Opinion: Don't Forget your Employees this Holiday Season

Years back when I was working three jobs yet still living in a rented room in a Montauk Trailer a co-worker said to me, “Too bad Christmas isn’t the third week of August.” I asked why? He replied, “Well, everyone has lots of money, the businesses are so busy they can give their employee’s bigger bonuses, the waiters, waitresses, bartenders are plush with their best tip money, so buying gifts is no problem instead of just the opposite in December when most places are closed and most workers and business owners are nervously living off their summer money.” I agreed.

Every holiday season on the East End the same is still true. Too many folks are scratching by with accounts receivables drying up and accounts payable growing. Good money management and planning can help ease this yearly cash flow fluctuation; however, the truth is too many businesses are short money come the end of the year. Too often the “tighten the belt” mentality cuts back on their workers hours and pay. The financial realities are real for the business owners of the East End.

Last summer was not a record-breaking money making season; for some businesses quite the opposite. However, this is the holiday season, the time of year when giving is more important then receiving, especially when it comes to the hardworking people who make up the underbelly of the East End. They are in the markets, at the gas stations, substituting at the schools, trying to sell real estate or waiting tables and making drinks. Too often it is they who feel the squeeze at Christmas holiday time.

I am writing this article to remind all business owners that their employees are not costs but, instead, like family in the workplace. They go to war with you every day to make money for your company. They are the extensions of your public relations when they are on or off the job.

I once worked for a local publishing firm that was quite generous at Christmastime. Then came in new ownership from out of town and cut all that out while raising the pay of new management positions and cutting the salaries of writers and staff. The CEO told me point blank he was cutting costs. It was sadly part of a national trend. This Christmas holiday season be charitable with your employees, workers, waitresses and bartenders. Remember the great feeling of a surprise. Be the spreader of good cheer to your employees.

This post is contributed by a community member. The views expressed in this post are the author's. Registered users are welcome to post on Patch.