PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: The holiday season is here. That means a lot of office parties, gatherings with friends, and shopping for those special gifts for family members and relatives (hopefully at local stores).

During this time of year I’ve noticed even the calmest people go into “hectic mode” as they converge on grocery stores, gift shops and other shopping destinations of choice. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day there just doesn’t seem to be enough personal time to get everything done that needs to be finished … that goes for work, too. The in-box and task list do not seem to be emptying or getting smaller. How do we handle it all?

I would like to suggest a two-part answer to that question. The first part is time management; the second part is about setting the right priorities.

In Stephen Covey’s book “7 Habits Of Highly Effective People,” Covey writes, “The key to time management is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.” I think this quote is true at all times, but especially during the holidays.

It is a well-known fact that business productivity drops when the seasonal festivities start ratcheting up, especially for small, non-retail organizations. As a matter of fact, Sprint did a study several years back and came to the conclusion that worker productivity started dropping the day after Thanksgiving.

The dilemma?

Employers want widgets and services to get made and delivered; employees and associates want personal time to reconnect and reflect (not to mention eating and shopping). I believe there is a win-win solution, and this solution works best when employers and employees know it and work together.

First things first. Employers, realize that society has built a holiday season into the yearly calendar. Ignoring that fact not only makes you Scrooge, but it doesn’t endear your employees to you.

Employees, you get paid to get a job done. When you don’t do it properly it is the equivalent of taking money away from your company’s bottom line (incidentally, that would be the same bottom line that gives you bonuses, benefits and other perks).

So how do we collaborate a win-win? From its study, Sprint found four proven strategies.

To begin with, recognize holidays. Employees work hard year-round and deserve to be thanked, and a holiday celebration is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Taking the time to show employees the appreciation they deserve and having a little fun at work will go a long way toward having them continue to work hard in the upcoming year.

Second, concentrate “Down Time.” Employers can ensure their employees will be concentrating on their work while in the office by allowing employees a set amount of time to take care of personal errands during the workday, or by surprising them by giving them the afternoon off. With this set time to take care of personal tasks, employees will more easily be able to stay focused on their work.

Third, provide incentives. Give employees a reason to make an extra effort during the holidays when they may have their minds on shopping lists rather than to-do lists. Set goals each day and provide incentives — such as time off — for the hardestworking employees. Goals and incentives can help employees keep focused on projects and deadlines, and provide motivation to get their work accomplished.

And finally, show appreciation. The end of the year is an excellent time to recognize employees for their accomplishments. Publicly commending employees for a job well done and offering rewards can illustrate to everyone that hard work is appreciated — especially during the holidays.

The bottom line: Small businesses are the engine to our economy, especially in Maine and our Mid-coast region. We need to keep our business working effectively and efficiently. To do this it takes both employers and employees being on the same sheet of music. Sometimes, it even means sacrifices from both entities — even during the holidays.

We can have it all — employers and employees. Use your time wisely, prioritize the things that are most important, and enjoy what this season brings to your and yours.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Key Bank, 40 Front St., Bath, hosts the Holiday Chamber After Hours on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5 to 7 p.m. The event is catered by Simply Susie’s Personalized Catering. Make use of the networking power of the chamber and attend this fun event. Please register.

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