
How to make video calls less awkward
September 10, 2025Christmas is coming
The Christmas
adverts are slowly beginning to grace our screens and the TV channels are
filling up with festive films. Welcome to the busiest quarter of the year. For
businesses big and small, this can also mean the most lucrative. But while the
season brings opportunity, it also brings its fair share of headaches and
stress. One of the biggest challenges for small businesses during this period
is the scramble for staff holidays. Everyone wants to take time off between
Christmas and New Year, and who can blame them? It is the perfect window to
maximise time with family while using the fewest number of paid holiday days.
But from the
employer’s side, the challenge is real. How can you balance the needs of your
team with the needs of your business without upsetting anyone? For small
businesses, where every team member plays a vital role, losing multiple people
at once can cause serious disruption. Fortunately, with a little forward
planning and honest communication, it is possible to navigate the holiday
season smoothly while keeping morale high.
Here are five
practical tips to help small businesses manage staff holidays effectively
during the festive season.
1. Start the conversation early
The earlier you
talk about Christmas leave, the easier it will be to plan. Waiting until
December to have the discussion is a recipe for confusion and disappointment.
Instead, aim to bring up the topic in early November. This gives everyone
enough time to submit their requests and for any clashes to become obvious.
Make sure you
communicate your expectations clearly. Explain the process for requesting time
off, any blackout dates that may apply, and how decisions will be made if there
are overlapping requests. Being upfront early avoids surprises and helps
everyone plan their personal and professional lives more effectively.
2. Be fair and transparent
Nothing creates
tension faster than the feeling that holiday approvals are handled unfairly.
Transparency is key. If your business has a policy such as first come, first
served, make that clear from the start. Alternatively, you might rotate
priority each year, so the same people are not always getting Christmas off
while others are stuck covering shifts.
Another idea is
to use a name draw system to determine priority. Whatever approach you choose,
communicate it clearly and stick to it. Consistency builds trust, and staff
will appreciate knowing the rules are the same for everyone.
3. Encourage flexibility and compromise
Not everyone
needs the exact same days off. Some staff may value time before Christmas more
than after, while others may be happy to work New Year’s Eve if they can have other
days free. Encourage open discussion among your team to find solutions that
work for everyone.
You could also
explore half-day options or remote work where possible. For example, allowing
someone to work from home between Christmas and New Year might mean they are
available to handle emails or customer queries while still enjoying a slower
pace during the holidays. Even small gestures of flexibility can make a big
difference in morale.
4. Plan for coverage in advance
Once you know
who will be off, focus on how to cover essential tasks. Cross-training
employees is a great way to build resilience into your team. When people
understand each other’s roles, it becomes easier to step in and help during
busy or short-staffed periods.
You might also
consider hiring temporary staff or freelancers to fill gaps. Many professionals
look for short-term work during the holidays, and a well-planned temporary hire
can relieve a lot of stress. Just make sure they receive proper onboarding and
training so they can contribute effectively from day one.
5. Show appreciation and keep the festive spirit alive
While it is
easy to focus on logistics, do not forget the human side of the season. This
time of year can be hectic and emotionally draining for everyone. Take time to
show appreciation to your staff. Simple gestures like a team lunch, a small
gift, or an early finish before Christmas Eve can make employees feel valued.
A little recognition goes a long way toward building goodwill and loyalty. When people feel appreciated, they are more willing to be flexible and to go the extra mile when needed. Keeping the festive spirit alive in your workplace helps balance the stress of the season with positivity and teamwork.
Summary
Managing staff
holidays over Christmas is always a balancing act. Every small business owner
wants to keep operations running smoothly while also giving their team the rest
they deserve. By starting the conversation early, being transparent,
encouraging flexibility, planning ahead, and showing genuine appreciation, you
can create a system that works for both your business and your employees.
The festive
season does not have to be filled with tension and last-minute panic. With the
right approach, it can be a time of productivity, goodwill, and celebration.
After all, Christmas is about coming together and that applies just as much in
the workplace as it does at home.





