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How to support employee wellbeing this festive period

December is usually the most wonderful time of the year, and although for some it may still be just that, it’s safe to say that this year it’s going to be a little bit different. During the festive period, workplaces are usually buzzing with excitement for the holidays as colleagues decorate the office, listen to a Christmas playlist, bring in festive goodies and prep for Christmas parties. However this year many organisation still have a lot of their team working from home, which is why it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re doing everything you can to support employee wellbeing.

Below are a few of our top tips for supporting employee wellbeing during the 2020 festive period; some of which we’re doing ourselves at Sign In App.

Keep to traditions

While it will be different, it’s still possible to keep up some of your regular office traditions at this time of year. Usually have a day where you all come in wearing festive clothing? Organise a team call and get everyone to throw on their Christmas jumpers, Santa hats and reindeer ears! Normally have some bakers in your team that bring in tasty treats for everyone to indulge in? Although we can’t be sharing them with each other this year, a virtual Christmas bake-off could be a great way to raise spirits amongst your colleagues.

Take your Christmas party virtual

Not being able to be with each other shouldn’t stop the party. Take it virtual this year and organise a team Christmas lunch or evening drinks and games over a video call - technology really is a wonderful thing! Pour a drink, grab the nibbles and get quizzing! The best part? You won’t be carrying any of your colleagues home that have had one too many proseccos.

Support a good work/life balance

If there’s one thing 2020 has taught us, it’s just how important a work/life balance really is for both productivity levels and employee wellbeing. It should be something that is embraced all year round but particularly at this time of year when times can often be a little more stressful. Encourage your staff to make sure they take time for themselves and their family.

Ask how they could be supported

Communication is key and can really benefit how well you support employee wellbeing. Ask your team if there’s anything you could do as an employer to help support them at this time. Also encourage them to chat with their colleagues too and really promote a team feel amongst your staff.

Remember, Christmas isn’t for everyone

Finally, it’s important to remember that this time of year isn’t for everyone. Not everyone in your team may celebrate Christmas for a variety of different reasons, and for some the festivities may not be welcomed with open arms, so it’s important to ensure you’re supporting them too. Organise some virtual social events that don’t necessarily have a focus on the season, and if some team members would prefer to give them a miss, don’t force them into it.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we hope you’re staying well and are looking forward to seeing in a fresh, new year!