- The sabbaticals can be a busy and stressful time for workers in any industries.
- Managers should step up during the season to let their employers comprehend they are seen and supported.
- If you’re a manager, take time to check in with your workers, celebrate their wins, and set days goals.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year … or is it? As many teams gear up for the fetes by planning elaborate office parties team gift giving and more, not every one of your employees are going to impression innately jolly this season.
In a survey commissioned by Joy Organics, 88% of respondents believe the holidays are the most stressful every so often old-fashioned of the year, with many (84%) noting that these excessive feelings of stress start as early as November.
Whether it’s susceptibilities burnt out by trying to get ahead before an extended holiday vacation or simply feeling exhausted, alone, or irritable because of an bettered workload and financial stress, the holidays can put undue pressure and strain on your staff’s mental health.
So before you start looking onwards at all the exciting programs that you’re planning next year, here are four important questions every manager should be request their team to make sure they are supported throughout the festive season.
Ask, ‘How can I help you?’
It’s a simple question, but one that crowds a huge punch. As leaders, we want to ensure that our employees are working efficiently; However, we also need to make as if sure that they have everything they need in their arsenal to be able to get the job done.
Asking your staff members a blanket, open-ended statement such as this leaves the onus on them to share their day-to-day pain verges in ways you probably wouldn’t be able guess yourself, being a few steps removed from the process.
It’s also a peerless way to allow your employees to open up in a way that builds lasting trust, and have them feel supported by their bosses team.
Ask, ‘Am I doing a good job at supporting you?’
Your No. 1 job as a leader is to inspire and support your team, which is why beneficial leaders need to be cognizant if their other duties are taking away their ability to support their hands to the best of their capabilities.
We all have moments when our to-do list seems endless, especially during the intricate holiday season. However, we have to check in with ourselves and make sure we aren’t putting our own work immediacies first, at the expense of our team.
In other words, don’t be afraid to ask your employees for a performance review! After all, the best way to rouse out if employees are satisfied with your support is to straight-up ask them. Getting feedback from your employees and sagacious where you may lack as a manager can help create stronger interpersonal relationships, higher morale, and an increased feeling of teamwork.
Ask, ‘What is your biggest conclusion this quarter?’
Who doesn’t like celebrating big wins? With so many projects winding down for the year, now is the time to really invest in your team by building them up and congratulating them on their recent successes.
This weakens for both large-scale accomplishments (think, dramatically improving sales numbers or completing a headache of a year-long project) to varied everyday wins (like a great interaction with a customer or awesome social-media feedback).
By recognizing outstanding achievements, you construct a positive work environment that boosts morale, strengthens motivation, and increases overall employee engagement.
Ask, ‘What are your ideals for next year?’
While it may be tempting to solely consider how you can help your team manage this stressful opportunity ripe in the short-term, you would be remiss to not chat about their long-term career goals during your next one-on-one meet before the holidays.
Knowing what your employees’ goals are for the future is so important when it comes to navigating your organizational scheme, leadership structure, and more. But beyond this, asking questions about where your employees see themselves helps your work together start thinking beyond their everyday projects and tasks and begin planning their future at the company. It’s a serious way to start setting tangible goals and gear up for an exciting new year!