As we enter the corridor to the holiday season, it’s interesting how we tend to dwindle down our hours and decrease our production efforts, when actually nothing has slowed down to give us reason to taper off. Business is as busy as ever, sales and demand are high, and with the end of 2019 drawing nigh, there is more work to do than was needed all year long. So, what is causing this desire to slow down? Why, are we cutting the hours short? Why are we showing up later? Why are we closing our doors and taking a break? Well, the answer is simple. It’s family! The holidays have a way of creating an internal mechanism that reminds us we not only need to respect that this is a time to spend with our families but, also, a time for us to respect the fact that those around us who we work with, those we work for, and those that work for us, have a need to spend more time with family and loved ones, as well.
Many businesses don’t acknowledge this age-old tradition of respecting the holidays. They work their employees around the clock, seeming not to care whether employees want time off, or wish to work shorter hours so they can enjoy time with their families. Those businesses are, most times, rewarded with higher profits, more clients, and a reputation amongst their customers as a reliable company. However, I don’t believe they understand what they’re doing to the morale of their employees. Those employees are carrying out their duties begrudgingly; interacting with customers without the spirit and personality that best reflects the image your company expresses in its core values and mission statements. When they go home, they complain to the very family members they wish they were spending a bit more time with during the holidays; complaining about a job they are actively looking to replace as soon as time and space permits. Those family members are encouraging the discussion and chiming in to also complain about their company. That’s a far contrast from businesses who reward their employees with shorter hours, time off, bonuses, gifts, and celebrations. The employees of those companies never wish to work anywhere else, and their families further encourage them to be the best employees and stay a part of this company as long as they wish to be there.
So, the word of the month is Balance! Business is business, but the respect held by a company for its employees, and what is important to them, is what will create the synergy and core values that will allow a business to thrive on into the future. Believe it or not, your business doesn’t center around sales, profits, and customer service. It centers around people. One of those people is you. Take some time to enjoy your friends and family this holiday season. Respect the employees of your business enough to allow them to do the same. Show your customers how much you care about and respect your employees by shortening some hours and closing some doors over the holidays. They will notice and support you more for it. It’s not always the easiest task to perform, but when you implement the word “Balance” in the act of making those decisions, I’m confident you will do what’s best.
Enjoy the upcoming holiday season, and during this special time of year, treat your business like a family.
Until next time, build, grow, and continue to prosper.
Andre Barefield