5 tips to keeping workplace morale high these holidays

Image source: Freepik

The festive season brings a mix of excitement and stress for many workplaces. With year-end deadlines looming, next year’s planning underway, and employees juggling a multitude of personal obligations, the rush can sometimes overshadow the cheer.

While it’s easy to get swept up in the demands of the season, maintaining morale during this time is not just a nice-to-have, it’s critical. A happy, engaged team isn’t just more productive; they also collaborate better, trust each other more, and end the year on a high note.

So, how can leaders transform the holiday hustle into a time of connection and positivity instead of burnout and disengagement?

Understanding the causes of low morale during the holidays

To address morale effectively, it’s essential to recognise what might be causing stress:

• Increased workloads and unrealistic expectations: Wrapping up the year’s projects and preparing for the next often result in longer hours and mounting pressure.
• Holiday stress: Employees may struggle to balance work with personal obligations like family gatherings, travel, or financial concerns.
• Lack of recognition: Hard work can feel overlooked as the focus shifts to finishing tasks rather than celebrating efforts.
• Unequal experiences: Not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way, and traditional activities might leave some feeling excluded or overwhelmed.

How to keep staff motivated this festive season

12 Dec 2023

Five practical strategies to keep morale high

1. Cultivate connection through inclusive celebrations

Holiday events should reflect the diversity of your team and encourage meaningful engagement. Inclusive initiatives like a multicultural lunch or virtual celebrations resonate more deeply when framed around shared values.

Thoughtful messaging and storytelling can ensure employees feel both seen and valued. Internal communicators play a vital role here, crafting narratives that spotlight belonging and excitement.

2. Show gratitude

A little appreciation can go a long way. Whether it’s through personalised thank-you notes, team-wide recognition, or small tokens of thanks, these gestures boost morale.

By using internal platforms like newsletters or company-wide chats, communicators can help leaders amplify gratitude and create a ripple effect of positivity across the organisation.

3. Encourage flexibility

Flexibility—like remote work options or accommodating schedules—allows employees to navigate the season without feeling overwhelmed.

Clear, empathetic communication ensures these policies feel like a genuine show of support rather than an afterthought. Internal communicators are pivotal in ensuring flexibility becomes part of the organisation’s culture by supporting asynchronous working styles.

Tips to replenishing your energy levels this holiday

Anja van Beek  12 Dec 2022

4. Create opportunities for fun

From virtual games to themed dress-up days, light-hearted activities inject a sense of joy into the workplace. To keep these activities enjoyable rather than burdensome, participation should always be optional.

Creative promotion by internal teams can turn these moments into cherished memories, strengthening team bonds.

5. Provide mental health support

Access to mental health resources, stress management workshops, or peer support initiatives can make a huge difference. Normalising conversations around mental health takes thoughtful communication.

Internal communicators can position the organisation as empathetic and supportive by demonstrating how organisations walk the walk when it comes to well-being.

Closing thoughts

A morale boost during the holiday season can have lasting effects, from happier teams to stronger collaboration and better outcomes. It’s an investment in your people and your culture.

As the year wraps up, consider: What steps will you take to ensure your team ends on a high note?

We all deserve to work somewhere we can thrive—not just survive—this festive season.