🎄 The 12 Days of Christmas: HR Edition! 🎄

On the 1st day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Ban the “Reply All”  email – We’ve all been there—a single email turns into a thread of endless Reply All responses, and suddenly, your inbox feels like a battlefield. Let’s bring peace back to our workdays.

• Pause before hitting Reply All.
• Ask: Does everyone really need to see this?
• Choose smarter and purposeful communication.

Together, we can fight the flood of unnecessary emails—one thoughtful reply at a time.

On the 2nd day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Birthday Budgets – Celebrating team milestones doesn’t have to break the bank—it’s the thought (and the cake) that counts! Whether it’s a simple slice or a grand gathering, acknowledging birthdays creates connection and boosts morale. 🥳

On the 3rd day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

DIY Recognition – Who says recognition has to be complicated (or expensive)? A small gesture like handing out gold star stickers can go a long way in boosting morale and showing appreciation. Whether it’s for smashing a deadline, supporting a colleague, or simply brightening the office vibe, these little moments of acknowledgment remind your team that their efforts don’t go unnoticed.

It’s fun, it’s light-hearted, and it works. Give it a try—because everyone deserves a gold star now and then!

On the 4th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Ditch ‘open door policies’ for actual chats – It’s time to rethink the classic “open door policy.” While it sounds great on paper, it often assumes employees will feel comfortable coming to you. Instead, take the first step—initiate real conversations.

Whether it’s a casual coffee catch-up or a one-on-one chat, these moments build trust, uncover concerns, and create genuine connections.

Because a door being open is symbolic; your time, presence, and effort to listen are what truly matter.

On the 5th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Update policies, not just your Netflix watchlist.- When was the last time you gave your employee handbook a refresh? If it’s been years, it might still be stuck in a 2015 time capsule. Back then, hybrid work wasn’t a thing, inclusivity meant something different from today’s standards, and Netflix and chill didn’t mean anything 🤣.

Policies are more than just paperwork—they’re the backbone of a great workplace culture. Clear, up-to-date policies not only protect your business but also help your team feel valued and supported. From remote work arrangements to mental health initiatives, it’s time to bring your handbook into 2024.

On the 6th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Zoom Fatigue Fix – Hands up if you are feeling the strain of back-to-back video calls? Zoom fatigue is real, and it can leave employees feeling drained and disengaged. But here’s an easy fix: introduce Camera-Off Wednesdays.

This simple initiative allows your team to join meetings without the pressure of being on-camera. It’s about giving them a break from constant screen time, encouraging focus, and fostering a more comfortable environment for collaboration. Not every meeting needs to feel like a performance. Sometimes, removing that extra layer of pressure can make discussions more productive and inclusive.

By prioritizing well-being and acknowledging the need for flexibility, you’re sending a clear message: we care about your mental health. Small changes like this can lead to big improvements in engagement, morale, and overall team effectiveness. Ready to give your team the midweek breather they deserve? Try Camera-Off Wednesdays and let the results speak for themselves.

On the 7th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Meeting-Free Mornings – Never underestimate the power of a calm, uninterrupted start to the day. By implementing “meeting-free mornings” on the regular, you’re giving your team the chance to ease into their day, focus, and recharge with their first cup of coffee — all without the pressure of immediate meetings.

This simple change can boost productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. It’s a small shift that says, “We trust you to start your day the right way.” Encourage your team to use this time for deep work, planning, or just a little personal space before jumping into collaborative tasks.

On the 8th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Turn off emails after hours (no one’s THAT important)– Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential for your team’s well-being and productivity….and now it’s in legislation. Encouraging boundaries, like switching off emails after hours, shows you respect your employees’ time and mental health. A small step for you, a big leap in preventing burnout.

Let’s lead by example and remind everyone that work can wait—no one’s inbox is that urgent.

On the 9th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

A Puppy in a Pear Tree! – Looking for ways to add some extra joy to the workplace? Why not introduce a “Pet Day” to the office! 🐶🐱 Whether it’s dogs, cats, or even a fish tank, bringing in your furry (or scaly) friends can boost morale, encourage bonding, and create a more relaxed and inclusive work environment. After all, who wouldn’t smile seeing a playful pup or a curious cat around?

Embrace the pawsitive vibes and let your team enjoy the stress-relieving power of pets at work!

On the 10th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Hire slow, onboard like a pro – First day vibes matter! Imagine walking into a new job and being greeted with warmth, clarity, and excitement—that’s the magic of great onboarding. ✨ It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that says, “Welcome to the team, we’re so glad you’re here!” or whatever your vibe is.

From personalised welcome packs to a roadmap for success, onboarding is your chance to wow your new hire and set them up to shine. And guess what? When onboarding sparkles, so does retention, morale, and productivity! This holiday season, let your onboarding glow as brightly as your Christmas lights.

On the 11th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

Desk Plants for All – Who knew a little splash of green could transform your workspace? Desk plants don’t just look cute—they’re stress-reducing, mood-boosting, and downright inspiring. Plus, they’re the only team members who thrive on water and sunlight alone (talk about low maintenance!).

Want to brighten your office vibe and your team’s day? Bring in the plants! They’re the easiest way to grow a happier, healthier workplace—no HR forms required.

On the 12th day of Christmas, HR gave to me……

2025 mantra: ‘More People, less paperwork.’” – Let’s make 2025 the year we bring HR back to what it’s really about: the humans, and yes that includes our managers and leaders.

It’s time to trade the grind of spreadsheets and endless admin for genuine connection, meaningful conversations, and empowering your people to shine. Because your team isn’t just a workforce—they’re your greatest asset, your biggest innovators, and the soul of your business.

Here’s the truth: if you’re managing the humans in your business, you are the HR manager. Every decision you make impacts culture, connection, and performance. Work with us so you can focus on leading with heart and building a thriving, inspired team. Let’s make this the year you put people first.

You can also check out the Oscar winning performance of these tips being ‘acted out’ 😆