As every business owner knows, your staff are your most valuable asset – which is why it’s important to let them know how much they’re appreciated. So this festive season, what better way to spread the Christmas cheer in your office than by recognising the efforts of your team members?

If your office doesn’t have space for a partridge in a pear tree, here are 12 days’ worth of alternative Christmas ideas. And remember, you don’t need to tick them all off in December – anytime of the year is a good time to give your staff the recognition they deserve.

1. Offer some extra time off

During the holiday season, life can get busy for many people – between present shopping, Christmas meal preparations and end-of-year school activities. So why not ease the pressure a bit by closing the office early one day and giving your staff a free afternoon to catch up on their errands?

2. Arrange a group excursion

Treat your employees to a day out of the office and a fun activity like a bowling tournament, a trip to a theme park or a brewery tour. Not only will it boost morale, it will also be a great opportunity for some team bonding.

3. Hold an Oscars ceremony

Turn staff recognition into an annual event by hosting your own Academy Awards. Mix it up with some fun award categories like Best Dressed, Most Polite or Biggest Smile.

4. Write thank-you letters

Give your employees a personalised thank you, with a handwritten note to each team member saying what you appreciate most about them. It will mean a lot to your staff to know that you put time and thought into writing to them.

5. Give a Christmas bonus

Everyone can use a little extra cash around the holidays. But if you really can’t afford to offer your staff additional dollars, consider giving them a small gift instead. After all, it’s the thought that counts.

6. Provide flexible working options

For many employees, workplace flexibility is a key driver for job satisfaction. And during the festive season, when your staff may have extra family commitments or kids on school holidays to look after, they’ll appreciate the opportunity to work flexible hours or work from home.

7. Send your staff to the cinema

Going to the movies in the daytime can feel like a guilty pleasure. So for a special treat, why not give each staff member a movie ticket and let them take off a couple of hours in the middle of the day?

8. Create a Wall of Fame

Recognition should last more than a moment, so consider setting up a Wall of Fame in the office. Hang photos of your team members and list their achievements or the qualities you admire in them, to let everyone see how much they mean to you.

9. Book a massage therapist

It’s a great feeling to get a massage after a hard day’s work – and it’s even better if you don’t have to wait until the end of the day to be pampered. By hiring a message therapist or renting a massage chair for a day, you can give your staff the chance to unwind at work.

10. Host a surprise morning or afternoon tea

An unexpected sugar fix is always a nice surprise. Even more impressive is to bring along a homemade cake – that way your staff will know how much effort you put into baking it for them.

11. Sing your team’s praises

Show off your team’s achievements to the world on social media. A shout-out on your firm’s website, Facebook page or Twitter feed will not only let your clients know about the amazing work your business is doing, it will also allow your staff to bask in the glory.

12. Throw an unconventional Christmas party

This year, why not ditch the usual style of office party and do something a bit different? You could go for a themed event like a masquerade ball, sharpen your detective skills with a Christmas murder mystery or get your staff into a competitive spirit with a scavenger hunt.