As we inch closer to Christmas, it’s only natural that enthusiasm and motivation start to wane. Many have worked a full 12 months with no break at this point, and there’s something about looming holidays and festivities that makes it hard to keep our own motivation up, let alone our teams’. For many businesses, though, Christmas can be the busiest period of the year and one in which enthusiasm is most needed. So, to keep your team motivated during the final push to the finish line, we suggest the following.

 

Set achievable micro goals for your team to turn long, overwhelming projects into a series of attainable steps. 

• This creates frequent wins, which trigger dopamine boosts and a sense of accomplishment amongst employees
• Manageable bite-sized tasks reduce stress and improve clarity and focus around tasks
• This creates a positive momentum loop and encourages accountability

 

Implement visible project boards to track benchmarks and create a clear success path.

• Making progress tangible and trackable is a visual reminder that things are moving forward
• Measurable success builds momentum through visual movement
• Creates shared understanding of priorities and contribution to the bigger picture, contributing to team alignment and focus
• Builds a sense of unity, which can develop purpose-driven motivation

 

Morale boosters and reward systems reinforce positive workplace behaviours and create a culture where individuals feel seen and valued.

• This encourages commitment and quality more effectively than pressures or reminders
• Breaks up stress and burnout, injecting moments of positivity into demanding periods, increasing engagement
• Creates momentum through celebration: recognising wins or key milestones turns progress into a series of motivational highs
• Speaks to the human needs of appreciation, belonging and purpose. People who feel appreciated put in a more intentional effort, stay focused longer, and are more willing to collaborate and take ownership in the workplace

 

Morale boosters can be verbal, experience-based, or, our favourite, in the form of a physical offering. In the spirit of seasonality, we’re fans of the early Christmas present for encouraging a final surge of energy to the finish line. Our Christmas Cylinders are a great budget-friendly option, and with several options, you can cater to different personalities or lifestyle preferences. Alternatively, combine a physical gift with an experience and bring the team together over a sharepack. Engaging in a social setting will boost culture and spirit amongst teams, while they also reap the benefits of a physical product. 

As we edge closer to the holidays, make a concerted effort to take care of your team if you want to see a return on investment in their dedication and effort.