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How to help your employees feel calmer and more energized during the busy December days? ☃️
December often arrives with a mix of festive excitement and busy schedules. Like your employees, you probably have a lot in your mind—year-end projects, holiday preparations, deadlines. There might even be an invisible cloud of stress hovering over the workplace without anyone realising it. But December doesn't have to feel like a race against the clock. It can be a time when, as an HR manager, you set the tone for calm and balance. With small, thoughtful actions, you can support your employees and give them the space to experience this month with energy and positivity. Together, you can create a workplace that feels like an oasis of calm during the hectic holiday season.
Time to read: 5 minutes
The 15-minute creativity break 🎨
Sometimes we work for hours on end without noticing how quickly time flies by. Your employees probably feel the same, caught up in their dedication to doing their best. A moment of rest or a short break in between could be just what they need to recharge and refocus. Introducing a daily 15-minute creativity break can work wonders. You can propose them activities like doodling on holiday-themed templates, solving a quick puzzle, or colouring in a fun design book. These short bursts of creativity offer a mental escape. Employees might not realise it, but these activities calm the mind while sparking fresh energy.
Create a dedicated creativity corner with colourful materials to make this idea tangible. If your team is remote, sharing digital templates can make it easy for everyone to join in. You could also introduce a "riddle of the day," such as a short puzzle or logic teaser, to spark curiosity and creativity. How do you make this work? Start by sharing an example of your own creativity—perhaps a half-coloured mandala or a tricky puzzle piece you struggled with. This will encourage employees to participate. And when you see someone step away from their screen, visibly more relaxed, you’ll know the effort was worth it.
Laughter lunch sessions 🤣
Does your workplace ever feel a bit too serious, especially in December? This is the perfect opportunity to bring in some light-hearted fun. Lunchtime doesn’t just refuel the body; it can be the ideal time to lift everyone’s mood. A quick round of Pictionary with a festive theme can have the whole team laughing as they guess wobbly drawings of snowmen or sleighs.
Another great idea is hosting a festive round of 'This or That' questions, like choosing between mulled wine or hot chocolate, or snowball fights versus ice skating. Or try a 'Who am I?' game with holiday characters, where employees guess their identity based on clues. For something even simpler, play 'Finish the Lyric,' using well-known holiday songs to get everyone laughing and singing along.
Want to make these moments even more engaging? Let employees vote on activities in advance or nominate their favourites. The best part? Even the quieter team members often can’t resist joining in the laughter, leaving everyone recharged and ready for the rest of the day.
Power playlist hour 🎵
Music has a magical way of improving mood and bringing people together, and December is the perfect time to embrace that magic. Why not create a shared team playlist? Employees can add their favourite energising songs, and you can play it during breaks. It’s a simple way to create a sense of connection while boosting energy levels.
Start by inviting everyone to contribute their favourite upbeat tracks to a shared playlist. Keep it simple by using a platform like Spotify and sharing a link for submissions. To make it extra festive, suggest adding holiday tunes that bring energy and cheer. For remote teams, share the playlist in the group chat. You could even create a fun moment during a meeting where the most unexpected or quirky song gets a special mention.
Mini team challenges 🏆
Bring a bit of friendly competition to the workplace with quick, fun team challenges. These could include a step-counting contest, a holiday-themed trivia game, or a “decorate your desk” competition. The goal is to keep activities light and fun, giving employees a reason to pause and connect with colleagues.
For hybrid or remote teams, adapt these challenges online. For example, organise a photo contest where employees share snapshots of their holiday-decorated workspaces or favourite festive snacks. Celebrate participants with thoughtful gestures like personalised shoutouts, digital badges, or small gift cards. These small acts of appreciation not only show your gratitude but also bring a smile to employees’ faces, making the activities even more rewarding.
Key takeaway? We all love the festive vibe of December—sharing meals, celebrating with family, enjoying Christmas drinks, and reflecting on the milestones of the past year. But amidst all these festive moments and year-end responsibilities, employees can sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed. With a few thoughtful activities, you can help your team feel calmer, more connected, and energised—ready to enjoy the festive season and start the new year with fresh energy.
