The last three months of the year in Myanmar are considered holiday season because of a high concentration of public holidays: Thadingyut holiday, Tazaungdine holiday, Christmas holiday, and International New Year holiday all fall in the last quarter. In order to keep teams and businesses run effectively, a few things are important to keep in mind.

Every employer is aware that keeping employees on task and productive during the holiday season can be a unique challenge. In fact, one study* found that employee productivity drops by more than 50 percent around the holidays, and more than 10 percent of employees have already started to slack off before the month of December. While the tips below are specific to keeping employees engaged and productive during the holiday season, they can be utilized and practiced throughout the year.

1. Establish open communication about company performance and goals for the year ahead

People are more likely to feel valued and in control of their professional future and more invested in the company’s future when they feel included in the company's success. An organization’s communication climate and system is a crucial factor which can affect engagement. Moreover, employers need to clearly define what measurable achievements are expected and make sure employees are aware of them at all times. One way to ensure that expectations are clearly identified is to have one-on-one constructive conversations that focus on areas of improvement and tactical ways to achieve goals. For example, all employees at world-renowned tech giant Google including the CEO set goals for themselves and outline a series of measurable results that are communicated openly. Establishing realistic indicators and ensuring timely follow-up are critical. 

2. Create memorable forms of recognition to cultivate a supportive team

An engaged company means creating a culture that is supportive and team-oriented. Therefore, practicing timely recognition includes active daily or weekly appreciation, without waiting until the next holiday or work anniversary celebration. Weekly recognition and celebration create a rewarding culture that is honest and authentic which most employees always look for in any compliment. Therefore, show your genuineness in your appreciation to your staff as an employer, for example, handwritten notes, direct email from CEO or MD, manual signatures, etc. Through the advancement of technology, digital recognition amongst workers can be an effective solution during this quarantine period. Practice specific and public recognition that is meaningful and memorable.

3. Introduce creative employee engagement by involving all employees

During this current pandemic, some of us may feel stressed because of increased workload. due to unexpected personal matters or general fatigue. Try reaching out to your team with help and advice by hosting virtual health and wellness classes such as yoga, zumba, preparing a helpful guide for working efficiently during peak season, and creating a forum for employees to submit anonymous questions or concerns. Moreover, you can arrange a creative and fun virtual company farewell for holidays like Friday Hang-out on Zoom with a purpose of having a happy, fun, and festive mental break.

To recap, holiday seasons generally may hinder employee productivity. If employers build the right environment by listening to employee’s needs, introducing new and creative ideas and equipping managers to make good decisions and plans in advance, they will ultimately help their staff and business get through this challenging time of the year successfully. 

* https://peakon.com/blog/employee-wellbeing/the-great-christmas-click-off-the-date-when-most-of-the-workforce-gives-up/