Blog: How to keep staff motivated and happy during peak trading

As children up and down the country prepare to return to school, shops begin to wheel out their new autumn ranges and Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens, it is clear to see that the summer holidays are drawing to a close.

Part and parcel of this time of year is keeping staff motivated through the coming winter months. Despite the joy a two-week break from our jobs can bring, once it is over we have to face returning to work and the prospect of a few months before the Christmas break.

This time of year is a crucial one for business owners and team leaders working in the retail or supply chain sectors. Ensuring employees don’t lose their motivation is vital to guaranteeing a successful peak season. At Hermes we have implemented a number of effective ways to ensure staff remain motivated despite suffering from the post-holiday blues.

Ensuring employees don’t lose their motivation is vital to guaranteeing a successful peak season

Though it may vary from company to company I have found these tips form a strong base to build strategies that will improve team motivation:

1. Training and development

Maintaining training opportunities cannot only break up everyday routines but it makes employees eager to put their new skills into practice. Staff who are consistently improving their skills and knowledge all year round will be more engaged and happy whatever the season.

2. Make it fun

Whoever said work had to be boring? If your staff enjoy their work they are more likely to perform better. Fundraising is a fantastic way of keeping spirits high in the office. Working as a team to raise money for a charity not only improves team morale but also increases an employee’s dedication to a company based on their ethical values.

Company fundraising can improve staff motivation by improving the reputation of the business. The new millennial generation are more inclined to search for employment within organisations that boast a strong set of ethical values

Company fundraising can improve staff motivation by improving the reputation of the business. The new millennial generation are more inclined to search for employment within organisations that boast a strong set of ethical values, which incorporates fundraising.

Teenage Cancer Trust is our chosen charity and this year we have raised money through a number of events staff have participated in, including the Three Peaks Challenge and a number of mud runs! Meanwhile, for employees that do not wish to break a sweat, we have organised a number of theme days that include fancy dress.

3. Incentivising

Giving your staff an incentive to do better at their job is a fantastic way of motivating, and organising in-house competitions is a great way of achieving this. This winter we will be running a competition to see which depot can reduce the number of claims made by the biggest amount. The most successful depot will receive a prize!

4. Communications and rewards

Efficient and effective communication plays a vital role in any business and will go a long way to ensuing that staff remain motivated, especially during the colder months. At Hermes, we organise our Managers’ Conference for each September, which serves as a fantastic pre-peak motivation event.

This year’s event will take place later this month at Alton Towers, proving the opportunity to celebrate success, network, strategise and recognise the achievements of more than 550 managers across the business. Meanwhile, employees will also hear from a guest speaker (this year from Music Magpie) while also enjoying a day in the park itself.

So as the nights draw in and we start to dig out the winter clothes from the back of the wardrobe, now is the perfect time to engage with your staff in order to boost motivation. Happy and enthusiastic employees play a vital role in ensuring that your peak season is a roaring success.

• Natalie Musson, head of talent and engagement, Hermes

• Joanne Morley, head of marketing, Hermes