Employee being frustrated by christmas holiday festivity

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement as the holidays draw near, yet many workers have additional stress during this time of year. Even though this festive season is supposed to be a time of joy, juggling job obligations, personal obligations, and the holiday rush can negatively impact productivity and mental health. Understanding our team members’ stressors and putting methods in place to help them effectively manage them are essential for managers.

The Pressure of the Holiday Season

While the holidays are frequently regarded as the most wonderful time of year, they can also be challenging. Increased work-related commitments and personal obligations at home may cause burnout, exhaustion, and a loss of focus. However, please note that holiday stress is typically short-term, unlike chronic stress, allowing employees to recharge once the season concludes. Nevertheless, the stress still needs to be managed to prevent long-term impacts on well-being and productivity.

Identifying Stress-Related Symptoms in Employees

It’s critical for managers to spot stress in their staff, particularly over the holidays when workloads tend to rise. According to research, workers who suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety may find that their symptoms worsen over the holidays. Common indications of stress include:

  • Changes in Behaviour: Workers may exhibit increased irritability or withdrawal.
  • Diminished Focus: Stress can lead to a lack of focus and a reduction in output.
  • Physical Signs: You may notice changes in your look or personal hygiene.
  • Decline in Work Quality: Stress frequently causes a decline in the calibre of output.
  • Tension with Coworkers: When team members are under more stress, it can lead to conflict.
  • Presenteeism or absenteeism: Workers may be physically present yet mentally absent from work.

Stay alert to these signs to address issues before they escalate. It’s important to encourage open communication and let employees know they have support available to manage stress.

Strategies for Supporting Your Team

Here are nine ways you can help your team navigate this challenging season:

  1. Flexibility with Holiday Coverage: Don’t assume everyone has the same preferences for holiday time. Ask for volunteers if you need coverage, and offer flexible days off to accommodate personal schedules.
  2. Reinforce Available Resources: Remind your team of existing support tools, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), flexible work hours, and remote work options.
  3. Offer Additional Time Off: Some employees may need extra time before or after the holidays to prepare or recover. Consider allowing more flexibility with time-off policies.
  4. Respect All Holidays: Acknowledge the diverse holidays and traditions your team celebrates. This helps ensure everyone feels valued and included during this time of year.
  5. Encourage Social Connection: Host departmental gatherings or virtual meet-ups for those who may not have family nearby. Fostering a sense of camaraderie can alleviate feelings of isolation.
  1. Reach Out to Employees on Bereavement Leave: Holidays can be particularly challenging for employees who have lost loved ones. A simple card or message of support can go a long way.
  2. Create a Safe Space for Mixed Emotions: Recognize that the holidays can be both joyful and stressful. Encourage open dialogue about the emotions employees may be experiencing, creating a safe environment to share and support each other.
  3. Promote Balance and Downtime: Encourage employees to practice self-care and remind them of the importance of balancing work and personal time. Remind employees to prioritize mental well-being activities, such as physical exercise, connecting with others, and taking time to relax.
  4. Leverage Employee Resource Groups: If your organization has employee resource groups (ERGs), encourage them to offer support and resources to their members during the holiday season.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be synonymous with stress. By creating an environment of understanding and support, managers can help employees navigate the season’s demands without sacrificing their well-being. With extra flexibility, open communication, and practical strategies, we can ensure that the holidays are a time of both productivity and relaxation for everyone. Let’s work together to keep stress at bay and create a more supportive, resilient workplace this season.

Want to learn more about supporting your team through stressful periods?

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