Turkey malaise
Who’s thinking about work this week?
Come on, admit it. You’re thinking about that fat turkey and stuffing; not whether you’ll be able to make deadlines or secure that big deal.
It’s just a reality of the workplace, especially during this time of year. Getting motivated to do work is close to impossible. Indeed, lots of small business owners cut their losses and send people home early when they realize they have bodies in their midst but no real worker bees.
 |
| Kevin Sanchez / Getty Images file |
|
Of course, retail shop owners have few options other than to keep their heads down and keep grinding away. “If you were a retailer and shut down, that would be akin to slitting your own throat,” says Michael E. Diegel, spokesman for the National Federation of Independent Business.
But for many other businesses, there’s more flexibility during the holiday frenzy.
Wendy Coulter, president of
Hummingbird Creative Group, a brand-identity firm in Raleigh, N.C., plans to shut down on Thursday and Friday.
But she has a strategy for keeping her staff on their toes the rest of the week. “I like to keep them busy! Honestly, we all have too much on our plates right now to get distracted; it’s such a busy time of year. I think we’re all just focused on getting our work done and then enjoying the holiday with family and friends.”
She's also acknowledging the holiday spirit by having a “goody” day today. “We’re all bringing in delicious holiday foods and having our own office Thanksgiving party,” she says.
The founder of
Cerebellas, a B2B strategic business consultancy, Beth Zimmerman has no employees but it turns out she’s a tough boss on herself.
Even though she’ll probably have a belly full of turkey this Friday, she plans to be on the clock if her customers need her.
One of her technology start up clients is officially launching today, “and the excitement around that will keep me fired up throughout the week.”
The week between Christmas and New Years is another story for Zimmerman because the motivation quotient can be low.
“The past few years I unofficially close shop during that week, but, as a small business, always take calls and emails from clients who might be working or have a need. If I do have to work through the holidays I make sure to carve out time for some stolen moments -- lunch with a friend, an afternoon manicure, maybe even a matinee -- to take the sting out of working when almost everyone else isn't.”
Stefan Pinto, owner of
Parallax I.D., a graphic and Web site design firm, is shutting down on Wednesday for the holiday.
“The holiday season can be especially slow. During these times, we try to make sure everyone is productive and occupied by working on organizing the files on their computers, researching software, working on promotional materials or entering design competitions,” he says.
And he uses a tried and true employee motivator. Pinto gives every worker a Starbucks gift card worth $25.
Latte anyone?
