built trusted relationships with them. Colleagues will trust their manager when they are:
- Credible: They’re knowledgeable in their role.
- Reliable: When they make a commitment, they keep it.
- Intimate: They’ve built a personal relationship with the employee.
Being flexible at Christmas
During the Christmas period, many of your employees will have commitments outside of work. Some of these may include Christmas dinners or parties, attending their child’s school plays, family gatherings, or Christmas concerts and carol services.
For others, Christmas can be a challenging time as people reflect on the first Christmas without a loved one. Therefore, it’s advisable that managers hold a holiday one-to-one meeting with each employee to understand what commitments that person may have over the holiday season. In this meeting, it’s crucial to be sensitive to the employee’s needs. Be mindful that, if you can facilitate time off through holidays or unpaid leave, or arrange an alternative shift pattern for the employee, it will ensure they feel valued and listened to.
Furthermore, as a business owner, it will enable you to be proactive in ensuring you have employees available to work at the right times and you’re much less likely to be presented with sporadic absence at short notice.
A great culture at Christmas
To create a positive culture in your workplace, you may want to consider offering an additional day or part-days holiday during the month of December. Employees may use these to do their Christmas shopping or catch up with a family member or friend. You may also want to consider hosting a staff Christmas party.
You could also consider decorating your workplace for Christmas in line with health and safety guidelines. Get your employees on board, have dress down days, or have a Secret Santa present share. These activities will help to instil a great culture and help your employees feel valued within the business.
Need absence management guidance?
If you need absence management guidance or advice on creating a positive workplace culture, our advisors can help. To speak with a HR expert now, call 0800 917 0771.
