Maintain productivity over public holidays

FOR business owners, the annual Easter-period and back-to-back public holidays can present a challenge due to the associated business interruptions and impact this can have on turnover.

Deborah Coskey, ActionCOACH Ignite Business Coach, says that this time of year can prove challenging for many businesses as various aspects of the company are affected by intermittent breaks in operation which have the potential to disrupt the usual flow of productivity and turnover.

“Apart from productivity being impacted by staff taking prolonged periods of leave, businesses may also be impacted due to customers opting to go on holiday and spending their money elsewhere.”

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She says, however, that it isn’t all doom and gloom and that there are a number of pro-active steps that business owners can take to ensure that their business’ productivity does not dip during the upcoming Easter period.

Plan ahead and prioritise

With most South African public holiday dates set as the same every year, forward planning is achievable. Plan ahead and prioritise work schedules in advance to ensure that important jobs are completed ahead of public holidays. Plan for less urgent work to continue over the mini-holiday season.

Be strategic about staff leave

If the business is quiet over the public holiday period, then allowing staff leave may be beneficial and increase productivity in the long run. However, if your business tends to peak over mini-holiday seasons, leave should be approved sparingly. Remember however to take into account the impact that fewer staff on duty may have on the business’ bottom line.

Get creative

Depending on the business, there may be ways that entrepreneurs can capitalise on commemorative days. Creatively look at each public holiday throughout the year and plan initiatives or campaigns around how your business could leverage off each specific public holiday. Perhaps through a special offer, competitive trading hours or social responsibility outreach campaign.

Increase personal productivity

Business owners should review ways in which they can increase their own, personal productivity during periods of back-to-back public holidays. Ensure that you utilise work hours as efficiently as possible by assessing how to incorporate good habits into daily routines, such as waking up earlier, holding less and/or shorter meetings and prioritising important work.

“Public holiday periods needn’t hamper an entrepreneurs’ ability to succeed. When planned appropriately and effectively, these mini-holiday seasons can work to a business’ favour, adding value instead of worry,” concluded Coskey.

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