For staff returning to work after the festive season with a long wait until pay day, it’s no wonder that January is one of the worst months for low morale. It’s also the time when most people start to think about looking for new jobs. So how do you boost energy and motivate your team for the year ahead?
Introduce an employee benefits scheme
The flexible benefits landscape has changed for small businesses. For years, staff benefits were the domain of larger businesses able to offer varied perks and incentives. However, many SMEs have had to consider how else they can reward their employees, rather than simply through remuneration.
Research shows that offering staff additional benefits can improve employee engagement, helps retain staff, boosts morale and ultimately positions your business ahead of the competition as a good employer.
Discuss their plans for the year ahead
This doesn’t have to be a formal appraisal meeting, but could be a one-to-one where you discuss aspirations for the year, talk through any potential issues and set some goals and targets so they have something to work towards. Alternatively, why not conduct a staff survey to ask your team about their hopes for the year ahead? It’s important to keep the upward and downward communication channels open in January, as this is when many people will start to think about looking for new jobs.
Organise a January social event
A simple lunch, or coffee morning in the office can boost morale by demonstrating that your business doesn’t just entertain staff at Christmas. If you schedule something for the end of January it will give the team something to look forward to, and keep a bit of the Christmas spirit going!
Discuss training needs
The start of the year is the ideal time to map out training and where it is needed most. This will help staff to shape their personal development for the year ahead too. ‘Bite-sized’ lunch and learn sessions throughout January can be a great way to get staff motivated whilst not overwhelming them.
Focus on workplace well-being
January is typically the time for new goals, and many staff will be returning to work with resolutions for the new year. Workplace well-being is becoming an increasingly important element of HR, so think about the ways in which you could enhance your office space – perhaps introduce free fruit once a week, invite a therapist in once a month for desk massages or offer staff gym membership as part of an employee benefits scheme. One of our clients ran a ‘January sales secret Santa’ which created a real buzz in the office towards the end of the month.