Holiday communication

Holiday communication encompasses any messaging or content created to address holidays within an organisation. This includes sharing schedules, organising celebrations, extending well-wishes, or communicating policies related to time off. Effective holiday communication strengthens company culture, fosters inclusivity, and demonstrates care for employees’ well-being.

The role of holiday communication in internal comms

Holidays provide opportunities for organisations to engage employees, foster unity, and boost morale. Whether it’s sharing the holiday calendar, acknowledging diverse cultural celebrations, or sending festive greetings, holiday communication can:

• Build an inclusive work environment by recognising diverse traditions.

• Enhance employee engagement through thoughtful gestures and celebrations.

• Ensure clarity around holiday schedules, pay, or policies to prevent confusion.

• Create a sense of belonging and community within the organisation.

Key elements of effective holiday communication

1. Timeliness

Communicate holiday-related updates well in advance. Employees should have sufficient time to plan their schedules, especially during busy holiday seasons.

2. Clarity

Ensure messages are concise and free of ambiguity. Include all necessary details about holiday dates, working hours, time-off policies, or any special activities planned.

3. Inclusivity

Recognise that employees come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Avoid focusing solely on major public holidays; instead, acknowledge a range of celebrations to foster inclusivity.

4. Tone

Adopt a warm, conversational, and festive tone in your messaging. Holiday communication is an opportunity to humanise your brand and connect emotionally with employees.

5. Creativity

Leverage engaging formats such as videos, personalised e-cards, or team contests to make your messages stand out and resonate with employees.

Best practices for holiday communication

1. Develop a holiday calendar

Create a comprehensive holiday calendar that includes national holidays, cultural events, and organisational off days. Share it with employees early in the year and update it as needed.

2. Use multiple communication channels

Leverage various platforms, such as emails, Slack channels, intranet announcements, and digital signage, to ensure all employees receive holiday-related updates.

3. Highlight diverse traditions

Organise initiatives like cultural awareness workshops or encourage employees to share their holiday traditions. These activities can promote understanding and respect among colleagues.

4. Plan festive activities

Host celebrations, virtual gatherings, or gift exchanges to boost employee morale. Ensure activities are optional, so employees who prefer not to participate feel comfortable.

5. Communicate policies clearly

Clearly outline how holiday schedules, overtime pay, or leave policies apply to employees. This is particularly important for organisations operating across multiple time zones or countries.

6. Extend genuine appreciation

Use holiday communication to express gratitude to employees. Acknowledging their contributions during the year enhances their sense of value within the organisation.

Examples of holiday communication initiatives

1. Holiday greetings from leadership

Have senior leaders send personalised messages or video greetings to the team. This reinforces a sense of connection and appreciation.

2. Diversity spotlight campaigns

Highlight various cultural holidays through educational posts, videos, or employee stories. For example, celebrate Diwali, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, or Eid alongside Christmas.

3. Holiday survival guides

Provide resources like stress management tips, budget-friendly celebration ideas, or recipes to help employees navigate the holiday season.

4. Virtual or hybrid holiday parties

With remote work on the rise, virtual celebrations can bring employees together regardless of their location. Include interactive activities like trivia games or talent shows.

5. Year-end highlights

Combine holiday communication with a review of the year’s achievements, milestones, or memorable moments. This inspires employees as they look forward to the new year.

Challenges in holiday communication

1. Overlooking inclusivity

Focusing on mainstream holidays while neglecting others can alienate employees from diverse backgrounds.

2. Inadequate planning

Last-minute announcements about holiday schedules or activities can cause confusion or missed participation opportunities.

3. Remote workforce engagement

Ensuring remote employees feel included in holiday celebrations can be challenging, but virtual platforms offer solutions.

Measuring the impact of holiday communication

Evaluate the effectiveness of your holiday communication by:

• Gathering employee feedback through surveys or casual check-ins.

• Monitoring engagement metrics on communication platforms.

• Observing participation rates in holiday activities or events.

Final thoughts

Holiday communication is more than just sending a festive email. It’s an opportunity to align your organisational values with thoughtful actions that engage, appreciate, and celebrate your workforce. When executed effectively, holiday communication fosters a positive work environment, builds trust, and strengthens employee connections.

FAQs: Holiday communication

What is holiday communication?

Holiday communication refers to messaging related to holidays, including schedules, celebrations, and well-wishes, aimed at engaging employees and promoting inclusivity.

How can organisations ensure holiday communication is inclusive?

By recognising a wide range of cultural and religious holidays, encouraging employee input, and promoting awareness of diverse traditions through campaigns or events.

When should holiday communication start?

Holiday communication should begin at least a month before significant holidays to allow employees to plan and participate effectively.

How can remote teams engage in holiday communication?

Remote teams can engage through virtual parties, online gift exchanges, festive-themed Slack channels, and collaborative activities like creating holiday playlists.

Why is clarity important in holiday communication?

Clarity ensures employees understand holiday schedules, policies, and activities, reducing confusion and improving engagement.

Can holiday communication enhance employee engagement?

Yes, well-planned holiday communication fosters a sense of belonging, recognises diverse traditions, and creates opportunities for employees to connect and celebrate.

What are the best tools for holiday communication?

Effective tools for holiday communication include email platforms, internal communication apps, Slack or Microsoft Teams, intranet portals, and digital signage.

How do you handle holiday communication in multinational teams?

Multinational teams require holiday communication that considers varying cultural holidays, time zones, and local norms. A comprehensive calendar and inclusive messaging strategies are essential.

What should a holiday communication plan include?

A holiday communication plan should include:

• Key holiday dates and observances.

• Messaging channels to be used.

• Details on holiday schedules, policies, and activities.

• Strategies for inclusivity and employee engagement.

How can organisations address holiday-related stress in communication?

Organisations can provide resources like mental health support, stress management tips, and practical guides for managing holiday expenses or time effectively.

What tone works best for holiday communication?

A warm, festive, and inclusive tone resonates best, as it creates a positive and engaging atmosphere while respecting diverse preferences.

Can holiday communication be automated?

Yes, tools like email marketing platforms and employee communication apps can schedule and automate holiday greetings, reminders, and updates while maintaining a personalised touch.

How do you ensure participation in holiday activities?

To encourage participation, organisations can:

• Announce activities well in advance.

• Offer flexible options for remote and in-person engagement.

• Include team-building or collaborative elements.

Should holiday communication include feedback collection?

Yes, collecting feedback after holidays can provide insights into how employees felt about the activities and how the organisation can improve future holiday communications.

How can holiday communication improve organisational culture?

Thoughtful and inclusive holiday communication reinforces an organisation’s values, shows appreciation, and strengthens the sense of community among employees.