Decking the Halls with Employee Engagement at Christmas

by: Kelly Kass
Of course everyone throws their usual Christmas party in December. While they can be lovely affairs (if not a bit rowdy) , it’s all too possible for people to get lost in the crowd at such a large event - if they even remember it at all! (hangover permitting)

1. Think Small - Instead of relying on a big do to bring people together, try organizing more intimate, departmental gatherings during office hours. Employees will appreciate the break and best of all it doesn’t have to break your budget. A simple takeaway and a conference room is all you need. My former Production Manager started the fun tradition of Hanukkah lunches. Every December, she treated the entire department - as well as freelancers - to a New York Kosher deli feast of turkey, corned beef, potato latkas and apple sauce. For an hour and a half, we spun dreidels and happily stuffed our faces while others enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Jewish cuisine and culture.
2. Spread the Wealth – Around the holidays, gift baskets are inevitable. As soon as December hits, you’re surrounded by mounds of chocolate truffles and gingerbread cookies. Rather than re-gifting them for your in-laws, try placing them in the kitchen or reception area. It will get people out of their offices and engaging with one another.
3. Organize Gift Exchanges - A popular Christmas tradition in the States is the Secret Santa gift exchange (aka the more politically correct “holiday gift exchange”). Colleagues randomly choose names out of a hat and must anonymously buy a present for whomever they wind up picking. To ease financial pressures, a spending limit of about $20 is usually set. On the day of the event, people gather in front of the tree where they exchange presents, sip egg nog and nibble on holiday sweets.
4. Promote Charity Work - The gift-giving doesn’t have to be limited to co-workers. The holidays are a particularly popular time when it comes to charity. At my previous company, one of the managers organized donations for Toys for Tots, a national charity which collects new toys to distribute to needy children. There’s nothing like giving back to the community to raise employee morale.