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With the holidays approaching, businesses are often busier than ever. This is due to the large number of customers and employees requesting time off. While it can be difficult for owners of businesses to manage their priorities between preparing for next year and meeting sales targets, the holiday season is a great opportunity to have a positive effect.
It is important to invest in your employees and local community to help your business succeed in the coming year. This can improve the morale of your staff, increase customer loyalty, and boost your company’s success. Here are some ways business owners can get in the holiday spirit by giving back to their community.
Related: Thank your employees in a simple way this holiday season
In the Bank of America Women and Minority Business Owner Spotlight report, 63% of U.S. owners plan to expand in the coming year, and over half intend to hire new employees within the next twelve months. It is the responsibility of owners to support their employees’ morale and workplace culture during expansion. Assess your company’s culture, and determine how the needs of employees are met. Prioritize these needs along with business requirements. Then, identify potential strategies for closing any gaps.
Consider ways to reduce staff stress during the holiday rush by making minor adjustments to your schedule. It can be very beneficial for staff, especially those employees who have to balance childcare and school breaks. Staff stress can be reduced by increasing communication, offering transparent schedules and flexible options when available.
Bank of America reports that 83% of owners invest in education in addition to operational changes. They also recognize the importance of programs such as on-site mentoring and training. Professional development is a good way for employees who are interested in career advancement to enhance their talent.
Employee resource groups and other workplace culture programs can reinforce positive work environments for staff. Plus, fostering an approachable workforce improves the customer experience. Business owners have many strategies they can use to enhance the work environment. Knowing your staff and understanding their needs will help you to ensure that your company is flourishing.
Join your local community
It’s also important that business owners appreciate their complementary relationship with the community. A community that supports local businesses will see those business thrive and, in turn, be able to provide more jobs, reinvest into the community and grow the economy. It creates an important feedback loop that is crucial for the long-term success of a community.
Businesses can find many ways to support their local communities. They could donate to non-profits in the area, host community programs and events, or offer resident discounts. Business owners can encourage community involvement through informational workshops, employee volunteering initiatives and seasonal celebrations.
Connect and form partnerships with local businesses. Not only will this boost your business’s presence, it could also save you money that can be invested back into the company. You could, for example, engage in cost sharing to reduce certain expenses. Working with another business can bring great rewards, whether you share resources and supplies, or give discounts to customers who overlap.
Giving and getting back
Investing into your staff and community will increase your company’s profitability. Consumers today appreciate companies that share their values. Therefore, demonstrating care for the community can be a mutually beneficial and powerful way to increase brand loyalty and enhance your reputation.
By investing in the community you serve, your employees will feel proud of their company and its positive influence on society. This, along with improvements to scheduling and employee training will make your company a great place to work.
Consider empowering and supporting your staff and your community as you prepare your business to be successful in 2025. It’s a win for both you and your business to give back.
