The holidays bring a unique set of challenges to any business leader. With team members getting ready for their own holiday plans, weekend events, and end-of-year office parties taking up everyone’s time, it can be difficult to maintain productivity amid distractions and increased stress levels. Additionally, many team members may have limited availability during this time or be working remotely while they travel. As the leader at the helm of your business through the tumultuous month of December, it’s essential, as per Matt Nicosia, that you create strategies to keep your staff focused on their daily tasks while also allowing them some festive fun!
The Holiday Season: Matt Nicosia’s Tips For Keeping Your Team From Melting Down
The holiday season can be one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it can also be one of the busiest and most stressful, says Matt Nicosia. To ensure that your team’s morale stays high and productivity is maintained during this time, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
One way to make sure your team doesn’t melt down during the holidays is to plan ahead. As soon as you know about any upcoming office deadlines or events, let your team know so they can work their plans around it. It’s important for everyone to be on the same page, and planning ahead will help prevent any last-minute scrambles that could create further stress.
Another helpful tip is to encourage flexibility among your team members. With holiday shopping and family events to attend, it’s important to allow your team members the opportunity to work from home when necessary or make up any lost hours during the week. If you provide a flexible working environment, employees will be less likely to feel overwhelmed.
It’s also essential for team leaders to recognize the importance of taking breaks throughout the day. During times of high-stress, people tend to become unproductive and can become overwhelmed more easily. Encouraging everyone on your team to take at least 10-15 minute breaks every couple of hours can help them stay focused and energized, so they don’t burn out before Christmas arrives.
Finally, keep in mind that morale is key, says Matt Nicosia. Planning team-building activities and events throughout the holiday season can help keep everyone in a positive mindset. For example, hosting an office-wide holiday party or setting up friendly competitions for bonus gifts can be great team-bonding activities that will also foster an environment of positivity.
According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 66% of people said they experience increased levels of stress during the holidays, with 44% noting that it impacts their productivity levels. A study done by Flexjobs found that 79% of employers offer some kind of flexible working arrangements to their employees during the holiday season in order to help them better manage their personal commitments and reduce stress levels. Finally, 74% of respondents to a LinkedIn survey said that regular breaks during the day could help them stay productive throughout the holidays.
For example, one company called MUNCHIES implemented a practice of taking breaks every couple of hours to ensure maximum productivity during the holiday season. They found that employees were more focused on their tasks, and morale was higher than compared to previous years when they didn’t take regular breaks.
Matt Nicosia’s Concluding Thoughts
By implementing these tips by Matt Nicosia into your team’s holiday routine, you can ensure that productivity levels remain high, stress is lowered, and team morale stays strong throughout this busy time of year. Planning ahead, encouraging flexibility, recognizing the need for breaks, and fostering an environment of positivity are all key components to keeping your team from melting down during the holiday season.