10/ 22/ 2007
Despite the fact that we haven't even made it past Halloween yet, Christmas and Hanukkah décor is already popping up everywhere. While it's still a bit early to start covering your lawn in plastic light-up Santas, it's the perfect time to start planning your company's holiday activities.
Vacation time
The Christmas holiday is one of the most heavily traveled, and scheduling vacation time early helps take some of the stress out of making plans. Although there's no federal law requiring employers to provide time off around the holidays, refusing your employees time with their families might get you pegged as a Scrooge. Besides, experts say a few days off around Christmas can actually help employees come back to work recharged and energized for the new year.
If your business slows down during the Christmas season, consider closing for a few days if possible. If you're a retail or service industry business, however, you might get busier, so scheduling time off around the holidays can be tricky. Try to be fair, generous and flexible when deciding who's going to work. Offering incentives or rewards can help soften the blow to whomever has to stay late or come in early on Christmas or New Year's.
Staffing and stock
If your company's business picks up drastically around the holidays, you might want to consider hiring temporary employees to bolster your customer service. Many retail stores utilize this practice around Christmas, but other businesses can benefit from the extra help as well. Also, remember to ramp up your inventory so you're ready for the after-Thanksgiving shopping rush.
Company parties
If you host an annual Christmas or holiday party, it's a good idea to start planning now if you're going to have to reserve a restaurant, hotel or banquet hall. And while you want to ensure your employees and their families have fun at the company party, their safety should be top priority. Keep the following tips in mind when organizing your company's holiday soiree:
- Hold the party off of company grounds
- Do not require employees to attend
- If you will have alcohol at the gathering, hire bartenders and distribute drink tickets
- Serve heavy foods throughout the night
- Provide hotel or transportation accommodations
- Appoint one or more employees as party supervisors
- Remind employees about company policies on conduct, substance abuse or sexual harassment
Holiday gifts
If you're planning on giving holiday gifts to employees or clients, now is a good time to decide what the gift will be and place your order. You'll need to allow time for processing, especially if you're ordering a large number of gifts or want them personalized, and you'll want time to distribute the gifts before Christmas or Hanukkah, too.
While some people lament the fact that the Christmas season seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year, getting a head start on your company's holiday plans is never a bad idea. With the details out of the way, you and your employees can relax and enjoy the season with friends and family—or plan your attack to beat the early-bird shoppers to the mall. Either way, you'll have plenty of time.
