How to boost staff morale and retention before the holidays

Even when business is booming, it’s better still when it runs smoothly. To make that happen, the right accounting software goes a long way. Miguel Nasr, Xero’s General Manager – Product, says he hears many stories from tradies who used to struggle with lost receipts, onerous manual invoices, missing cash flow data and more before they found out how to use Xero accounting software.

After a big year and an especially frantic December, the holiday shutdown comes as a welcome break for many tradies. But if you’re a small business owner, it can also be a tricky time for staff morale and retention. People are busy, tired and navigating an expensive time of year. Social calendars are full, and emotions are running high. 

Paul Rogers, head coach and founder of Tradie Coach, says it’s common for tradies to reflect on their job over the Christmas holidays and plan to move on in the new year if they’re not happy. “It's typically a direct reflection of how they've been treated and how work has gone over the three months leading into Christmas,” he says. 

These practical tips will show you how to improve staff morale in the lead up to the holidays and give your team good reasons to come back refreshed and ready for the new year.

Boost staff morale and retain your staff as you head into the holidays

● Show your appreciation for hard work rather than cracking the whip.

● Give everyone a personal pat on the back and make it clear their efforts have been noticed. 

● Schedule one-on-one check-ins to finish the year strong and plan for the new year.

● Host fun team activities during work hours.

● Address financial hardships, provide guidance and suggest support services.

Show your appreciation

Everyone in the trades knows the pre-Christmas rush is just that: a rush to finish projects and meet deadlines. Paul says showing your staff that you appreciate their efforts, rather than cracking the whip and adding to their stress, helps to boost staff morale. 

“The more you can show appreciation to your team through the last three months of the year, the better. It doesn't have to be big things – it’s just showing that you’re aware of the work that they’re doing during this time, and that you appreciate it,” he says.

Give everyone a personal pat on the back

Kurt, a counsellor at blue-collar counselling support service TIACS, agrees people want to feel valued. A few weeks before the holidays, he recommends thanking each member of your team for their hard work over the year. Whether you’re sitting in the van, working onsite or having a quick catch-up on Monday morning, make it clear that their efforts have been noticed. 

“You might say, ‘You’ve done a really good job this year – I’ve been really, really happy’,” he says. “Something like that would be huge. I reckon most people would prefer a pat on the back over going to the pub for an afternoon.”

Tip: Find out more about how Bunnings Trade and TIACS are working together to support mental health in the building and construction industry.

Schedule one-on-one check-ins

One-on-one check-ins are a great opportunity to connect with each team member and talk about their plans for the year ahead, Kurt says. “Sit down with each person and find out where they’re at and what would help them in the workplace. What would help them finish the year strong? What are their plans for next year? Small business owners obviously know their guys and girls on some level, but sometimes it’s about putting these questions directly to them. People feel valued and secure in their job if their boss is coming to them and showing clear care for them.”

Host fun team activities to help boost staff morale

To celebrate the year’s work, Paul recommends team bonding activities like golf or go-karting. “Make it less about the alcohol and more about your team,” he says. “You’re going to create a better culture within the team because everyone’s going to be having fun together.”

Kurt says having the event during work hours gives another boost to staff morale. “People will think, ‘In a busy time of the year, I’ve got a boss who’s willing for us to take a whole morning off.’ It’s these small things that really tell employees a lot.”

Address financial hardships

With functions to attend, gifts to buy and a potentially reduced income over the break, especially for sub-contractors, the holiday period can stretch the hip pocket. Kurt says checking in with staff about any financial pressures and offering support or guidance where possible can help staff morale. 

“Show your care, concern and support for them. You can also direct them to services that have been specifically established to support people through financial issues. This means it’s important for you to have an idea of what's out there,” he says, recommending support services like TIACS, Lifeline and Beyond Blue. 

While you can’t solve every problem, simply being approachable and knowing where to point your team to for help can make a real difference. “You can’t go into their situation and fix it, but you can provide support,” Kurt says. 

Support services for you and your team

The holiday period can be a tough time for people. You can let your team know there are support services with free call numbers or websites that can help:

● TIACS: A free mental health counselling service for tradies. Call or text on 0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST.

● Lifeline: 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 or chat with them online. 

● Beyond Blue: 24/7 Support for anxiety, depression and suicide. Call 1300 22 4636 or chat to a counsellor online

Want to help your team stay fit for the job?

Check out our story on the best daily stretches for tradies.