It's that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to start thinking about how to show our employees how much we appreciate them. Here are five great ideas for employer-sponsored Christmas treats that will show your team just how valued they are.

Gift Cards

One of the easiest and most popular ways to give a bonus at Christmas time is via gift card. Employees can use gift cards to buy whatever they want, whether it's something for themselves or for their loved ones. Alternatively, employers can give their employees specific gift cards or vouchers, such as turkey or ham vouchers, that employees can use to buy the main attraction of their Christmas dinner.

Extra Time Off

For many people, the holiday season is a busy time of year. Between shopping, decorating, and attending holiday parties, there's often little time left for rest and relaxation. That's why one of the best gifts you can give your employees this Christmas is extra time off. Whether it's an extra day or two added onto their vacation allowance or an early release on Fridays in December, giving your employees some extra time off will help them recharge and come back refreshed and ready to work in the new year.

Bonus Pay

A tried and true method for showing appreciation, bonus pay is a great way to give your employees some extra cash just in time for holiday spending. Bonus pay can either be given as a one-time lump sum or incorporated into their regular paycheck, depending on the company's policy and how it wishes to distribute the bonus. Employees will be grateful for the extra financial boost during the holidays and more motivated to continue their excellent work for another year.

Holiday Parties

What's better than getting together with your coworkers to celebrate the holidays? Hosting a holiday party is a great way to show your employees how much you enjoy working with them while also giving them a chance to relax and have some fun outside of work. If you're unsure where to start, check out online guides on planning office Christmas parties, or consider hiring a professional event planner to take care of the details for you.

Personalized Gifts

For a more personal touch, consider giving your employees personalized gifts this holiday season. This could be something as simple as a customized gift basket filled with their favorite treats or as elaborate as a personalized piece of jewelry engraved with their initials or a special message from you. Personalized gifts show that you took the time to truly think about what your employee would appreciate and enjoy, making it a truly meaningful gift.

No matter how you choose to treat your employees this Christmas, remember that it's the thought that counts. A small gesture can go a long way toward showing your team how much you appreciate them, so take some time to think about what would make them feel valued and appreciated this holiday season.