We sat down with Santa again this year to discuss the full stocking of HR-related matters he has been tackling in as part of his UK-based operations this year.
Preventing sexual harassment: keeping cheer in the workshop
The new proactive duty to prevent sexual harassment has prompted Santa to dust off the chimney-soot from his policies. Though traditionally seen as a jolly workplace, the mix of elves, seasonal hires, and frequent visits from external ‘naughty list’ auditors can present risks, especially after a few eggnogs.
Santa has launched a sexual harassment workshop-wide campaign titled ‘Rein-it-in-Deer’ to ensure everyone understands boundaries and feels safe reporting concerns. This includes training sessions with case studies (e.g., “What to do if a colleague misuses mistletoe”) and anonymous reporting mechanisms. Santa is clear: prevention isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s key to fostering a holly jolly culture.
The proposed right to switch off: when the bells stop ringing
The elve-ployees’ work ethic is legendary, but the new government’s proposed changes around the ‘right to switch off’ means Santa has had to start planning for a potential change to their usual required long hours and late nights for last-minute gift tweaks.
He is currently working on a ‘Silent Night’ policy, encouraging staff to disconnect after hours unless there’s a true Christmas Eve-level emergency. While ensuring productivity doesn’t drop faster than a sleigh in turbulence, he is mindful that even magical workers need rest to keep their festive spirit shining.
Returning remote workers: wrapping up the WFH era
Remote work might suit the IT elve-ployees managing Santa’s ‘Nice List’ database, but some of the team have become a little too comfortable at home. With a push to bring workers back into the workshop, Santa is navigating a challenge much equivalent to trying to take a freshly unwrapped Christmas present off a small child on Christmas morning.
Rather than issuing ultimatums, Santa’s team is adopting a carrot-and-candy-cane approach; offering perks like hot chocolate stations, team snowman-building events, and unlimited gingerbread snacks. The key? Emphasising the magic of collaboration in person, while still accommodating those who need flexibility (such as elves caring for reindeer).
Celebrating neurodiversity: a gift that keeps giving
Neurodiverse elve-ployees have long been part of Santa’s success, but 2024’s focus on inclusion has spurred the workshop to improve practices such as introducing quiet zones to help elve-ployees sensitive to the noise of jingling bells, and detailed toy-building instructions to support those who thrive on clear guidance.
Wrap-up
Santa’s workshop may be one-of-a-kind, but the lessons from his HR efforts are worldwide (just like his present delivery). Preventing harassment, ensuring downtime, fostering inclusivity, and managing workplace transitions are challenges that every organisation faces.
Santa concluded our interview with a nod to the ‘sleigh-load of changes’ proposed by the Employment Rights Bill over the next couple of years. He confesses he is currently just working on getting through this festive season but that he is braced for the avalanche of 2025 changes that will arrive on his doorstep (or down his chimney) very soon!
