What to do when you can not get a break at christmas
Dec 22, 2009
FROM mid-December, “Merry Christmas and happy new year,†has almost become a greeting. This is not only on the social scene, but also at work. Having worked hard throughout the year, this is the time many would want to relax and think about a number o
By Joyce Nyakato
FROM mid-December, “Merry Christmas and happy new year,†has almost become a greeting. This is not only on the social scene, but also at work. Having worked hard throughout the year, this is the time many would want to relax and think about a number of social occasions that the season brings.
This is a time of contrast — people want to relax yet they have to finalise work that has accrued over the year.
Peter Kaguliro, a human resource manager of Phoenix Logistics, says working systems and rosters vary in different organisations. Some may even close for the season.
“In the manufacturing sector, work has to continue during the season and that is clearly stated in the employees’ terms of service,†he says.
Albert Kakama, a human resource and administration manager, Uganda Management Institute, says:
“Well managed organisations provide incentives to staff that work on public holidays in compensation for effort and sacrifice.â€
A Christmas season should not affect productivity in a well-managed organisation.
Kakama also says the Christmas tree reflects celebration. “People are human and require celebrating when it is necessary but it should not affect their productivity.â€
He says it is important to have regulations and staff discipline. Discipline comes from the management style and the internal culture of the organisation. The culture affects the way the staff will behave during the Christmas season.
Putting up a Christmas tree at the workplace will spice up the mood of workers. The tree is symbolic of the season which is peace and acceptance.
Experts warn that employees sometimes show symptoms of seasonal stress. This could be over money, job security, childcare and the late shopping rush. Therefore, employers should be extra vigilant about preventing work-related stress during this time.
Florence Matovu, a human resource consultant with Aikan, suggests that employees take a day off to relieve stress mounted during the holiday.
Giving employees Christmas gifts can be motivating with regard to their contribution to the organisation.
Experts say recognising one’s effort contributes to work satisfaction and commitment, yet it is often neglected in busy work environments.
He adds that formal organisations have guiding regulations that provide a framework for managing the work force. Employees have roles entailed in their job descriptions and should be able to work on Christmas so long as their roles require them to.
Workers may take a while to get into the normal working schedule after the holiday break. Therefore, set clear goals for the year ahead, to help your employees stay focused.
FROM mid-December, “Merry Christmas and happy new year,†has almost become a greeting. This is not only on the social scene, but also at work. Having worked hard throughout the year, this is the time many would want to relax and think about a number of social occasions that the season brings.
This is a time of contrast — people want to relax yet they have to finalise work that has accrued over the year.
Peter Kaguliro, a human resource manager of Phoenix Logistics, says working systems and rosters vary in different organisations. Some may even close for the season.
“In the manufacturing sector, work has to continue during the season and that is clearly stated in the employees’ terms of service,†he says.
Albert Kakama, a human resource and administration manager, Uganda Management Institute, says:
“Well managed organisations provide incentives to staff that work on public holidays in compensation for effort and sacrifice.â€
A Christmas season should not affect productivity in a well-managed organisation.
Kakama also says the Christmas tree reflects celebration. “People are human and require celebrating when it is necessary but it should not affect their productivity.â€
He says it is important to have regulations and staff discipline. Discipline comes from the management style and the internal culture of the organisation. The culture affects the way the staff will behave during the Christmas season.
Putting up a Christmas tree at the workplace will spice up the mood of workers. The tree is symbolic of the season which is peace and acceptance.
Experts warn that employees sometimes show symptoms of seasonal stress. This could be over money, job security, childcare and the late shopping rush. Therefore, employers should be extra vigilant about preventing work-related stress during this time.
Florence Matovu, a human resource consultant with Aikan, suggests that employees take a day off to relieve stress mounted during the holiday.
Giving employees Christmas gifts can be motivating with regard to their contribution to the organisation.
Experts say recognising one’s effort contributes to work satisfaction and commitment, yet it is often neglected in busy work environments.
He adds that formal organisations have guiding regulations that provide a framework for managing the work force. Employees have roles entailed in their job descriptions and should be able to work on Christmas so long as their roles require them to.
Workers may take a while to get into the normal working schedule after the holiday break. Therefore, set clear goals for the year ahead, to help your employees stay focused.