Don't let the office Christmas party be the only time you see family
It is that time of year. Many organizations are hosting Christmas gatherings before they close the office for the holiday. These are important gatherings as they typically bring families together and focus on things other than work. People can shed the pressures of the office, 'let their hair down,' relax, and meet family and even children. Trust is formed in moments like this when leadership shows a true interest in the personal lives of its people. This social gathering of families should not be the only one of the year.
I've counseled many a business leader that tragedy does not only strike on a battlefield. It can happen on main street and it would be a shame to meet a spouse, fiancé or partner for the first time in a hospital, or at a funeral. That reason alone is enough to make and maintain bonds with family members throughout the year. Of course you cannot force family members to attend events but you can create environments where they would want to participate. Place the same emphasis on a company Christmas party as you would a new product line and make it an event worth attending.
Quarterly family gatherings are a nice rhythm. At these, leaders can share the happenings of the business and the effects it may have on the workforce. I've often found families to be ill-informed of workplace happenings, what their loved one actually does during the day and what times of the year are particularly stressful. Most people share little of what is happening at work even though their families are affected by it. Regular family gatherings are a way to share this information direct with loved ones. They will appreciate it. Beyond workplace happenings, family gatherings should be about forming and fostering bonds with people who are at the center of your employee's lives.
Plan a great Christmas gathering this year, even if it is virtual, then bottle up that magic and deliver it again a few months down the road. You'll be glad you did. So will your families and your people.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell