Christmas is a time for celebration, and who best to celebrate this time of year than with your employees, clients and community? Not only does it espouse good feelings around the holidays, but it also boosts morale amongst your staff and increases your business’s overall appeal.
What are some fairly inexpensive ways you can see that happen? Here are 8 things you might consider:
1. Throw a party. It doesn’t have to catered or even held at an expensive restaurant. Declare a day when everyone can bring items that can be shared at an office lunch. Play holiday music and treat your staff to a decadent treat.
2. Give employees paid time off. First you must determine whether or not you can afford it, but since Christmas and Christmas Eve are on a weekend this year, and because the first day after Christmas isn’t generally the most productive workday, consider giving your employees a paid day off, or, perhaps, a half day.
3. Send greeting cards. Even if you send electronic greetings, as long as they’re genuine and thoughtful (consider personalizing them with pictures of yourself and staff), clients will appreciate the gesture.
4. Give to charity. When we donate money to charity or give to a good cause, positive feelings are generated that don’t quickly fade. Consider donating a percentage of your December proceeds to a local charity. In doing so, your clients will feel that in retaining your December services, they’re also contributing to a good cause.
5. Donate your time. Do something to give back to the community. Not only will it feel good to be engaged in a worthy cause, but many prospective clients appreciate business owners who value charitable work. Consider sponsoring a community organization or holding a fundraising event with other businesses.
6. Give employees a gift. December is the time when many employees receive bonuses. Small businesses and firms are generally unable to provide significant monetary rewards to their staff; however, you should make the effort to acknowledge your gratitude in some way. Consider gift certificates, or as mentioned previously, paid time-off, or some other giving gesture.
7. Thank your colleagues. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Once you realize that your colleagues enhance your career, it becomes easier to feel genuine gratitude for all those individuals with whom you enjoy professional relationships. When you are able to do more than simply feel gratitude for your associates, but also express it, you’ll find they are much more likely to refer their friends and family to your business.
8. Spend time with loved ones and let your associates do the same.
Taking time off to spend with your family and loved ones is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while also recharging your battery and preparing for a fresh start to a New Year. As you do so, remember that it’s equally important that you allow your associates the same respect as they take time to enjoy the holiday as well.
Share what you do with your clients, colleagues and staff to celebrate the holidays!
Visit Universal’s Free Resources
Universal Accounting Center (UAC) would love to see your practice succeed. That’s why we offer your business the most valuable resources available. Feel free to take our virtual UAC Tour to learn more about our training programs that will enhance your practice and your bottom line in the upcoming year. Or visit our free accounting and tax resources. Either way you’ll want to bookmark the UAC site and return continually to improve your business.
Resource
–. “Christmas Tips for Small Business and Entrepreneurs.” 20 December 2009 EntrePinoys Atbp.
