Editorial
While the holiday season undoubtedly carries a sense of enchantment, it simultaneously ushers in heightened stress for many employees. One survey revealed that over 80% of participants view the holidays as the most stressful time of the year.
Compounded by persistent crises and anxieties related to the cost of living, many individuals enter the season already fatigued, wondering where they'll muster the energy for the surge in activities and tasks. A recent Gallup poll showed that this is the second year in a row that worker stress reached record levels.
Here are some tips on effectively supporting your employees during this festive season!
What Can Cause Increased Stress During the Holidays?
Numerous factors contribute to the heightened stress experienced by employees. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, stressors encompass challenges such as managing the costs of holiday gifts and meals. This financial burden may intensify this year due to the exceptionally high cost of living. Additionally, stress can arise from travel-related concerns or the pressure associated with hosting visitors.
And as Dave Barnett, Chief Administrative Officer, DeVry University, stated, “it’s a fast-paced time of year and many organizations may set higher expectations during this time. Holiday blues, as the season changes, can weigh on an employee’s mental health during this time as well.”
Amy Spurling, founder and CEO of lifestyle benefits platform Compt, noted that “this time of year often brings a surge in professional workload as many businesses are wrapping up the fiscal year, setting new goals and trying to meet end-of-year deadlines.” She further points out that “emotionally, the season can be tough for those who are dealing with personal loss or who might be far from loved ones, amplifying feelings of isolation or sadness.”
Related Article: Workers Are Stressed. Here's How Companies Are Responding
How You Can Support Your Employees
With everything going on today, showcasing grace, compassion and commitment to your employees holds heightened significance. The manifestation of these values can, of course, vary, contingent upon your company's resources and core principles. However, meaningful support and a demonstration of empathy need not come with a hefty price tag; impactful gestures can be made within various budget constraints.
Get People Together in the Best Way
Fostering social connections and infusing an element of fun into collective activities can significantly impact employees' outlook. To the best you can, try to get people together in a meaningful way, and be respectful of all the wonderful holiday traditions that exist across different cultures.
To this end, Barnett says that he creates “space for the team to come together and celebrate their own holiday traditions.” He recommends asking colleagues to share about their own holiday traditions to foster belonging and inclusion as well.
Spurling also noted the importance of being mindful of diverse cultural practices within the workforce. “Reviewing and adapting holiday policies to accommodate various needs and cultural observances demonstrates an organization’s commitment to its employees' well-being and inclusivity,” she said.
Set Realistic Expectations
When evaluating expectations, it's crucial to consider your employees' existing workloads and the extra demands on their energy.
“By proactively managing workloads and setting realistic expectations and deadlines, they can prevent employees from becoming overwhelmed,” Spurling said.
She also noted the importance of communication with managers: “maintaining open lines of communication through one-on-ones can provide employees with an opportunity to voice their concerns and receive the necessary support.”
Provide Flexibility
The holiday season often ushers in additional responsibilities and commitments, from airport runs for visiting family, to the extra tasks associated with shopping and kids being home from school. While cultivating a culture of flexibility throughout the year is ideal, it's crucial to be attuned to how employees navigate their days during this season. Consider ways to provide increased schedule flexibility during the holidays, as this can alleviate some of the work-life conflicts that often arise during this time.
“Flexibility in work arrangements this time of year can be very helpful,” Spurling said. “Allowing employees to adjust their schedules or work remotely can significantly help them manage their various commitments and find some work-life balance when they need it most.”
Spend Meaningfully
While celebration is a great practice to build into your culture year-round, there is something to be said for looking back at the whole year and genuinely appreciating the achievements of individuals, teams and the organization as a whole.
Spurling noted that, “recognizing employees’ hard work over the year, whether through formal rewards and spot bonuses or informal expressions of appreciation, can also have a significant positive impact.”
As many organizations look to give their employees holiday gifts or tokens of some sort, remember that no matter the amount you intend to spend per person, think about what will have the most impact for your employees. After all, not everyone needs another logoed mug or blanket!
Encourage Self-Care and Look Ahead to January
It’s a mistake to assume that all employees return from the holidays completely refreshed and prepared for the new year. While this might have held true at some point, the cumulative effects of prolonged stress and the additional pressures of the season can make it challenging for many to truly relax during the holidays. To address this, it's crucial to actively encourage team members to take meaningful time off, raise awareness about well-being and self care, and find ways to re-energize employees upon their return.
During busy periods, self-care often takes a backseat, yet maintaining and enhancing health and well-being becomes even more crucial in times of heightened stress. As a proactive measure, Barnett says he intentionally gives employees a chance to charge their batteries.
Spurling suggests providing additional resources, such as access to mental health services or introducing mental health days.“Organizations should clearly communicate the support and resources available to employees during this period,” she said.
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Help Employees Feel Meaning
While maintaining a focus on social impact and giving throughout the year is optimal, the holiday season often places a spotlight on generosity and aiding those in need. To infuse a revitalizing spirit and foster a profound sense of fulfillment, consider how you can actively support employees or create opportunities for giving back and paying it forward.
Barnett urges leaders to lean into their culture of care during the holiday season, which for him includes “care for our colleagues, students, families and the communities we serve.” He reminded leaders that “for our colleagues to feel a sense of belonging, especially around the holiday season, each of them must feel that our organization values them.”
Help Employees Reflect
The holiday season often prompts reflection for many individuals. It's beneficial to actively encourage employees during this time, providing them with effective tools to reflect on their accomplishments, identify areas for development and growth and articulate their personal goals for the upcoming year. Utilize these insights as a foundation to nurture and support your employees, guiding them forward in a manner that fosters a sense of connection and alignment with their aspirations.
“I take the time to recount the achievements of the team over the past year, reflect and express my honest gratitude,” Barnett said. He recommended that leaders “use the time to create space to reflect on the past year and hit the following year with a running start.”
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