How to support employees during the holiday season

Let’s be honest: the end of the year is associated with stress and mental and physical fatigue. Despite the idyllic images in movies and TV commercials, we often have to tick off a lot on the “to do” list before we sit down at the family table. And it can be overwhelming at times. It’s also the culmination of a difficult year – the war in Ukraine, inflation, Covid-19…. Well, even for someone enjoying great health and well-being, the last two years have been difficult. What might be the reasons. The poorer well-being of your employees during this period? And how to support them during this period?

Stress at work

These may be work-related problems. The end of the year means sprinting down the final straight – finishing projects, finalizing contracts, preparing annual summaries. This means a lot of work, rushing and stress. What’s more, employees may also want to get as much business done as possible before the holidays so they don’t have to worry about it during their time off.

Stress in private life

A lot of work also awaits those who organize the holidays. This can be a source of stress – we don’t know if we will make it in time and prepare everything. Financial problems may also be associated with it.

The prospect of a family reunion is also a potential source of great stress and painful emotions. Your employees may have a difficult or even toxic relationship with her. From fatigue with endless political discussion to lack of acceptance based on sexual orientation or history of violence, there are many reasons to distance oneself from relatives.

Some people choose to be alone during this period because it is better and healthier for them. For others, however, Christmas means loneliness. Divorce, loss of a loved one, the need to stay at home due to pandemic conditions are all possible causes.

Also remember that we receive less sunlight at this time of year, so we may feel worse. People suffering from depression or Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are affected even more severely.

How to support employees during the New Year and Christmas period?

There are quite a few reasons for poorer mental health. This affects the productivity and motivation of employees, not to mention their health and well-being. So how can you help them?

• Remind employees about wellbeing policies

The end of the year means a lot of work, but fewer people, as many have taken extended time off for the holidays. Communicate So any changes and adjust the workload. Make sure that the leaves of those in leadership positions are properly timed and employees always have someone they can ask for support. The presence of such a person can also help employees who feel guilty or stressed about “leaving” someone on the team with work if they take time off.

• Set realistic expectations for employees

Fewer people in the office means less productivity. It is also influenced by stress, but also by the imminent prospect of a break from work. Discuss So with the team the work plan for the Christmas-New Year period. Prioritize together – what is most important now and what needs to be addressed first? As we have already mentioned, it is essential to adjust the workload to the number of people and their capabilities.

• Prepare a plan to return to work

It is not enough to focus solely on what to do before Christmas. Equally important is return employees after the Christmas break. It can be associated with stress and anxiety, and for those with job burnout, even despair. People also generally need a few days to switch from vacation mode. Prepare a return-to-work plan with managers and team leaders to facilitate the process for your employees.

• Outline plans for the new year

You can reduce the uncertainty surrounding the new year by introducing employees to the projects and changes planned for it. This will give them some structure and help reduce uncertainty about the future.

• Encourage you to take time off

Lack of vacation, overwork and prolonged stress put an employee at risk of burnout. Moreover, everyone could use a rest after another difficult year. Encourage your team to take time off and regeneration.

• Enter wellbeing education

Share your knowledge on how to take care of yourself during the Christmas and New Year period. Both in terms of mental health, but also physical health – they are, after all, inextricably linked. Overeating and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, for example, can have unpleasant consequences on many levels – from indigestion to guilt.

Such education will work great in the form of a series of newsletters – not only will it be accessible, but employees will be able to keep the text to themselves for later and come back to it. Also remember employees with disabilities. People who are blind or dyslexic may have difficulty assimilating knowledge in written form.

• An inclusive approach to the holiday season

Remember, too, that, although the festive atmosphere surrounds us on all sides, there are some people who differ culturally and religiously from the narrative imposed by the majority of society. Some celebrate the holidays later, don’t celebrate them at all due to a different religion or a complete lack thereof. Still others shy away from the holidays because they associate them with stress, pain or difficult memories. Pay attention to these people and show that your company is inclusive: it supports, respects and protects the diversity of its workforce.

• Reminder of the possibility of support

Make sure your employees are aware of the available forms of support and know exactly when and how they can use them! If you are organizing a company Christmas party, remind employees that participation is voluntary, and there will be no repercussions if someone doesn’t want to/can’t/doesn’t have the strength to participate.

• Stay in touch

Encourage employees to stay in touch with people who can support them – a friend, a partner, a favorite co-worker or an acquaintance from a support group. It’s a good idea to share your concerns about the holidays and ask for possible help – even in the form of a phone call or meme message. Knowing that there is someone who cares about us and we can rely on is hugely important.