The holiday season is a whirlwind for retail candy makers,
with employees working hard to spread joy through sweet treats. Supporting your
team is important for keeping spirits high, showing how much their work is
valued and improving employee retention. Here are some ways to help your team
feel appreciated during the holidays, with insights from RCI candy maker members.
Stock the Break Room
Long hours and demanding tasks can take a toll on employees' energy and health. Stocking the break room with snacks and drinks can help boost morale and energy levels during busy seasons. Jason Mootz of Michael Mootz Candies shares, “Before every major holiday, we put out 'Holiday Survival Kits' for our team.
These kits include protein bars, Emergen-C packs, fresh fruit and homemade
energy bites. We also like to hand out
gift certificates so staff members can share our chocolates with their
families. They are a huge part of our success, and we so appreciate them.”
Share a Meal Together
Sharing a meal together can help employees recharge and celebrate the season. RCI member Jennifer Crudden of Rosalind Candy Castle shares, “We like to have lunch or dinner parties as a thanks for their extra effort throughout the holidays.” RCI member Jamee Enstrom Simons of Enstrom Candies agrees, saying, “During the holidays, our management staff makes breakfast for all employees one morning. That’s always a hit!”
If a meal for the whole team is not in the budget this year, work out a trade for lunch from a local restaurant or caterer in exchange for chocolates for their team. Another idea is to host a potluck and you supply the main dish.
Express Employee Recognition
Recognition in the form of a simple thank-you note or shout out in the company newsletter or on the white board in the breakroom can make employees feel appreciated. Jamee Simons highlights the value of celebrating milestones, saying, “At our holiday party, we celebrate years of service milestones, with some employees having been with us for over 40 years!”
Encourage Open Communication
A supportive work environment begins with listening. Rosalind
Candy Castle practices an open-door policy, Jennifer Crudden states, “We
welcome the team to come to us with any questions or share personal issues they
may be experiencing.” Building trust and fostering open dialogue shows
employees that their concerns are heard and addressed.
With nearly three-quarters of retail workers reporting
holiday stress (Zipline),
it’s important to support your team during this time. Providing energy-boosting snacks,
hosting team meals, encouraging open communication and recognizing efforts are
simple yet meaningful ways to ease stress and show your appreciation. A little
effort goes a long way in creating a happy and motivated team during the
busiest time of the year.
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