As the holiday season approaches, employees start planning time off to rest, travel, and spend time with family. For companies, this can also mean juggling multiple vacation requests while keeping operations running smoothly. A well-planned approach to holiday scheduling can make this period stress-free for both HR teams and employees.
1. Plan Early and Communicate Clearly
Announce holiday schedules and deadlines for vacation requests as early as possible—ideally by late October or early November. This gives managers enough time to plan coverage and ensures employees can book personal plans without last-minute conflicts. Transparency helps avoid resentment or misunderstandings.
2. Use Fair and Consistent Policies
Whether your policy is first-come-first-served, seniority-based, or rotational, consistency matters. Make sure everyone understands the process and criteria. Publicly sharing the vacation calendar (within HR systems or shared drives) can help teams coordinate and volunteer to fill gaps collaboratively.
3. Encourage Team Coordination
Empower employees to manage their workloads together. Encourage cross-training before absences, so responsibilities are smoothly covered. When employees see that management values teamwork and preparation, it builds trust and accountability.
4. Keep Client and Project Communication Open
Inform clients and external partners in advance of your company’s holiday schedule and coverage plan. This proactive communication protects relationships and ensures business continuity.
Conclusion
When handled thoughtfully, the holiday season becomes an opportunity to build mutual respect between management and staff. By combining fairness, transparency, and empathy, companies can ensure everyone enjoys a well-deserved break—and return in January re-energized for the year ahead.
