This time of year can also prove stressful because there is a lot of pressure to review end of year budgets and to tie up existing projects.
So here are out tips to help mangers prepare for employee vacation during the holiday season:
1) Make a list, check it twice
Before a flood of time off requests come your way, it’s important to think about how you will determine whether or not time off will be granted. Will the decision be based on a first come first served basis, or be driven by scheduling needs? Establishing criteria will ensure you are consistent in granting fair time off during the holidays and avoid you looking like the office Grinch.
2) Do you hear what I hear?
It is important to clearly communicate your time-off policy so employees know what procedure they need to follow when requesting it. For example, it is vital to communicate how much notice your employees need to give and the ways they go about it. Do they have to email you directly or simply fill in holiday request form? You can even hold brief meetings with seasonal snacks to ensure full understanding of the policy’s requirements.
3) Manage the advent calendar
You must ensure back-ups are in place to cover the tasks of your employees taking time off, and that you always have a Plan B. If you can’t meet these needs internally, you might want to consider hiring temporary or part-time employees to meet the shortfall of staff during the holiday season.
4) Good tidings you bring
Have you thought about offering alternative work schedules during the holiday season? Compressed working weeks or flexi-time enables your employees to continue working the same number of hours per week while allowing them to meet their Christmas social obligations. Another option is allowing employees to work from home as long as they have the right equipment and resources available to make this feasible.
5) Don’t be a Scrooge
If your staff members are fighting for holiday requests, consider providing incentives to take time off during less desirable times of the year. For instance, you can allow employees to take an extra day or two if they wait until rush has subsided. Alternatively, one of the simplest ways to keep your employees in the office this time of year is by creating a festive and fun atmosphere. You can liven up office life with decorations, a secret Santa scheme and some festive music.
6) The mobile rings, are you listening?
Remember that it’s important for your staff to enjoy their precious time off during the holiday season. Encourage your employees to relax, not check their Blackberry constantly, so that they’re fully re-charged for the year ahead. As a manager you can set a good example by trying not to ring the office constantly when on your days off and by generally having a good relax yourself.
Phil Booth is director of OfficeTeam UK
