Do Something Nice for the Holidays

In this tough economic environment many companies are cutting budgets and tightening their belts. But one time they should be relaxing this is during the holidays. Although this is hard because of budget and time constraints before the end of the year, a little effort can go a long way to employee happiness in the New Year.

It doesn't have to be a large bonus or a lavish holiday party either. Do a dinner at a local restaurant or a happy hour at a local bar. Instead of counting days off until the end of the year, tell everyone they can either take a day between Christmas and New Years...or carry a roving holiday into next year. If you have employees out of town, help them to get to their families by buying their bus ticket or letting them leave earlier to make it on time.

And the good things you do don't have to be monetary in nature. Have everyone volunteer in a soup kitchen or do a bakeoff in the office with the donations going to charity. Surprise employees by shutting the office for an extra hour during lunchtime and putting on a movie in the conference room.

Trust me, little gestures will go a long way to employee satisfaction in 2011.

-Andrew