How to have a happy staff during the holidays

This time of year is meant to be a delight. Texas welcomes cooler temperatures, and people all across the country welcome family and friends. But if you work in the hospitality industry, it can also be a time of incredible stress.

Your employees are feeling it as well. They are worried about finding the time and money for gift shopping, or about fixing meals and entertaining relatives. Here are some simple, concrete steps you can take to ensure they are happy at work and ready to give their all on the job.

Scheduling

Human beings require rest. Without it, we get sloppy and make bad decisions. When your staff is dealing with the public, they are the ambassadors for your business, so you want them at their best.

Try to avoid scheduling “jump shifts” — closing one night and then opening the following morning. It will keep resentment to a minimum and opportunities to rest and recharge at a maximum. Similarly, do what you can to accommodate religious observances. We are a diverse country with many traditions, and preserving them is important and gives your employees one less distraction so they can focus on the job.

Supplies

Make sure that you have ample amounts of needed items on hand. Does the gift shop have enough register tape? Are you stocked up on paper towels? Plenty of change in the safe? Deliveries can be unreliable during the holidays, due to weather and increased traffic, and you want to give your staff everything they need to do their jobs. It will also make your customers more likely to leave those desirable positive reviews on social media if nothing runs out during their stay.

Something Extra

Perhaps you can upgrade the coffee in the office, or make sure there are healthy, non-sugary snacks available for the crew. During times when it seems like rush after rush, it might be worth it to have lunch or a late dinner delivered rather than send your staff out to compete with crowds of shoppers on their break or brown bag it. Small gestures like this can pay back large dividends in the form of a polished, professional work force that demonstrates loyalty and pride in their jobs.

Happy Holidays with Decorated Tree

A happy staff means a happy holiday season