For us in the hospitality business, the period from X-mas to New Years Day is not the time to curl up with a cozy blanket and roast chestnuts by the fire with family in the Hamptons.
I think a big question that every executive needs to ask is how we are compensating employees, many of whom don’t have many options, to support their organizations during seasonal moments like this, which require great personal sacrifice. As an empathetic leader, I can go to sleep at night knowing I’ve had to ask people to work holidays and weekends during times that most people would rather spend time with their families and love ones, but done that in a way that minimizes impact to my team and offered at least extra compensation as well. Most of those people don’t do that work because they want to, but because they have to, for people who can afford that time off. I fully appreciate the “all hands on deck” mentality required to make the Hospitality, Attractions, Entertainment industries thrive over the holidays but also implore leaders to send their teams home feeling appreciated- both emotionally and financially.
This makes me miss American hospitality SO much. Last night in Paris, we went to a cafe and they were pissed we showed up, told us they were closing at 5:40 (no one closed on the :40), took 20 minutes to take our order and then kicked us out 20 minutes later. 🤣🇫🇷
Brian, I agree. One angle to the piece could have been for the public to empathize more with those of us who are here working during the holidays. Another is to the leaders in hospitality to show the appreciation to their teams who are the front lines Christmas Eve, New Years Day, etc. Leading by example means being here with the team, showing the appreciation in person, not thank you cards from the beach.
We totally have an out of office email that says, "Hi, I am on PTO for the Holiday!" And, my team means it. I though, am secretly & joyfully staying behind my desk, hiding from the influx of tourists in my tiny ski town, and getting work done whilst everyone thinks I am skiing! :-)
I find the word, PTO insulting. Say vacation, holiday, off the grid, but why flaunt your being paid by someone to not work. Balanced time off is critical, but it’s giving the finger to the owner of a small business using the an acronym like PTO, in my opinion. Sorry, it triggers me:)
The funny thing is, Michael, we NEVER use that language! I used it here cause you did; I copied it directly from your post.
In my vernacular, PTO has only one meaning . . . it's the acronym for my favorite Gov't agency: the USPTO, aka the PTO (Patent and Trademark Office).
Our OOO actually states: "Brand Geek is closed for Reflection Week from noon on December 24, 2024 until January 6, 2025. This allows Andy, Lisa and Niya time to do the things that they love with their friends & families. If you're experiencing an IP emergency, please text Lara."
I hope that leaves a less bitter taste in your mouth. :-)
I think a big question that every executive needs to ask is how we are compensating employees, many of whom don’t have many options, to support their organizations during seasonal moments like this, which require great personal sacrifice. As an empathetic leader, I can go to sleep at night knowing I’ve had to ask people to work holidays and weekends during times that most people would rather spend time with their families and love ones, but done that in a way that minimizes impact to my team and offered at least extra compensation as well. Most of those people don’t do that work because they want to, but because they have to, for people who can afford that time off. I fully appreciate the “all hands on deck” mentality required to make the Hospitality, Attractions, Entertainment industries thrive over the holidays but also implore leaders to send their teams home feeling appreciated- both emotionally and financially.
This makes me miss American hospitality SO much. Last night in Paris, we went to a cafe and they were pissed we showed up, told us they were closing at 5:40 (no one closed on the :40), took 20 minutes to take our order and then kicked us out 20 minutes later. 🤣🇫🇷
Brian, I agree. One angle to the piece could have been for the public to empathize more with those of us who are here working during the holidays. Another is to the leaders in hospitality to show the appreciation to their teams who are the front lines Christmas Eve, New Years Day, etc. Leading by example means being here with the team, showing the appreciation in person, not thank you cards from the beach.
We totally have an out of office email that says, "Hi, I am on PTO for the Holiday!" And, my team means it. I though, am secretly & joyfully staying behind my desk, hiding from the influx of tourists in my tiny ski town, and getting work done whilst everyone thinks I am skiing! :-)
Happy holidays!
Love that:)
I find the word, PTO insulting. Say vacation, holiday, off the grid, but why flaunt your being paid by someone to not work. Balanced time off is critical, but it’s giving the finger to the owner of a small business using the an acronym like PTO, in my opinion. Sorry, it triggers me:)
The funny thing is, Michael, we NEVER use that language! I used it here cause you did; I copied it directly from your post.
In my vernacular, PTO has only one meaning . . . it's the acronym for my favorite Gov't agency: the USPTO, aka the PTO (Patent and Trademark Office).
Our OOO actually states: "Brand Geek is closed for Reflection Week from noon on December 24, 2024 until January 6, 2025. This allows Andy, Lisa and Niya time to do the things that they love with their friends & families. If you're experiencing an IP emergency, please text Lara."
I hope that leaves a less bitter taste in your mouth. :-)