For many manufacturing and warehouse teams, the holidays bring more than festive lights. They bring peak demand, tight deadlines, and longer shifts. While this surge keeps operations running smoothly, it can also strain morale if employees feel overlooked, fatigued, or underappreciated. With the right strategies, organizations can keep seasonal workers motivated, engaged, and productive through even the busiest stretches of the year.
Sustaining morale during holiday shifts means making employees feel seen, supported, and appreciated when their effort counts most.
7 Ways to Boost Holiday Morale
Seasonal work often runs on urgency. Tight production timelines, heavier orders, and end-of-year goals can all lead to burnout. Investing in workplace satisfaction during this period leads to stronger retention, fewer absences, and higher performance.
A study by Gallup found that well-recognized employees are about 45 percent less likely to have left their organization after two years.¹ For manufacturing and warehouse teams, that level of engagement directly improves safety, accuracy, and output.
1. Recognize and Reward the Effort
Even small gestures of recognition can go a long way. Acknowledging the commitment of those covering holiday shifts reinforces their value and builds team connection.
Here are some simple ways to show appreciation:
- Spot bonuses or gift cards for high attendance or performance during peak days
- Personal thank-you notes from supervisors recognizing specific contributions
- Team shout-outs at the start of each shift to celebrate accomplishments
Recognition doesn’t need to be elaborate, just authentic. Workers notice when leaders take time to say thank you, especially when demands are high. Gallup research also shows that only about one in three U.S. workers strongly agree that they received recognition or praise in the past week, and those who feel under-recognized are about twice as likely to plan to leave their employer.²
Read more: DE&I Boosts Workplace Safety
2. Add a Festive Touch to the Workplace
The holiday season should still bring a sense of celebration, even in fast-paced environments. Creating a cheerful, festive atmosphere can help long hours feel more manageable.
Try these low-cost festive touches:
- Encourage teams to decorate their work areas together
- Play upbeat, but appropriate holiday music during breaks
- Organize small contests, like “ugly sweater day” or “most creative station decor”
- Provide a warm meal or snacks on key shipping or production days
When employees feel the environment balances productivity with a positive culture, workplace satisfaction naturally improves.
3. Prioritize Clear Communication and Scheduling
Few things impact morale more than uncertainty. Clear, consistent communication about shifts, expectations, and available support helps employees plan their personal time and reduce stress. Here’s what managers can do:
- Post holiday schedules well in advance
- Offer shift swaps or flexible options when possible
- Be transparent about bonus opportunities or time-off policies
When employees understand the plan, they feel respected, which builds trust and engagement.
4. Create Opportunities for Connection
Seasonal employees often feel disconnected from full-time teams. Intentionally creating moments of connection helps them feel like part of the organization, not just temporary support. Consider:
- Pairing seasonal workers with mentors or experienced teammates
- Hosting short “team check-ins” to celebrate small wins
- Including seasonal staff in company communications or recognition boards
When seasonal hires feel included, they’re more likely to stay through the season and return in future cycles.
5. Support Well-Being and Safety
Fatigue rises when workers take extra shifts. Prioritizing well-being during this period shows that the organization values its people as much as its production goals.
- Encourage short, regular breaks to prevent burnout
- Reinforce safety reminders during team huddles
- Provide hydration stations or healthy snacks
- Check in with teams daily to spot fatigue early
Research shows accident and injury rates are 18 percent higher during evening shifts and 30 percent higher during night shifts compared with day shifts, and working 12-hour daily shifts is associated with a 37 percent higher injury risk.³
Studies from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimate that fatigue-related incidents cost U.S. employers $136 billion each year.⁴ Proactively addressing fatigue not only reduces incidents but also maintains stable performance and team energy.
Read more: Safety Drives Retention
6. Lead by Example
Leadership sets the tone for morale. When supervisors show appreciation, listen actively, and step in alongside their teams, it builds mutual respect.
Supervisors who spend time on the floor, recognize effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where positivity spreads organically. The result: stronger teamwork, smoother operations, and shared pride.
7. Reinforce Purpose
Reminding workers why their effort matters can reenergize the team during long weeks. When employees see how their contributions support customer needs or community goals, their motivation and ownership grow.
Share stories of satisfied clients, community impact, or company milestones reached through their dedication. Connecting everyday work to a greater purpose builds lasting engagement, especially during long holiday shifts.
Let Horizon America help you with workforce engagement.
At Horizon America, we understand that engaged, supported workers drive productivity and long-term success. Through strategic staffing partnerships, we help organizations build teams that perform at their best, during the holidays and beyond. From identifying dependable seasonal talent to helping strengthen morale, our goal is to keep your workforce motivated and ready to succeed.
Looking to build a stronger, more engaged holiday team? Contact Horizon America today to find reliable talent that keeps your operations running and your workplace spirit high.
References
- “Employee Retention Depends on Getting Recognition Right.” Gallup, 18 Sep. 2024, https://www.gallup.com/workplace/650174/employee-retention-depends-getting-recognition-right.aspx
- “The Importance of Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact.” Gallup, 12 Jan. 2024, https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236441/employee-recognition-low-cost-high-impact.aspx
- “Long Work Hours, Extended or Irregular Shifts, and Worker Fatigue.” OSHA, https://www.osha.gov/worker-fatigue/hazards 4 Nov. 2025
- “Working Hours and Fatigue: Meeting the Needs of American Workers and Employers.” NIOSH, 12 Apr. 2023, https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2023/04/12/fatigue/
