Sobering thoughts for Xmas

e are entering the time of corporate goodwill for companies to show how highly they value their employees.

After all, business leaders across the globe regularly espouse that a company is only as good as its staff. How true.

Everyone recharges their batteries (as well as their glasses) and vows to redouble efforts in the New Year. However, without proper festive management procedures, the December festivities can have significant hidden costs for corporate Scotland and put it in an unnecessary reverse.

On average, due to excessive alcohol consumption, two hours of normal output will be lost per employee in December, a potential negative impact to the Scottish economy of up to £50 million.

Alcohol has a profound affect upon our immune systems and has a direct link to employee tiredness and absenteeism. At Christmas time companies need to take the lead and encourage safe drinking limits with regular and simple practical education on how to prepare for the works night out and how best to aid “recovery”. This will not only reduce stress levels, encourage positive nutrition and hydration, but lead to businesses operating as near normal.

So what does a corporate festive management programme look like?

This will vary sector by sector, business by business and manager by manager. There is no magic formula and, of course, individual businesses know their staff best. Business leaders should make a festive programme fun, part of the celebrations, and introduce challenges, quizzes and a competitive element. I suggest a “before, during and after” approach. Beforehand: – A hearty bowl of porridge in the morning (will line the gut and slow the affects of alcohol down) – Circulate an information sheet detailing the best and worst alcohol by volume (abv) drinks – Organise a “pop” quiz on alcohol beforehand to increase awareness During: – Avoid peer pressure and skip rounds when you need to – Install an app like Drinks Meter to record all alcohol consumption and reveal calories and food equivalents (www.drinksmeter. com) – Try and avoid being the last to leave Afterwards: – Consume a high energy drink before retiring to bed – Organise a post-party meeting breakfast session (09.00-10.00) with fruit and water provided with prizes for “lowest and highest abv”, “most and least water consumed”, “first and last” to leave.

That’s how really to value your employees and your business. One last point. Sensible and safe alcohol consumption, good nutrition and well-being are not just for Christmas. ● Iain Bell is the founder of Executive Fitness Foundation, which has been inspiring executives and leadership teams throughout the UK for the last 25 years