Offices are Closed for TWO Weeks

Non-profits are not typically wealthy organizations. No matter how many grant applications are approved, or donations are received, those funds are used primarily for fulfilling the vision and mission of the organization. That sometimes translates into paying salaries that are not quite as high as the for-profit sectors.   

Having the right employees is critical for any non-profit to get the work done to achieve that vision and mission. Cash-strapped non-profits will often look at non-monetary ways to compensate employees, especially during the holiday season.

Close offices for two full weeks.

Here’s something to consider. Close all offices, whether home or external, for a full two weeks over the holidays. Make it a gift from the organization to the staff team. Any day that isn’t already a paid public holiday or a weekend, becomes a paid day off – no holiday time needed.

Why would a non-profit give up so many days off?

If a non-profit handles emergencies then yes, there might be a very valid reason to stay open over the holidays. But if a non-profit is more focused on programs and services, it is important to ask, is there REALLY a need to force the team to open the office on, say, December 28th? Clients will very likely be busy celebrating their own holidays, especially if they have school-aged children who are home during that time.

What about all that extra holiday time?

We all know holiday hours are rare enough. Forcing employees to work, or use their holidays, over the December/January season shows a lack of understanding for individual differences. Consider if one employee needs to use holiday hours because there is no child-care available. Consider if another employee just started with the organization and hasn’t earned enough time off. Consider if an employee prefers to take vacation time in the summer. It doesn’t really feel fair.

When all offices are closed, everyone gets the gift. 

The employer benefits when employees are rested.

Non-profits can benefit by a full-office closure. Why? Because it gives employees the opportunity to get rest, both physical and mental. When no one is sending emails, they don’t pile up. When all offices are closed, all work is paused. 

It never hurts to add a line to the existing vacation policy that office closures over the holiday season are not transferable vacation hours. This way, everyone, even the worker-bees, are encouraged to take a much-needed break. There is a better chance that everyone will return to work refreshed, and that’s an amazing way to start the new year. 

Decide and just do it.

If your non-profit wants to recognize its employees by closing over the holidays, here is how you can get started.

First, ask the team for input to help pick the exact two-week span that works best for most people. This can be as simple as a group email or a quick conversation. Yes, the final choice might not be perfect for everyone, but it is still a really great gift. Not sure where to start? Try picking the same two weeks that the local school system will be closed. Adjust from there.

Last, schedule the closure, plan the vacation messages on email and phone, and just do it.

When non-profit wants to do a little more to reward a hard-working staff team, but the funding for lavish gifts just isn’t possible, closing all offices for two full weeks over the holiday season can help employees feel valued and provide a much-needed rest.

Thanks for taking the time to read my ideas. If you know someone who needs to read this, why not grab the link, and share it with them. Let’s work together to celebrate our staff teams this holiday season!

-Christie

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Hi, I'm Christie Saas, former board member, current Executive Director, and non-profit volunteer. I remember well, those early years when I lacked the training, the confidence, and the work-life balance to focus on becoming the best non-profit leader I could be.

Fast-forward past many bumps in the road, lessons learned, and you’ll find me still in the trenches, but a little wiser, a little calmer, and a whole lot happier. I love my work and I want to help you love yours too.

I created ChristieSaas.com so non-profit leaders never need to feel alone. I’m here to help. If you’re a brand-new non-profit leader, or a little more seasoned, someone who’s looking to make a meaningful contribution and still have time for a full life away from the job, you’re in the right place.

© Christie Saas 2022 All Rights Reserved

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