It’s a strange contradiction unique to our industry: the most important trading period of the year is also one of the most unpredictable. And that’s exactly why thoughtful planning, rather than sheer endurance, is what gets most businesses through in one piece.
Every year, hospitality operators head into December with equal parts excitement and grit. For some, the festive surge delivers the revenue lift they’ve been hanging out for; for others, especially in our urban centres, the rush evaporates almost overnight as soon as Christmas Day passes and customers head for the beach.
Many businesses are entering the holiday period after what has been one of the toughest years for revenue in recent memory. December and January need to work hard, not just to keep up, but in many cases to make up lost ground. But pushing at full tilt without a plan can create issues that cost far more than they save.
Get the basics right and protect yourself from surprises
Public holidays can be one of the biggest sources of confusion. Every year, questions come up around who qualifies for time and a half, who receives an alternative day, and what counts as an ‘otherwise working day.’ And when rosters shift week to week, these decisions aren’t always straightforward.
Looking back at genuine work patterns, even over a few months, can help you make fair calls and stay compliant without the stress. It doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to be considered.
Closedowns are another area where assumptions can trip operators up. Even if you shut the doors, staff who would normally work those days may still need to be paid. Giving clear notice and communicating early makes that process smoother for everyone.
End of year celebrations need attention too
Work Christmas parties can be a great way to celebrate the year, but they still sit under your health and safety responsibilities. Simple steps like ensuring food is available, limiting alcohol, and organising safe transport help protect your people and you as an employer. Most importantly, they set the tone that your team’s wellbeing matters, even in the busiest month of the year.
And then there’s the wellbeing piece, for your team, and for you
It’s no secret that the holiday rush takes a toll. Tiredness builds, tempers shorten, and the sheer pace of summer service can stretch even the most experienced teams. Many operators have normalised that strain over the years, but it doesn’t have to be the default.
Burnout signs like chronic fatigue, irritability, or slipping performance are not personal failings, they’re signals that the pressure is becoming unsustainable. And operators aren’t exempt. In many businesses, it’s the owners who pick up the extra shifts, push through exhaustion, and carry the emotional load of the season.
Sometimes the smartest decision you can make is to slow things for twenty minutes, catch your breath, and reset the team before the next wave hits. Customers will remember a calm, well-run service — not the fact that they waited a little longer to get in.
The holidays should be profitable, not punishing
Margins are tight. Wages have risen. Costs aren’t coming down. And customers expect a lot when they choose to spend with us. That’s the reality we’re all operating in. But the holiday period doesn’t need to feel like survival mode.
A little forward thinking including clear communication with staff, fair rostering, early conversations about availability, sensible boundaries at work functions, and a commitment to wellbeing goes a long way toward protecting your people and your reputation.
The Summer season will always be demanding. But with a bit more structure and a bit more care, operators can approach the season with confidence, safeguard their teams, and protect the momentum they need to carry through the year.