How To Support Your Team During Peak Seasons

Every business has its busy season. For instance, tax time for auditors; Valentine's season for cafes and restaurants; Christmas for personalized gift businesses. While it means sales and profits for businesses, it’s also essential for employees in the company to have the chance to take a breather when they need it during these busy seasons. 

The good news is that with ample preparation, you can get ahead of the game, diminish unnecessary burnout, reduce turnover, and keep your employees happy. 

Here are 7 tips to help your team prepare for the busy times ahead: 

#1 Begin scheduling early

If you’ve been in the company for a long, you’ll know when your business tends to be busy. With this insight, plan and ensure that your employees know the anticipated busy times. Set a cut-off time for submitting leave forms during the season, and let it be known to your employees that last-minute requests will not be entertained except for any personal emergencies. This offers you a clearer picture of your labour needs and helps you ensure that your busiest season is covered.

Stress levels will run high when your employees cannot keep up with the needs of clients or customers, so scheduling early will help you reduce that unnecessary stress before it even starts. 

#2 Get helping hands from seasonal staff

Once you’ve got your employee schedule for the season, determine whether or not you’ll need to employ temporary assistance from part-timers or freelancers. If that’s the case, schedule and post job announcements, preferably weeks or months before your intended start date, to allow ample time for interviews and offers. If you’re considering whether to give overtime or employ additional workers, don’t forget that balance is essential. Seasonal staff can help give your full-time employees much-needed time off.

#3 Be flexible

Managing peak season isn’t just about working extra hours - it’s also about being more efficient than usual during those times. And while everyone is trying to maintain maximum productivity for the season, it’s also unrealistic to expect your employees to do so for an extended time. 

That is why leaders and managers need to be flexible regarding when and how employees work. For example, you may allow workers to come in earlier, leave later, take longer lunch breaks, or even adopt hybrid work arrangements.

Adding some well-being features to the office, such as massage chairs, nap rooms, or even yoga and meditation classes, can also be beneficial.

#4 Ensure that any inventory needed is ready

Depending on your business, always ensure that equipment or supplies are on hand, tested, and in good condition. Based on the sales you’d expect from previous years, determine whether you’ll need to buy extra supplies. Do not wait until you’re in the season to know you don’t have sufficient items or find out that your must-have equipment is missing. Cross-check these weeks before to keep yourself and your workers ready and stress-free.

#5 Ensure everyone gets their much-needed break

When the busiest season hits, do not expect constant overtime. When employees are pushed to work too hard, or for too long, anyone experiences the dreaded burnout. Do not assume that your employees will work 7 days per week unless the worker requests it. If you’re understaffed, consider employing seasonal employees, as mentioned above. Giving your workers a break they deserve will also increase productivity and team morale. 

Also, you may ask your team members to remind you when a little break is needed since breaks are often overlooked amidst the chaos of dealing with customers. 

#6 Stay positive and have fun

Your busiest season doesn’t need to be hectic. Make it more enjoyable for workers to come to work by offering snacks, games, or other fun facilities. Since employees look up to you during these challenging times, it is important that you stay positive as well to uplift team spirit and morale. 

#7 Praise and give recognition to your team members

Face it. Everyone loves to be recognized for a great job, and recognition goes a long way in a company. Express your gratitude by giving employees gift cards - for example - or by hosting a bubble tea party over lunch. Giving your workers well-deserved recognition would let them stay motivated and be ready for whatever comes next.

Conclusion

Peak seasons are good for businesses. But if team leaders are not well-prepared, it could damage the team. There is no one-size-fits-all, but by keeping the aforementioned tips in mind, you’ll greatly increase the chances of your workers not only ‘surviving’ but thriving during these busy times. 

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