But not so much for the night time leisure sector. Christmas for nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues means more revenue, but also longer and busier working hours.
It’s important therefore, that night time leisure managers and owners look after the wellbeing of their staff and keep stress at bay.
It’s proven that unhappy staff work fewer hours and aren’t as effective in their role.
In this article, we’ll take you through 5 top tips for preventing workplace stress. If you need any other information or advice, contact us today. NDML work with one of the UKs leading wellbeing professionals, and wellbeing is an important part of our culture.
1. Breakout areas
On especially busy evenings, staff should have an area where they can get away from the hustle and bustle and relax. A room with teas and coffees is ok, but specified quiet zones, calming music, and comfortable seating is better. Ensure that breaks mean breaks; staff shouldn’t be encouraged to cut breaks short or skip them altogether, no matter how busy your venue is.
2. Provide ‘refuelling stations’
At this time of year, there will always be a box of Roses, mince pies or other festive treats hanging round in the break room. But too much sugar and sweet things will leave staff feeling sluggish and tired. If you want an energised staff, you may want to take control of their diets (in a non-dictatorial way of course). Providing bottles of water, bananas, berries, dark chocolate, yoghurts, nuts, green tea etc will give your employees the energy boost to keep moods and activity levels high.
3. Talk to your staff
It may seem pretty obvious, but you’ll never know how your staff are feeling unless you talk to them. Give them a forum to be open and honest, and show a desire to deal with any concerns they may have. Nothing is more frustrating for employees than feeling like they’re alone and ignored. Show that you care.
4. Don’t make money the ‘be all and end all’
A lot of managers will use cash incentives like bonuses and ‘time and a half pay’ to get staff to work more over Christmas. It’s important to remember that money isn’t everything. If an employee is overworked, throwing money at them will not solve the problem.
Instead, consider different ways to reward your staff. Additional responsibility, teaming up people you know have a good relationship, leaving notes thanking people for their great work; all can make work a nicer place to be.
5. Hire a wellbeing coach
Wellbeing experts are paid to highlight the importance of looking after your own mental and physical health. They give expert advice on how to stay calm and reduce excess ‘noise’.
Talks and seminars by wellbeing coaches don’t take up much time and the values far outweigh the cost.
