Something about the holidays can make the coldest of hearts grow warm. I love this time of year – the time I spend with friends and family is priceless. If you’re a boss or in any leadership role, you understand, too, that the holiday spirit doesn’t – and shouldn’t – stay out of the workplace. It’s infectious in the best way and can be enormously beneficial for everyone.
Showing appreciation during the holiday season is a meaningful way for leaders to boost morale and reinforce team cohesion. Studies show that holiday spirit (and gratitude for your people) can reduce turnover and increase productivity.
Want some ideas? You’re in luck!
10 Ways Leaders Can Celebrate Their Team
Idea #1 – Personalized Thank You’s
Handwritten Notes – Write a personalized note to each team member, acknowledging their contributions. While thank-you notes are a dying art, something genuinely personal can be heart-warming. No canned messages here – be sincere and take the time to make each note personal.
Verbal Recognition – Call out specific achievements during team meetings or in a holiday message. Let your team know that their efforts are seen and appreciated, especially when they go above and beyond.
Idea #2 – Gifts and Tokens of Appreciation
Custom Gifts – Consider small, thoughtful gifts like personalized items are always a safe bet. Consider mugs, ornaments, or other small, functional items. I would warn against giving company merch – make it personal to the person you’re giving it to.
Gift Cards – Provide a versatile gift card that aligns with personal interests. The coffee lover can receive a gift card to their favorite local coffee shop. The avid reader? Bookstore. Consider sourcing these gift cards from small, local businesses rather than big-box stores. It helps support your community, too!
Idea #3 – Team Celebrations
Holiday Party – Who doesn’t love a holiday party? While sure, company parties have something of a reputation, they can still be fun. Whether you host in your home or at the office, stock the night with homemade treats, games (Fishbowl is always a hit), and gift exchanges (Secret Santa, Dirty Santa, White Elephant, etc.).
Potluck or Catered Meal – Organize a shared meal where everyone can bring their favorite festive treats or relax and enjoy catering. If you have a small team, you can take them out for lunch one day.
Idea #4 – Professional Perks
Extra Time Off – Give employees a day off (half or whole) around the holidays as a bonus to recharge. Let everyone go home an hour or two early on a Friday or when things are slow. That little extra time can help relieve some holiday stress!
Bonuses – Monetary bonuses aren’t always doable; if they are, they’re a great way to show appreciation. You’re literally putting your money where your mouth is!
Idea #5 – Shared Experiences
Team Outing – Not every work environment is the kind where you want to do a team outing. That said, if the dynamic is right, outside-of-work gatherings have plenty of merit. Volunteering, tickets to a game, escape rooms, etc., are all great ideas. Just don’t make the mistake of making these outings “mandatory fun.”
Idea #6 – Public Acknowledgment
Spotlight Contributions – Make a special effort to recognize outstanding work beyond verbal recognition. Newsletters, emails, and commemorative gifts are all a good idea.
Social Media – Highlight your team on social media. Post pictures, share accomplishments and milestones, and openly celebrate the people who make it all possible.
Idea #7 – Supporting Personal Growth
Learning Opportunities – Provide a gift like a book, course voucher, or workshop aligned with their interests or career goals. These don’t have to be things that directly improve them in their role at work, either. Be mindful of what they’re genuinely passionate about.
Idea #8 – Support Causes Important to the Team
Charitable Donations – Donate to a charity chosen by the team or an individual in their honor.
Team Volunteering – Spend a day as a team giving back to the community! Work together in a local food pantry, animal shelter, or other charity in your community.
Idea #9 – Decor and Ambience
Festive Work Environment – Decorate the workspace with holiday cheer! A cozy, festive environment can be a major mood lifter. Just be mindful of the diverse celebrations that exist during the holidays. Your team can also decorate their own spaces!
Holiday Playlist – You may not pipe music through the whole office, but a holiday playlist can still make for a fun addition. Invite your team to collaborate (this is easy on Spotify) and add their favorite seasonal music to the playlist.
Idea #10 – Listen to Their Input
Feedback-Driven Rewards – None of these ideas sound quite right? Ask your team how they’d like to celebrate or be recognized. There’s no harm in asking, especially if you know certain people aren’t comfortable with traditional options.
A thoughtful approach to showing appreciation fosters goodwill and strengthens bonds that can carry your team through the new year.
What are your favorite ways to recognize others and be recognized yourself? Share in the comments.