December is traditionally a month for celebration for both companies and employees, winding down for a well-deserved break. There are usually company year-end parties as well as Christmas celebrations together. Companies also tend to announce bonuses for the year during this period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employees also use this month \u2013 coinciding with school holidays \u2013 to clear leaves and to go on vacation. The real treat is spending quality time with their families and re-energising for another challenging year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, many businesses may not be in a position to celebrate 2021. COVID-19 has had an immense impact on companies\u2019 revenues and bottomlines. The festive mood may also be dampened by retrenchments and pay cuts. Following the government\u2019s move to not pay the civil service any bonuses this year,\u00a0many companies have also followed suit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Also: <\/strong>COVID-19 Impact: 5 Reasons More Companies May Shut Down In The Coming Months<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Morale may also be low with the worries about the new Omicron variant and how the pandemic will continue to affect businesses and personal lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, employees may be more drained and stressed than in previous years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the downturn and tightening of budgets company-wide, it doesn\u2019t mean that businesses cannot do anything extra for their employees. Without having to spend a lot of money, you can still be creative and think about what your employees will appreciate most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 4 ideas to reward your employees for their hard work in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sending your coffee-lovers a gourmet coffee pack, your gym rats some clean and healthy snacks and your sweet-toothed employees award-winning chocolates or bakery treats can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A care package does not come with a big price tag, typically in the range of $50. Nevertheless, it can be meaningful to employees if it is well-thought-through and fits their personality.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Personalised care packages let employees know that you notice them as individuals. This personal touch can forge better rapport with your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Also: 8 Uniquely Singapore Care Packages Companies Can Send To Employees And Clients<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There weren\u2019t many opportunities for employees to go on holiday this year. Coupled with a more flexible work-from-home arrangement, this likely means they\u2019re left with many more annual leaves this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Also: Should You Allow Employees To Encash Their Remaining Annual Leaves This Year?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re also unlikely to take many annual leaves in December. Border restrictions are still in place, while they may be under pressure to perform in their roles as job security becomes a priority. This may not be healthy as every employee needs a break and employers should encourage them to spend time with their loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, purse strings may be tighter as employees stash more away in savings in case of a rainy day or have family members let go because of the COVID-19-led downturn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get creative by allocating a small budget to pay for activities that your employees can do on a leave day. Paying for their staycation gives them the \u201ctravel\u201d vibes; family outings allow them to enjoy quality time with loved ones, and a massage gives their body the pampering they may crave for.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Also: 3 Ways To Encourage Your Employees To Take Their Annual Leaves For A Well-Deserved Break<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While many businesses and employees may have thought things would normalise by the end of the year, we\u2019re far from it. One of the major shifts is likely to be ongoing work-from-home practices \u2013 whether COVID-19 comes under control or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With more time going to be spent working-from-home in 2021, giving your employees a budget for home office equipment can be very useful. It doesn\u2019t just allow them to become more productive with the appropriate equipment but may boost their health with an ergonomic chair, an adjustable desk, a larger screen or a laptop stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCompanies Can Still Reward Their Employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#1 Sending Personalised Care Packages<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
#2 Paying For Activities On Their Time Off<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
#3 Home Office Equipment<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n