The holidays are a busy time for everyone. People are out shopping, running errands, and moving quickly through their days. Because of this, most retail and hospitality businesses see a strong end-of-year spike and coffee shops are no exception.
In many cases, what used to be a 200-ticket day can suddenly jump to 300. A 30% increase in orders (or more) is common, and while this seasonal boost is great for revenue, it can put pressure on your team if systems and expectations don’t scale with demand. Below are practical ways to support baristas and keep morale high during the holiday rush.
Simplify the Menu to Reduce Cognitive Load
When volume spikes, complexity becomes the enemy. Even small simplifications can dramatically improve speed and reduce burnout.
- Keep holiday specials simple and scalable: Stick to drinks that use your existing ingredients and can be executed quickly under pressure.
- Batch syrups or prep high-volume items in advance: Premade bases for mochas, eggnog lattes, or peppermint drinks keep lines moving.
- Clarify modifiers and button layout on the POS: Fewer taps = fewer mistakes = happier team. Consider a temporary “holiday menu” section in the POS.
Offer Holiday Incentives & Recognition
The holiday season asks a lot of your staff. Small incentives can boost morale, increase engagement, and make baristas feel valued.
- Holiday bonuses or small gift cards: Even $20–$50 shows appreciation and helps staff feel taken care of.
- Free holiday drinks or on-shift meals: Nourished baristas perform better and feel more supported during long days.
- Handwritten thank-you notes: In an industry full of stress, personalized appreciation can be deeply motivating.
Encourage Clear, Compassionate Communication
Burnout often comes from miscommunication, not just physical exhaustion. Set systems that keep everyone aligned:
- Weekly 5–10 minute huddles: Quick check-ins keep expectations clear and let baristas share feedback.
- A Dripos Hubapp channel for shift notes: Helps bridge communication between morning and evening shifts, reducing misunderstandings.
Promote Holiday Tipping & Create Friendly Incentives
December is one of the best months to boost tip income—your team deserves it, and guests are often more generous.
- Add holiday flare around the shop: Label jars with holiday themes (e.g., “Naughty vs. Nice,” “Eggnog vs. Peppermint”) to drive engagement.
- Set achievable team goals: Offer a group reward when the shop hits a certain weekly sales number or maintains fast ticket times.
- Highlight barista appreciation on signage: A small sign like “Thanks for supporting our baristas this season 💛” increases tipping dramatically.
These incentives create excitement and put extra money in your team’s pockets at the time they need it most.
Wishing All Baristas & Shop Owners a Happy Holiday Season. The holidays are an intense but rewarding time for the coffee community. With the right systems and support, your team can stay energized, appreciated, and ready to deliver amazing service all season long.