No doubt about it, working in customer service during the holidays is tough! Managing a customer based business during the holidays is even tougher. While holiday business is a boon for the company it can take a toll on you and your staff.  It seems everyone wants time off, and you have to decide who gets to take it. An added year-end workload can create an atmosphere of anxiety that is less than joyful. Stressed customers often take out their frustrations on workers and you worry that customer service will suffer at a time you need to be building customer loyalty. Here are some ideas to help you keep the Happy in your Holidays.

Let your staff know what your department goals are. Give weekly updates on how close they are to hitting those targets. Make it fun to track the progress with a giant thermometer chart or filling a clear piggy bank with coins. Offer a reward such as a pizza party, an extra post-holiday day off or gift certificates when the department reaches that goal.

Remind employees that especially during the holiday season, most customers treasure the human interaction of the in-store experience and the great service they provide now will bring those customers back after the holidays are long gone. Challenge them to win people over.

Don’t forget to THANK YOUR STAFF for their hard work. Compliment them when you catch them doing a great job. Your acknowledgement means more to them than you think.

Walk the talk. Don’t ask your employees to do things you are not willing to do yourself. Roll up your sleeves and pitch in to get things done rather than just delegating the extra workload to others. If you are asking personnel to work extra hours make sure you are doing the same.

Feed the troops. On days you know will be especially busy offer food and beverages so that employees will be hydrated, energized and feel valued.

 Ask for volunteers to work on days that are difficult to staff such as Christmas Eve. Offer a pay differential if that is within your power. Award time off on a first come, first serve basis, but make sure it’s not always the same people who are off every year. Provide pastries, candy or other treats and attach a thank you card for those who are working.