Kylie Terrell
For HR leaders and business owners, the festive season isn’t just about celebrations. It’s about making sure your people feel supported during one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year.
Our latest Workplace Engagement Index found that most employees are happy to forego workplace social gatherings and events if it means they have access to a fair salary, meaningful benefits and work that allows for real work-life balance. These priorities are especially important to keep in mind when planning how you’ll support employees through the holiday season.
So, how can you help your people feel appreciated and supported in a way that truly matters to them? Here are a few ideas to inspire your planning:
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1. Spread the holiday spirit with recognition
The end of the year is the perfect moment to pause and say “thank you.” Whether it’s a public shout-out, a small token of appreciation, or a year-end awards celebration, recognition helps people feel valued and reinforces the culture you’ve worked hard to build.
2. Help ease financial pressures
December can stretch household budgets. Consider how you can help reduce financial strain with access to employee discounts, cashback on everyday purchases or other cost-saving benefits. Even small savings can create a big sense of relief during this season.
Having an employee engagement platform gives your employees discounts at thousands of retailers across Australia, helping them save on everyday essentials as well as gifts for Christmas.
3. Make wellbeing a priority
The festive period can be just as stressful as it is joyful for some. Encouraging flexible work hours, signposting to wellbeing resources, or giving employees permission to rest and recharge can help people end the year with more balance.
Our Workplace Engagement Index shows that:
- 73% of employees want their employer to prioritise mental wellbeing in the year ahead
- 59% want financial wellbeing to be a focus
- 55% want support for physical wellbeing
These numbers highlight how important it is to think holistically about wellbeing during the festive season and beyond.
4. Create meaningful moments to connect
While large social events may not always be everyone’s priority, finding simple and inclusive ways to connect still matters. A team
lunch, a virtual trivia session, or a thoughtful year-end message can all strengthen bonds and help people feel a sense of belonging.
You can go a step further by sending personalised festive eCards. A simple but impactful way to show appreciation and spread joy across your teams.
5. Keep inclusivity front of mind
Not everyone celebrates in the same way. Be mindful of different traditions, financial circumstances, and preferences, and look for opportunities to make the festive season a positive time for your whole workforce.
The festive season may still feel a little way off, but now is the time to plan ahead. Implementing an employee engagement program like Reward Gateway early means your people can start experiencing the benefits from savings and recognition to wellbeing support, before the holiday rush is in full swing.
We know that thoughtful support during moments that matter can help employees feel seen, valued and cared for. And with tools to help you deliver recognition, benefits, savings and wellbeing support, we’re here to make it easier to spread a little holiday cheer across your workplace.
Ready to create something in time for the festive season, or want to find out more? Speak to one of our Engagement Consultants to get you started.
