How to reward your staff and motivate them for the year ahead

Staff morale should be a major focus year-round, but it can be forgotten at this time of the year between busy schedules and long days.
As a leader, we are called to attend extra social events, while our teams are often left to meet expectations and deadlines.
Here are some ways (using Dr. Gary Chapman’s theories in “The 5 languages of Love”) you can ensure your team are feeling good about Christmas and motivated for the year ahead.

Receiving Gifts: Choose something practical that they can have on the Christmas table on Christmas Day such as a ham or a bottle of champagne. If the budget is tight, provide the valuable gift of time. Gift a half day to do some Christmas shopping, or to enjoy the kids’ Christmas concert or just spend a morning sleeping. Whatever it is, make it sincere and about them.

Acts of Service: We are so overwhelmed with to-do lists that we often struggle to keep up with the routine. Find services that will save them time, such as gifting a cleaner, a Hello Fresh delivery, or organise to have their car cleaned and petrol tank filled. Ask things such as “What can I do to help you”.

Physical touch: Give a big Christmas hug to those who like touch. High fives or a pat on the back for achieving milestones. Anything that brings warmth and friendliness to the environment which could be as simple as a smile.

Words of Affirmations: Think about each person’s value that they have added to the business and say thank you by writing it in a personalised Christmas card or as spoken words at the Christmas party. Remind them with compliments, affirming and acknowledging their work.

Quality time: It’s really important not to break down communication over the silly season. Schedule more planned activities together and walk-and-talk meetings.

Also, remember the partners and support crew at home. Ensure they also know how grateful you are for the home support during the silly season.
Take the time to do one, two or five of these to each team member, you will have a team that is happy, motivated and excited to be back for more in 2018.