Christmas and New Year can be a particularly stressful period, making it an important time to keep a closer eye on your employee’s wellbeing.
While some will love it and thrive under the pressure of expectation, others find it depressing and lonely, having set unrealistic expectations or reflecting on a year where they didn’t achieve the goals they’d set themselves.
Every year charities such as Samaritans receive tens of thousands of calls to their helplines over the festive period from people who need emotional support.
There are plenty of ways to help your people get through.
Why employees might struggle during the festive season
Here are some of the reasons your employees might find life overwhelming as Christmas approaches.
Pressure to get work finished: To be able to relax over the festive period, there’s extra pressure to get through anything that’s outstanding on projects and to-do lists, to answer every email in your Inbox, to have solid plans in place for the start of the next year. This can mean an intense period of working longer hours and extra stress that not everyone manages well.
Stress of socialising: Some staff will relish the pre-Christmas office or site get-together but others will feel overwhelmed. Colleagues who are neurodiverse for instance, might struggle to be in a busy, noisy and confusing environment. Those who don’t enjoy alcohol might find the focus on drinking difficult and there’s a further risk of exclusion for those who work remotely and therefore can’t get to the venue to take part.
Relationship problems: This might affect people in different ways. If there have been tensions with someone at work during the year, they can come to the fore at this time. Some people won’t have the best relationship with their family so they might be dreading having to spend time with certain relatives. If a relationship with a partner is already at breaking point, this time of the year might see it fracture completely.
Grief and loneliness: The loss of loved ones and memories of friends or colleagues who have passed away are often amplified as the end of the year encourages us to look at what’s gone before. If parents with children have split up there’s the stress of trying to share the holidays between them and having to spend some of that time alone. While for those not in a relationship and living far from family, it can be an equally difficult time.
Financial worries: One of the biggest stressors for everyone at this time of the year is finances. There’s worry about being able to afford to buy presents, food or heat the house when everyone’s at home. Few people are able to sail through without putting money onto credit cards or worrying about overspending. Plus, if your company’s end of year is 31st December, there’s the added pressure of trying to meet revenue targets.
Pressure of social media: It’s so easy to get caught up in how Christmas should look because everyone else seems to be having the perfect time, posing in matching family outfits, going to parties, projecting imagery of what the perfect Christmas is supposed to be. Those who spend time on social media for their work might find the constant reminders and imagery relentless.
These are by no means all the pressures that might cause an employee to struggle but they certainly play a significant role.
How to Create a Supportive Work Environment for the Festive Season
So what can employers do to help?
There are some easy things that employers can do to help staff get through and return to work, or continue to work through the festive period, with a more positive frame of mind.
Manage work expectations: Communicate clearly about the work that needs to be pioritised and what can wait. Manage holiday leave carefully so no team is left exposed. Set clear deadlines and manage expectations from clients. Brainstorm for the start of the year ahead so the return to work is mapped out clearly in advance. Delegate tasks where able to.
Be flexible around staff who might need time off to attend nativity plays or those who have additional personal responsibilities. Understand the additional pressures that staff who have to work over the festive period will be under and try to make the workplace a pleasant place to be during that time.
Lessen money worries: Point employees to any in-house employee benefits, rewards and discounts that will help them save them money on their Christmas shopping. Keep the money to be spent on any Secret Santa to a minimum.
Warn staff if they will be paid earlier in the month than normal and include tips in that communication about how to avoid impulse purchases and stretch their budget over that longer time period. Encourage employees not to suffer in silence and signpost the free advice that’s available from organisations like MoneyHelper, Citizens’ Advice, PayPlan and StepChange.
Include everyone: The holiday season provides a great opportunity to strengthen team bonds through fun and engaging activities. Organising face-to-face or virtual team events and get togethers can foster a sense of community and connection and can serve as a welcome break from work, allowing employees to relax, enjoy each other’s company and build stronger relationships.
Be aware though that some people might not want to take part. However, don’t leave anyone off the invite, even if you are sure they won’t come. Give them the option to decline rather than making that decision for them and don’t shame them for not turning up.
When arranging any social gatherings be sure they’re affordable for all and that they accommodate everyone by checking that the drinks, food, any accommodation and the activities on offer don’t overwhelm, offend or exclude.
Promote volunteering: Helping out at a charity or social enterprise at this time of year can create a great sense of self-esteem and connection. There’s the opportunity to meet new people, gain valuable experience and help make someone else’s situation that little bit better by offering compassionate support.
If your organisation supports a charity that needs volunteers at Christmas, let your employees know or signpost them to organisations that are looking for extra help.
Check-in on vulnerable employees: The pressures of Christmas can exacerbate pre-existing mental or physical conditions.
If there is an employee that you are particularly concerned about, speak to them in the run-up to Christmas. Ask them about how they’re going to spend the festive period and what their concerns are. Factor in a phone call to check in with them during the festive break if necessary.
Provide mental health resources and support: Providing easy access to mental health resources such as counselling, workshops or webinars demonstrates your commitment to their wellbeing. Make sure they know what support is available to them. Signpost them to your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) if you have one and any digital platforms or apps you provide so they know where to turn for help.
The festive season is also a good time to kick-off any winter wellbeing initiatives by encouraging employees to prioritise their wellbeing even amidst the festive celebrations.
Encourage openness: De-stigmatise asking for help. Make it clear that if anyone does have specific concerns about their wellbeing, help is available.
Create an environment where senior leaders show they understand the pressures people face and don’t be afraid to have team talks to discuss any extra support employees might need to get tasks completed and manage their workload.
Showing compassion, communicating clearly, managing workload effectively while still enabling a sense of positivity and festive spirit, are all part of making the festive period a less stressful time for everyone.
Finally, no matter whether you are a large business or a small one, don’t forget that a simple thank you for your employees’ hard work and dedication during the year will go a long way to helping them feel valued, connected and motivated.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
At Raiys our focus is on helping employers to support a happy, healthy and productive workforce throughout the year, not just at Christmas.
Speak to our friendly team to find out how we can help you to Raiys your employee’s wellbeing.
