Holiday Time-Off Planning Guidance for Employers

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, both at home and at work. Employees want time to enjoy their families, and employers need to keep the business running smoothly. The good news is that with clear planning and early communication, companies can create a holiday schedule that feels fair to everyone. Below are simple, helpful reminders to make this season easier for both your team and your customers.

Helpful Action Steps for Employers

• Start early. Share your holiday time-off rules and deadlines as soon as possible so everyone knows what to expect. (HR Done Right)
• Plan for coverage. Decide whether your business slows down or gets busier during the holidays and schedule staff accordingly. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• Set clear request guidelines. Use simple rules, like request-by deadlines, limits on how many people can be out at once, or blackout dates if needed. (Connecteam)
• Keep it fair. Rotate popular days off, spread out coverage across teams, and avoid favoritism to build trust and fairness. (Axcet HR Solutions)
• Prepare for surprises. Cross-train employees and set up backup plans for unexpected absences during busy weeks. (Innoworks)

Front Range–Focused Tips

• Offer a floating holiday or volunteer day to give employees extra flexibility and support during a busy season.
• Identify critical roles and talk early with those team members about required coverage.
• Use holiday planning as a culture booster by helping employees secure time with loved ones.
• Highlight your approach in recruiting by showing that your company values family time, fairness, and early planning.