Burnout is a major concern in the not-for-profit sector, especially during the holidays. One way that you can help to reduce the stress and weariness that many individuals feel during this time of the year is to show your staff and volunteers that you truly care about them, and their needs.

Reward your workforce for all of their hard work and dedication that they show for your cause to help renew their spirits and re-energise them!

Show Personal Gratitude

Most of us enjoy knowing that we are appreciated. Show your staff just how much their efforts mean to you by sending them a personalised, handwritten note thanking them for the specific times that they have done an exceptional job or really gone out of their way to wow you, and everyone else, with their professionalism or other performance.

Since it is the Christmas season, don’t stop at giving a simple card. Why not include a stocking stuffer to further lift their spirits and morale? Some popular gift ideas include giving them a gift card to their favourite shop or restaurant, a plant to keep on their work desk, or even a personalised mug!

Be More Flexible

The holidays are typically a busy time of the year for most businesses and nonprofits. One good way to show that you appreciate your staff’s commitment to your cause is to try to be as flexible as possible with your scheduling.

Look for ways to accommodate requests for time off. Consider allowing your staff to leave early during the season as a way to show them that you recognise that they have commitments outside of your organisation and that you value the time they put in advancing your nonprofit’s cause. If you really don’t have the staff to allow you to accommodate time-off requests, consider giving your staff some “free” vacation that they can redeem any time that they want during a slower period in the following year.

Throw a Holiday-Themed Thank You Party!

Throw your staff a thank you party to help you show your appreciation. It can be as upscale or low-key as your budget allows. You could, for example, let everyone off early in order to take them to dinner at a nice restaurant.

Another idea would be to host the event at your facility, but have it catered so that your staff can enjoy a meal together at work. Ask your caterer if it’s possible to have their wait staff dress in Christmas themed attire, or hire someone temporarily to be Santa and allow workers to pose with him for individual and group photos. Add in some extra fun by running an “ugly” Christmas sweater contest, or allowing workers to bring a “white elephant” or other low-cost, but thoughtful gift, to exchange with one another. For entertainment, play some Christmas carols over your facility’s sound system, or, better yet, invite a local carolling group to come in and sing some holiday hits to your staff live!