‘Tis nearly the season to be rewarded and rewarding, and as every Hallmark card and Christmas film has shown us, it’s not all about the money but the thought that counts. The season of goodwill means putting some effort into thinking about what will make your people feel treated, spoiled, valued and appreciated.
Something to Do
1. Paid Time Off
EU countries must provide a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave, but extra is always a perk. Paid time off is one of the best gifts you can give employees during the Christmas season. The ability to get unexpected days off can mean flexible scheduling and will have extra appeal for time-pressed working parents.
Did you know Amazon now offers ‘term-time contracts’ that guarantee time off during the school holidays, including Christmas, Easter, and the summer break, without affecting their benefits? This unique approach ensures that parents and guardians can spend valuable time with their families during these special periods. Implementing a similar policy in your workplace could significantly boost morale and satisfaction, making it a great Christmas employee reward.
2. Winter walk
Organizing a day trip can be a wonderful way to bring your team together and create lasting memories. According to recent statistics, 79% of companies allocate a specific budget for events and team gatherings. Whether it’s a visit to a local attraction, scenic countryside walk with your wellies (via the pub) a day trip offers employees a chance to unwind and bond outside the usual work environment. Break it into team outings or a whole group, and use a survey to as what they fancy doing.
3. Christmas lunch
A Christmas party or lunch is a staple of the festive season and an excellent opportunity for teams to celebrate the year’s achievements. According to a survey, 39% of companies allocate a budget per individual for team lunches. Consider hosting a themed party with games and entertainment or a festive lunch with a delicious menu. Remember that the season can be expensive, so ensure your team incurs no travel or accommodation costs.
4. Later start time
Offering a late start or early finish during the Christmas period can be a fantastic way to show appreciation. How about arriving at work at 10 am?
Why 10? Well, according to Dr Paul Kelley, a researcher at the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at Oxford University, ‘people younger than 50 shouldn’t be made to work any earlier than 10 a.m.!’ We like his style.
Allowing employees the flexibility to start or finish work at a more convenient time during the holidays can enhance their work-life balance and improve overall productivity, helping them get tasks done.
5. Volunteering and Community Service
According to a Deloitte survey, 77% of survey respondents said company-sponsored volunteer activities are ‘essential’ to well-being. 70% of respondents said that companies sponsoring volunteer activities have a more pleasant work atmosphere, and 89% noted a better work environment. Organising a team volunteer day at a local charity or community project can be rewarding for both employees and the community, especially for those in need during the festive period.
6. Decorate / Tidy Your Desk
A study has revealed that a desk can affect mood. Thirty-one per cent of respondents said a messy desk increased their stress, and a massive 49% said it changed how they felt about going to work each day.
It sounds strange, but a given period to get employees to ‘Winter clean’ or decorate desks with festive cheer could help boost mood office-wide. Supply or send team members some basic decorations like tinsel, fairy lights, and mini Christmas trees, or if you want, even hold a desk decorating competition with a prize for the best display.
Fun Perks
7. Pick Your Own Gift
If you can’t choose a Christmas employee reward, you aren’t alone. 64.2% of Americans say they wish they had help when it comes to holiday presents, and we bet this is a global issue, and with a diverse workforce on the rise (Workers aged 50+now account for 32.6% of the workforce, up from 21% in the early 1990s), picking a gift that’s right for all is hard.
Empowering employees to choose their gifts can amplify the excitement and make the reward far more memorable. This could be implemented through a multi-store gift card or through a list of options from which employees can select their preferred item. This ensures employees receive something they truly want, making it an eco-positive choice.
8. Gift Card Delivery
A simple yet effective way to reward employees is through gift card delivery. A £5 bonus gift card delivered simultaneously to all employees via email can spread joy and make everyone feel appreciated - imagine the buzz when they all get a little treat! You can even challenge them to spend it within the day!
9. Dress Down Day
A YouGov survey shows that a quarter of workers (26%) say they wear “casual attire” at work, while one in five (19%) wear a work uniform provided by their employer.
If you can, a dress-down day can be a treat, and encouraging festive jumpers can bring a light-hearted atmosphere to the workplace. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost morale and let employees express themselves more freely during the festive season.
10. Bring Your Pet to Work
Pets can bring joy and reduce stress, so why not allow employees to bring their furry friends to work? A “Bring Your Pet to Work” day can be a fun and relaxing experience for everyone and has perks for you too.
A report by the University of Lincoln reveals that employees who often take their dogs to work report 22% higher satisfaction with their working conditions. Consider any allergies or phobias among staff and have a plan to accommodate everyone comfortably.
11. Bring Your Child to Work
This can be a delightful event, especially during the holiday season. Kids can see where their parents work, and you can organise festive activities for them. It fosters a family-friendly environment and helps strengthen the bond between employees and the organisation.
12. Film at Lunchtime
Transform a regular lunch break into a relaxing film session. One idea for a Christmas employee reward is to set up a screening of a holiday classic in the office or stream it online for remote workers. Provide some popcorn, and let employees unwind and dip in and out as they can. It’s an easy way to provide a mental break and spread holiday cheer. The film may need to be spread over two days or a few showings, but this is a nice way to offer something extra.
13. Sweetie Station
Set up a sweetie station filled with goodies or bring in a different seasonal treat over December. Let employees indulge in some sugary delights during the day. (You can always switch to fruit in the new year!)
14. Food Delivery
Surprise your team with a pizza delivery day or speak to the local pub and get some meals delivered. Providing lunch for your team is a generous gesture that shows appreciation and allows everyone to relax and socialise.
15. Creative Sessions
Encourage creativity by organising breakout sessions where employees can explore activities like crafts, painting, or writing, or organise a lunchtime challenge where employees can participate in a fun gift-wrapping contest. Provide materials and let creativity flow!
Get Christmas rewards for employees wrapped up
Implementing these ideas can create a positive and festive atmosphere in your workplace, showing employees that their efforts are recognised and valued. From flexible scheduling to fun activities and thoughtful gifts, there are plenty of ways to spread joy and appreciation this Christmas season!
No one wants to get employee Christmas rewards or gifts wrong. The great news is that everyone loves Lifestyle Gift Cards, and they are so simple to order.
Give them in a beautiful and 100% compostable Gift Wallet or send them as an eGift Card. The lucky recipients can redeem them on 300+ quality brands, like John Lewis, ASOS, M&S, TK Maxx and so much more with 2-year expiry.
Show them you appreciate them for all their hard work this year with a Lifestyle Gift Card
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