It’s no secret that Black Friday is one of the biggest in-person shopping days of the year. In fact, during the 2022 holiday season, a whopping 122.7 million shoppers converged upon brick and mortar and online storefronts over the Thanksgiving weekend.
With the increasingly competitive nature of Black Friday, there’s more pressure than ever for stores to find ways to exceed customer expectations. And while deals are a dime a dozen during the Black Friday rush, your customer service is what can really set you apart.
Avoid Black Friday staff burnout
As successful as the weekend can be for the company’s bottom line, Black Friday can be stressful for customer-facing employees. The long hours and constant flow of shoppers can leave workers feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Retail employees aren’t the only ones affected — many online businesses offer Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, which creates extra work for warehouse workers and delivery drivers.
These conditions can be a recipe for burnout, but they don’t have to be. With a proactive approach, you can help your Black Friday workers reduce stress and stay engaged. That way, they’ll deliver an exceptional customer experience while staying healthy, happy, and ready to tackle the rest of the holiday season.
Keep Black Friday workers engaged
As Black Friday approaches, keep in mind that employee engagement and recognition go hand in hand. Employees who feel appreciated and valued are more likely to go above and beyond for customers. Use these tips to boost morale, maintain engagement, and keep the team motivated to sell.
1. Host a team meeting
Set expectations for employees who are working Black Friday with a company-wide meeting, complete with a catered lunch. That way, employees can enjoy a delicious meal while company leaders discuss topics such as:
- Expected crowd levels
- This year’s Black Friday deals
- Procedures for crowd control
- Holiday return policies
- The importance of taking breaks
- Self-care tips
After the discussion, encourage employees to ask questions or share their tips for staying comfortable and delivering a great experience for customers on Black Friday. When everyone knows what to expect, they can arrive feeling mentally and physically prepared for the day.
2. Offer holiday pay
Cash is a powerful motivator, especially in the months leading up to the winter holidays. Give your team a share of the Black Friday profits by offering extra holiday pay. You could pay time and a half, offer cash bonuses, or give gift cards. There’s no need to wait for payday — hand out bonuses at the beginning of each Black Friday shift and employees will start the day with extra energy and excitement.
The benefits of financial perks extend far beyond employees’ bank accounts. After all, 46% of American adults worry about how they’re going to afford holiday gifts. Even a modest bonus can alleviate some of that stress.
3. Provide coverage for breaks
Work breaks are critical on Black Friday. Employees need a respite from the holiday crowds. To make sure your workers are getting all their breaks, schedule extra staff. The additional help guarantees a quality customer experience and allows workers to relax, knowing they’re not leaving coworkers in the lurch.
4. Upgrade employees’ coffee breaks
Take Black Friday breaks to the next level with special coffee catering. Treat your team to a gourmet coffee bar, or get them in a festive mood with holiday drinks such as pumpkin spice lattes or peppermint mochas. Make sure everything is set up before the first shift so employees can start the day feeling energized and ready to work.
5. Plan a Black Friday shift meal
After spending hours on their feet, Black Friday workers often rely on vending machine snacks for a quick burst of energy. Give them a better option — and show your appreciation in the process — by setting up a catered lunch or dinner in the company kitchen. A delicious spread is an instant mood booster during a busy shift. Plus, when they don’t need to worry about finding food, team members can make the most of their breaks.
Fun Black Friday meal ideas include:
As you plan a menu, look for foods that are filling but not heavy. After a hot, balanced meal, workers can return to the floor feeling satisfied and properly fueled.
6. Give out lighthearted employee awards
When Black Friday and the Thanksgiving weekend are over, hand out awards to recognize employee accomplishments. Be as specific as possible. Perhaps one of your workers successfully de-escalated a customer argument, for example, or handled crowd control like a pro.
Other employee award ideas include:
- Most transactions processed
- Best customer review
- Fastest cleanup after a spill
- Most cheerful in the face of chaos
- Most creative sales pitch
Employee awards let workers know you see their hard work. Plus, it’s a fun opportunity to swap stories and bond over a shared experience.
7. Encourage festive accessories
Employee uniforms don’t always offer room for sartorial creativity. On Black Friday, give everyone a morale boost by hosting a “best accessories” contest. A holiday theme is a natural fit — workers can get in the spirit with lighted necklaces, jingle bell earrings, or a colorful elf hat. Alternatively, choose a theme that aligns with your company’s holiday marketing ideas.
At the end of the day, offer prizes for the most creative, most unexpected, and funniest ensembles. Make sure company leadership gets in on the fun (the store manager’s reindeer antlers are sure to lighten the mood).
8. Keep managers on alert
Ask your most experienced managers to keep an eye on employees who are working on Black Friday. If they notice that someone is overwhelmed, encourage them to provide extra assistance. Small acts of support make workers feel safe and cared for when they need it most.
In addition to reducing stress, these timely interventions can pay off in higher retention rates and increased employee engagement. According to Gallup, employees place a high priority on finding employers who care about their well-being.
9. Throw a catered party after Black Friday
Have you ever noticed the sense of camaraderie that comes from navigating Black Friday as a team? Capitalize on those good vibes with a company party. Here’s the key: announce the party in advance to give workers an exciting event to look forward to.
Pick a fun location, such as a laser tag center or an indoor mini golf course, and let your team loose. It’s an opportunity to blow off steam and bond as a group. Tasty food is a must — try a classic pizza party menu, or delight your resident foodies with the latest trendsetting dishes.
Treat your employees with efficient corporate ordering this Black Friday
Food is one of the best ways to care for your team on Black Friday. A free meal nourishes and energizes workers, but it also provides valuable recognition — our research shows that 89% of employees feel appreciated when their employers provide food at work. It can also help stave off burnout. In fact, 59% of workers feel less stressed after a company-provided meal, and 53% feel more productive.
Are you planning to treat your Black Friday workers to a meal this holiday season? Save time and effort with ezCater. We offer online ordering and reliable delivery from more than 100,000 restaurants, so you can easily schedule meals and feel confident they’ll arrive on time.
