December Dilemmas
Where did 2024 go? Thanksgiving and then December are just around the corner and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins, bringing questions and challenges for employers large and small.
Year-End Rewards seem straightforward, but can be tricky. Whether cash or something else, these rewards can be powerful morale boosters that strengthen employee engagement. Some practical suggestions to consider in lieu of, or in addition to, cash bonuses include:
Gift cards to a local grocery chain, movie tickets, gas cards, or Amazon/American Express gift cards (a large variety of items to choose without geographic limits). Varying the nature of the bonus each year, keeps an element of surprise for the employees and avoids setting precedents or expectations.
Time off—an afternoon for holiday shopping, to take care of other holiday-related errands, or to spend however they wish.
However, don’t overlook potential pitfalls in order to avoid unintended consequences. For example:
Don’t forget about employees in remote locations. If you distribute gift cards to local establishments, consider alternatives for them.
Be careful with tangible gifts. People have different tastes, and during the holiday season they could be overwhelmed with an abundance of stuff.
Don’t give the bonus or reward any holiday label. Stress that it’s a year-end recognition. This works especially well if the end of the fiscal year coincides with the end of the calendar year.
A final consideration if you are distributing cash awards, perhaps tie it to Thanksgiving rather than December, as a way to thank employees for their work and dedication. The extra cash can come in handy as they go about their holiday shopping.
Holiday Giving is a second area that challenges employers. Secret Santa and other gift exchanges can be fraught with pitfalls, like inappropriate gifts testing the limits of your harassment policy.
In lieu of gift exchanges among coworkers, employees at some organizations have come up with these alternative ideas that also support the community:
Purchase gift certificates from grocery stores and donate them to local food banks.
Purchase gift certificates to general merchandise stores and donate them to local homeless shelters.
Draw colleagues names, then make a donation to a local charity in their name.
Adopt a local charity that donates items for children—coats, shoes or toys. Purchase the items or make a cash donation.
Holiday Parties are the biggest conundrum. Sure, everyone loves a good time and the opportunity to socialize with coworkers. But they can be a strain on partners who tag along to these events, and, more importantly, they can test the limits of several of your organization’s policies.
For an alternative, consider catered lunches in the office or a nice lunch in a nearby restaurant. And don’t forget to do something special for your remote workers.
If you do opt for the traditional offsite, after-work party with drinks and dancing, think of the pitfalls and set some guidelines, such as:
Make attendance voluntary.
Set dress code guidelines.
Remind employees that your policies apply at all sponsored events.
Provide attendees with only two drink tickets each.
Provide vouchers for rides home (Uber or other ride sharing services).
Choose winter decorations over any specific holiday theme.
Most importantly, don’t let this season of the year overwhelm you. Take time to relax and enjoy your family and friends.