Giving the Gift of Time

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

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 practice operations, 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, managers 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.

Implement Festive Flexibility

Over 80% of employees have said that leaving early on a Friday is their most desired workplace perk. While it may not always be possible for practices to offer fixed time off, managers can still embrace more flexible arrangements during the festive season. Allowing staff to adjust their schedules to attend important events, such as school plays or to finish their holiday shopping, can make a big difference. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), allowing employees to leave early or take flexible hours has minimal impact on operations. By offering some extra flexibility, practices can help employees feel more appreciated, less stressed and better able to balance their personal and professional commitments during this busy time of year.

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 wellbeing 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.