Digital navigators make the world more connected – one person, one device, and one conversation at a time. Every day, they help people overcome barriers that can feel impossible alone: navigating telehealth visits, applying for jobs, connecting with loved ones, learning basic computer skills, or simply feeling confident enough to participate in our digital world.
But while digital navigators lighten the load for others, their own work can be emotionally demanding, especially around the holidays. Many navigators directly support people who are struggling financially, worried about citizenship challenges, aging without reliable help, or feeling overwhelmed by technology. This season, let’s give back to the individuals who give so much.
Here are 10 ways to support digital navigators this holiday season.
1. Offer a “Tech-Free” Hour of Peace
Give your navigator a break from problem-solving by intentionally scheduling one hour (or more!) each week where they’re not pulled into tech emergencies. Encourage your team to honor it: no questions, no troubleshooting, no device talk.
2. Share Stories of Impact
Digital navigators rarely get to hear the long-term outcomes of their support. Collect and share success stories, kind notes from learners, or small wins from the field. These reminders help them see the lasting change they’re creating.
3. Provide Healthy, Comforting Snacks
Holiday treats are fun, but long days require fuel. Stock the office or classroom with nourishing snacks, herbal teas, or warm drinks that help them stay energized during busy end-of-year sessions. Think easy-to-grab items like trail mix, fresh fruit, granola bars, yogurt cups, or hummus packs: foods that support both energy and focus. Consider setting up a small “comfort corner” with a kettle, cozy mugs, and a selection of teas or instant soups so navigators have a comforting moment to breathe between appointments. Healthy options show that you value their well-being, not just their output.
4. Make a Personalized “Navigator Appreciation Wall”
Create a space (physical or digital) where teammates and learners can post thank-you messages, drawings, or photos. This simple gesture goes a long way in uplifting spirits and reinforcing purpose.
5. Lighten Their Administrative Load
Offer help with organizing files, prepping class materials, setting up devices, or creating handouts. Even one afternoon of shared work can save hours of stress and free them to focus on learners. These behind-the-scenes tasks often go unseen, yet they form the backbone of every successful class or appointment. Stepping in to support this part of their workload shows digital navigators that you notice and value the invisible labor they carry every day. Plus, working together can turn routine tasks into a moment of connection: team members can chat, laugh, and collaborate while completing prep work. A simple shared “admin hour” can boost efficiency and remind navigators that they are part of a supportive, united team.
6. Give the Gift of Professional Development
Digital navigators often want to grow their skills but don’t always have the time or budget. Share free classes, send them to webinars, or block time for learning so they can invest in themselves. It’s important to create an environment where professional development is encouraged and protected, where learning isn’t treated as “extra work,” but as an essential part of their role and overall well-being. When navigators are supported in building new skills, everyone they serve benefits, too.
7. Recognize the Emotional Labor
Many navigators spend their days reassuring nervous learners, calming frustrations, and supporting people in vulnerable moments. Acknowledge this emotional weight. A simple, sincere “I see what you carry each day, and it matters” can mean everything. You can also encourage small, anywhere-anytime stress-reduction practices like taking three slow, deep breaths before a challenging appointment, doing a quick stretch between classes, or stepping outside for some fresh air. These tiny resets can help navigators protect their emotional well-being during demanding days.
8. Bring Some Joy Into the Classroom
Offer small seasonal touches – fun stickers for learners, a holiday playlist during setup, cheerful signs, or a “technology gratitude tree” where students add notes about what they’re learning. These small boosts can brighten tough days.
9. Celebrate Their Strengths Publicly
Highlight navigators in newsletters, team meetings, or social media. Share the skills they bring – like patience, creativity, empathy, problem-solving – and make sure the broader community understands the impact of their work. When you celebrate them, be specific about what they’ve done and why it mattered; concrete praise helps people truly see their own strengths and reinforces the real, measurable difference their work makes every day.
10. Encourage Them to Take Real Time Off
Digital navigators often feel responsible for the people they serve. Support them by planning ahead, covering their tasks, and making sure their time off truly allows them to rest, reset, and enjoy the season.
At digitalLIFT, we believe strong navigators build strong communities. Check out the following resources:
- How to Support Your Digital Navigator Webinar
- Free Digital Navigators Overview course
- Free Teaching Internet Safety and Responsibility course
- Free Device Training Curriculum for Teaching Internet Safety & Responsibility
- Flexible online classes that support both new and experienced navigators
- Free webinars that share tools, inspiration, and real stories from the field
Visit us anytime to explore these resources and continue celebrating the navigators whose work opens doors for people every day.
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