The holiday season brings both opportunities and challenges for managers trying to balance productivity with the need to give employees time off for family and personal commitments. Setting a tone of empathy and flexibility can be key to maintaining morale while still meeting end-of-year goals.
First, plan proactively by identifying critical projects and deadlines, then work with team members to map out who will be available and when. Encouraging early requests for time off helps avoid last-minute bottlenecks and ensures there’s enough coverage for essential tasks.
Consider setting realistic goals for what needs to be completed versus what can wait until the new year. This prioritization allows the team to focus on high-impact work, avoiding stress over less urgent tasks. Be transparent with the team on how workloads may shift, and discuss expectations openly to keep everyone aligned.
Flexibility is crucial during this season. If possible, offer remote or flexible hours so employees can attend holiday events or travel, making it easier for them to maintain work-life balance. Small adjustments in work hours or project timelines can make a big difference in employee satisfaction.
Finally, lead by example by respecting holiday boundaries yourself. Taking time off or setting limits on your availability shows the team that it’s okay to unplug. This approach fosters a healthy holiday culture that balances both work and the joys of the season, helping everyone return refreshed and ready for the year ahead.
At Intertech, we’ve consistently ranked as a “Top” and “Best” place to work, earning dozens of awards over the years. Building a culture where employees feel engaged, valued, and empowered isn’t just about perks—it’s about creating an environment that fosters connection, growth, and satisfaction. Here are five key areas to focus on to build a culture of engagement that drives results and retains top talent.
1. Encourage Open Communication and Feedback
Employee engagement thrives on transparent and open communication. Make it easy for employees to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas. This can be done through regular one-on-ones, anonymous surveys, or suggestion boxes. Leaders must listen and act on the feedback received to show that employee input is valued and impactful. Consider tools like Officevibe or 15Five to facilitate continuous feedback.
Employees want to grow, and providing avenues for professional development is crucial to keeping them engaged. Offer training programs, workshops, or even mentorship opportunities. Investing in their growth shows that the company cares about their long-term success. Consider allocating a learning budget or using platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera for easy course access.
Resource: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers a wide range of professional development resources tailored to fostering employee growth.
3. Cultivate a Sense of Purpose
Engagement isn’t just about tasks—employees need to feel their work has a meaningful impact. Reinforce the company’s mission and values and ensure every team member understands how their contributions align with the bigger picture. A clear, shared vision inspires dedication and fosters a sense of belonging.
Resource: Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” emphasizes how a clear purpose drives business success and employee engagement.
4. Foster Work-Life Balance
Employee burnout can derail engagement. Promote a culture that respects work-life balance by offering flexible working hours, remote work options, or wellness programs. Show that you care about your employees’ mental and physical well-being by creating policies encouraging time off and personal time. Tools like Calm or Headspace can support mental health initiatives.
Resource: Gallup’s research on work-life balance highlights how companies that support this see increased productivity and engagement.
5. Celebrate Achievements
Recognition is key to maintaining high engagement. Whether it’s an employee of the month, a shout-out in a team meeting, or an internal reward program, celebrating achievements reinforces positive behavior and shows employees that their hard work is appreciated.
Resource: Forbes’ article on the power of employee recognition outlines why and how effective recognition drives engagement.
Conclusion
Building a culture of engagement requires intentionality and focus. At Intertech, our commitment to communication, growth, purpose, balance, and recognition is a core reason we’ve been recognized as a top employer time and again. By prioritizing these areas, you, too, can create a work environment that not only attracts talent but keeps them motivated and engaged for the long term.
With remote work becoming the norm, maintaining strong team connections can feel like an uphill battle. The days of casual watercooler chats are gone, but the need for collaboration and unity is as crucial as ever. If you’re leading a team in this digital-first world, here are some strategies to ensure your team stays connected and aligned.
1. Prioritize Clear and Open Communication
Remote teams thrive on communication. Set up multiple channels, but ensure there’s a clear purpose for each. Teams for quick updates, email for formal communications, and regular video calls to maintain face-to-face interaction. Encourage transparency and frequent updates so nothing slips through the cracks.
2. Embrace Structured Check-Ins
Without the physical presence of a team, it’s easy to feel out of touch. Schedule regular one-on-ones and team meetings to keep everyone aligned. But don’t stop there—check-ins shouldn’t just be task-oriented. Use some time to gauge how your team feels about workload and collaboration.
3. Leverage Technology for Collaboration
Utilize tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and project management platforms like Asana or Trello to keep everyone on the same page. These tools make work more efficient and help bridge the gap between remote workers by giving them a shared space for collaboration.
4. Create Space for Informal Interactions
Connection isn’t just about work. Allow time for non-work interactions, whether virtual coffee breaks, happy hours, or a “watercooler” Slack channel. These informal moments help recreate the casual conversations that build camaraderie.
5. Promote a Culture of Trust
Trust is the bedrock of any remote team. Without it, micromanaging creeps in, morale drops, and productivity stalls. Set clear expectations, give your team autonomy, and focus on outcomes rather than hours worked. The more trusted your team feels, the more they’ll invest in their work and each other.
6. Celebrate Wins—Big or Small
Don’t let achievements go unnoticed just because you’re remote. Whether it’s a successful project completion or a personal milestone, take time to celebrate and acknowledge these moments. A simple shout-out during a meeting or a team-wide email can go a long way in keeping morale high.
7. Lead by Example
As a leader, how you stay connected sets the tone. Make it a point to be present, responsive, and engaged. If you prioritize communication, use collaborative tools, and foster trust, your team will follow suit.
Final Thoughts
Leading a remote team doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice connection. With intentionality, the right tools, and a focus on open communication, you can maintain a strong, united team regardless of where everyone’s desk happens.
Summer brings warmer weather, longer days, and the temptation to slack off. But in the business world, maintaining productivity is crucial year-round. Here are five practical tips to help both managers and employees stay focused during the summer months:
1. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines
Establishing clear goals and deadlines can keep everyone on track. Managers should break down larger projects into manageable tasks with specific deadlines. Employees, on the other hand, should prioritize their to-do lists and set personal milestones. This approach not only provides structure but also creates a sense of accomplishment as tasks are completed.
2. Encourage a Flexible Work Schedule
Flexibility can be a powerful motivator. Allowing employees to adjust their work hours or work remotely can boost morale and productivity. Managers should focus on output rather than hours worked, while employees should take advantage of flexible schedules to balance work and personal activities. This can lead to more efficient work patterns and increased job satisfaction.
3. Promote Wellness and Breaks
Promoting wellness is essential for maintaining focus. Encourage employees to take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and get some fresh air. Managers can organize team wellness activities, such as short walking meetings or outdoor team-building exercises. Employees should also make time for physical activities and relaxation to recharge their energy and focus.
4. Utilize Technology for Efficiency
Leveraging technology can streamline work processes and improve efficiency. Tools like project management software, collaboration platforms, and time-tracking apps can help keep everyone organized and on task. Managers should ensure that their teams are equipped with the right tools and training, while employees should explore new technologies that can enhance their productivity.
5. Foster a Positive Work Environment
A positive work environment can significantly impact focus and productivity. Managers should recognize and celebrate achievements, provide constructive feedback, and maintain open communication channels. Employees should engage in team activities, support their colleagues, and contribute to a collaborative atmosphere. A positive environment can help maintain high energy levels and keep everyone motivated.
By implementing these strategies, both managers and employees can stay focused and productive throughout the summer months, ensuring that business goals are met and everyone remains engaged.
Written. Emails are easy. Physical mails are worth more. Mail a card.
Appreciation: Clearly express your gratitude. Mentioning the specific action or effort you’re thankful for shows you’re attentive and value their hard work. This aligns with your ethos on recognizing individual contributions to collective success.
Personalization: Tailor the message to the individual, noting how their unique skills or qualities contributed to the achievement. This reflects your belief in the importance of personal development and individual strengths in achieving business goals.
Impact: Highlight the positive impact of their actions on the project, team, or company goals. This echoes your emphasis on results-driven approaches and the importance of each contribution to the broader mission of the firm.
Forward-looking statement: Include a note of encouragement or excitement for future projects or the continuation of their excellent work. It mirrors your forward-thinking attitude and the value you place on growth and continuous improvement.
