Keeping your team engaged during the festive season

“Tis the season to be jolly”. But how are your staff feeling at the end of 2025? 

Many people feel a level of burnout as we progress through December. Colds and flu have taken their toll, there may be financial or logistical pressure getting ready for Christmas, some are just tired – reflecting back on a busy year.

From “decking the halls with boughs of holly” (putting up office decorations in modern parlance), to permitting additional flexible working where possible; we look at some of the top ways to keep your team engaged this festive season.

Embracing the Christmas spirit

The most obvious place to begin is to think about how your workplace reflects the Christmas mood. A tree and decorations are a visible step you can take – mind trip hazards and electrical safety. 

Christmas music is another option (a licence for playing music in a workplace is required – see here.), although it may be more controversial with some people loving it and others who may hand in their resignation if they hear Mariah Carey or George Michael one more time!

A Christmas party or at least a team lunch are other crowd pleasers, whilst running a secret Santa is usually good fun (although it can have its perils!). Whatever you choose, it should be an easy way to add some cheer to your workplace, an important part of the employer/employee bond.

Being inclusive

With that said, Christmas can be more complex than it seems. Whilst for many years it has pervaded religion to be a cultural phenomenon, its origins are of course as a religious event. 

So some people may choose to not mark celebrations for religious reasons, whilst others may have personal reasons such as the memory of a bereavement at this time of year. 

Be sensitive to issues like this, let them know that it is fine to opt out. It is a good time to remind staff that they can talk to you if they are experiencing difficulties, including mental health. As an employer you have a duty of care, so share that you will do what you can to help them and make adjustments. Sadly, domestic violence increases over Christmas, often fuelled by more time spent at home and increases in alcohol consumption, which is something to keep in mind.

Reviewing operations

Whether you are busier or quieter, a quick review of operations may help staff stay engaged through the festive period. Is it possible to let employees knock off early on Christmas Eve as a thank you for their hard work over the year, or even have the whole day off if their work is completed beforehand? If the opposite is true and everyone is rushed off their feet, knowing that they will have some respite come the end of a manic Christmas may be what they need to power through.

HR happy helpers

The festive period can throw up all kinds of unusual staffing issues. Rest assured that we are here to help if an issue arises. We’ll offer practical advice, telling you what you can do, not what you can’t. So if in need, please reach out. Merry Christmas one and all!