Giving the Gift of Time

Giving employees the gift of time—whether through flexible schedules, extra days off or opportunities for personal growth—can significantly enhance their wellbeing and productivity, ultimately benefiting the whole business

While chocolates and socks are nice gifts, there’s one present that holds immeasurable value: the gift of time. Just think about how much can be accomplished with an extra hour in your week or an additional day in your month! You may worry that giving your team more time for themselves could negatively affect your organisation, but research shows the opposite can often be true. In fact, granting employees time off can lead to increased productivity, improved morale and a more engaged workforce.

Take the Pressure Out of Socialising

Throughout December, workplace social engagements reach a fever pitch as Christmas parties and team-building events take centre stage. While these gatherings offer a wonderful opportunity to bond and unwind with colleagues, they can also create pressure to attend events that may infringe on personal time. As the calendar fills with invitations, employees might feel torn between the desire to participate and the need to preserve their personal time for family, friends, or simply some much-needed self-care. To foster a positive atmosphere during this busy season, companies should encourage a culture of choice when it comes to attending social events. It’s essential for employees to feel comfortable saying no without fear of judgment or missing out on opportunities for career advancement.

Implement Festive Fridays

Over 80% of employees have expressed that wrapping up early on a Friday is their top ‘most desired’ workplace perk. So, why not weave this into your holiday schedule to offer a bit more flexibility during the festive season? A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shows that allowing employees to leave early on Fridays—or any day—has minimal or no impact on the organisation’s bottom line. That extra hour can provide your team with the opportunity to tackle Christmas preparations, connect with friends and family, and leave them feeling appreciated and less stressed. Plus, knowing that December brings an extra hour off on Friday afternoons can help your staff to feel more festive than flustered!

Know What Matters

Employees have a diverse range of motivations and goals, both in their personal and professional lives. Whether it’s striving to be more active, spending quality time with family, learning a new skill, or simply taking more time for self-care, understanding what drives everyone on your team is key to supporting their overall well-being and productivity.

Understanding your employees’ personal aspirations allows you to help them design a work schedule that aligns with their diverse life priorities. One effective way to do this is by implementing dedicated personal development days. These days give employees the opportunity to pursue educational opportunities or focus on projects that resonate with their interests.

Additionally, offering volunteering days can be a fantastic way to engage your team. These days enable employees to contribute to causes they are passionate about, fostering a sense of purpose and community involvement. By taking a genuine interest in their motivations and providing the flexibility to pursue their personal goals, you cultivate a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

In a fast-paced world where every minute counts, time is one of the most precious resources we can offer. It provides employees with the opportunity to recharge, pursue personal interests, and spend quality moments with loved ones.

Ultimately, when employees feel valued and supported in their pursuit of personal wellbeing, they are more likely to bring their best selves to work, resulting in a thriving, productive workplace. Time, after all, is not just a commodity; it’s an investment in the overall health and happiness of both individuals and the organisation.