HR managers typically handle a lot of workplace issues every day from employment background screening of job candidates to ensuring harmony among employees. These HR challenges can get worse during the holiday season. But don’t let these issues get in the way of enjoying the holiday. Here are some tips for HR managers and their teams to prepare for the holiday season.
- Fast-track the hiring process of seasonal workers
Companies employing seasonal workers for the holiday rush e.g. supermarkets, retail shops, and customer service providers should hasten the hiring process because the job applicants are typically seeking work from multiple companies and they might not be available by the time you decide to hire them. Consider booking a background check agency that provides accurate and fast reports to lessen the processing time while ensuring a fair chance of hiring.
- Remember that it’s not just about Christmas
This is important especially when your company has employees of varied backgrounds. There are different events celebrated within the holiday season depending on the religious, spiritual, or cultural background of the person. Take this chance to build awareness or remind employees of diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace. You can also establish a platform for engaging employees in sharing their stories about their holiday celebrations and traditions.
- Promote employee appreciation from top executives
In most cases, there always seems to be a thick glass ceiling between the top executives and the regular employees. You, as an HR manager, can break this invisible barrier by guiding CEOs and senior executives on how and when to communicate their employee appreciation. The company’s year-end holiday party is the perfect platform for top executives to deliver speeches about their gratitude to the team, coupled with awarding/recognition ceremonies.
Of course, don’t forget these employee appreciation techniques, too:
- Timely release of performance bonuses
- Annual work performance reviews with positive or constructive feedback
- Provide rewards or gifts to teams with excellent performance
- If feasible: Add new benefits, incentives, and/or perks for the next year
- Start the hiring process for next year’s batch of new employees
The days after the New Year are definitely a great time to start fresh for many people including employment seekers who want to start the year with a new job. Consider starting the hiring process during the holiday in time for onboarding the new employees by the start of next year. To further save time, energy, and resources, entrust your employment background screening needs to a third-party provider.
- Remind everyone, including yourself, to look at themselves
The holiday may invoke happiness, but it can also be stressful to many people at work and in their homes. Furthermore, this is also the season that the common cold, flu, and related diseases often proliferate. You’ll also need to watch out for signs of employee burnout, overstress and overwork.
Ways to intervene:
- Remind employees to look after their health
- Direct employees to the company’s wellness program
- Give overworked employees a day off
Conclusion
Workplace challenges may increase during the holidays for the HR manager, but with the preparation tips we discussed, you’ll definitely breeze through the issues with a joyful spirit. To further lighten the HR workload especially on holiday hiring, hire a background check agency.
SimpliVerified has achieved PBSA accreditation, the gold standard of the background screening industry, offering fast, accurate, and comprehensive background check reports on job candidates and employees.
