The holidays are stressful for both businesses and customers. Customers are running around trying to buy all the gifts they think their loved ones will enjoy most while hunting for the best possible deals, all before the end of the holiday season. Businesses are trying to accommodate the influx of customers, and keeping employees motivated and happy; all while trying to uphold a high standard of customer service. Balancing customer satisfaction and employee happiness can prove to be very difficult around the holiday season. Companies can prepare themselves for the busy holiday season and help reduce the normal holiday stress by following a few tips.
Recognizing that the holiday season is different and setting reasonable standards and expectations before the holiday rush starts allows an organization to set the pace of the season. This applies to both customers and employees. Companies need to prepare both parties for what the upcoming months will look like and inform them of how things should go in order to create a smooth experience for everyone involved.
This needs to happen before the hectic holiday season begins to avoid distressed clients and exhausted, overworked staff members. There should be a clear and open system of communication before and during the holidays with both customers and employees. Setting up an effective feedback loop for both will help create smooth communication throughout the season.
Flexibility is key for a successful holiday season. Companies need to be flexible to accommodate employees' needs when possible. Employees are going to want time off to be with their families and celebrate the season. The time-off policy should be communicated with staff well in advance but it is important to remember they are human and last-minute things come up. The people who work for you are human, they are not robots and it is important to understand their needs and how stressful the holiday season can be outside of work. This flexibility should be extended to customers as well. While it can be frustrating when your last call of the day is a difficult one and extends beyond your employee's shift, it is vital to remember this might be the only time they are able to get this done. Clear communication of business hours should always be communicated for the sake of staff members but the holidays are busy for everyone so approach every situation with understanding.
The holidays are meant to be a happy time that is spent with family and loved ones but it comes with challenges. Balancing the satisfaction of customers and the happiness of employees is incredibly challenging but can be done. As long as companies are willing to put in the work for preparations beforehand and strive for excellent and clear communication throughout the process they can successfully achieve a smooth holiday season.