Keeping staff motivated while having to work abnormal hours can be challenging during the busy festive season.
 Morne Cronje, the FNB Head of Franchising, said the most common issues that businesses deal with during the festive season include distractions, demotivated staff and low productivity. 

For some businesses, such as food franchises, this can often be the busiest and most profitable time of the year. As a result, businesses cannot afford to make any mistakes.

 “As a business owner, it is important to ensure that your staff feel appreciated and motivated during this time. Franchise owners are encouraged to plan adequately to maximise sales, while not compromising on the quality of products and services delivered,” he said. 

Cronje shared tips on how franchise owners can keep their staff motivated:
 
Enough resources
Evaluate if the current staff can cope with the festive season spike and whether they won’t be stretched. Overworked employees can potentially become demotivated resulting in the standard of service dropping.
 Business owners should consider hiring temporary staff to help bolster the current team to be able to deal with the busy period.
 
Create flexible hours 
Given the long hours that staff have to work during the bust festive period, with stores closing later, it may be ideal to offer employees flexible working times where appropriate. For example, create a roster where some employees can leave earlier or work half day to spend time with family and friends.
 
Hands-on approach 
Where possible, management should help staff to manage the workload during the busiest days. While you may not be able to do this every day, the time you spend helping staff will be appreciated. Your presence can help motivate them.
 
Communication 
Monitor and establish open communication with all employees to proactively manage any potential issues before they affect productivity negatively.
 “Lastly, offering your staff incentives such as bonuses and/or recognition payment can motivate them to raise their performance. This will show that you value their contribution to the business and are willing to reward them for the hard work they are producing,” concluded Morne.

Morne Cronje, the FNB Head of Franchising

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