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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… right? For some, yes, but the holidays can also be pretty darn stressful. In lieu of holiday magic, this time of year many people struggle with challenging family dynamics, resurfacing grief and negative associations with past holidays. Between end-of-year deadlines, family commitments and financial pressures, it’s easy for the joy of the season to feel overshadowed by stress. As a leader, you have the opportunity to make a real difference by supporting employee wellness during this busy time.
Here are some practical strategies to help your team feel valued, balanced and ready to face the new year:
1. Encourage Mental Health Breaks
The holiday season can be overwhelming, making it essential for team members to have time to recharge. Promote mindfulness or relaxation activities by providing access to meditation apps or organizing stress-relief sessions like yoga or breathing exercises. Lead by example: take breaks yourself and remind employees to step away from their desks. Sometimes, a few moments of quiet reflection can work wonders.
2. Address Financial Stress
We all know that the holidays can pose a strain on finances. Help alleviate this by offering financial wellness resources, such as budgeting workshops or access to financial advisors. Become an expert on these type of resources offered through your Employee Assistance Program so you can speak about them with confidence. If your workplace organizes gift exchanges, opt for no-cost creative alternatives like "acts of kindness" challenges or handmade gift swaps (holiday silliness is a great tool to combat stress!). Avoid creating pressure to participate, and ensure everyone feels included without financial burden.
3. Offer Flexible Scheduling
Flexibility is a powerful tool for reducing holiday stress. Might it be possible to adjust schedules to help employees balance the extra personal responsibilities brought on by the holidays with their work? How about offering remote work options, or shorter workdays leading up to the holidays? Encourage employees to use paid time off if they have it. These small changes can have a big impact on morale, acknowledging to your team that you appreciate how busy this time of year is.
4. Host Inclusive Celebrations
Workplace celebrations are a great way to build camaraderie, but they should always be inclusive and respectful of diverse traditions. Consider hosting a non-denominational holiday event, focusing on themes like gratitude or togetherness. If your team is spread across different regions, a virtual celebration can include everyone without requiring additional time or travel efforts.
5. Keep Communication Open
Burnout can spike during the holidays so it’s essential to create an environment where your team members feel comfortable talking about their challenges. Train supervisors and managers to recognize signs of stress and offer support without judgment. (Mental Health First Aid training is a fantastic way to make sure they’ve got the right tools!) Check in with your team regularly, and remind them about the Employee Assistance Program and any other mental health resources your organization offers. Simple messaging like “We’re here to help” and “My door is always open” can go a long way.
6. Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays can bring pressure to “do it all” and unrealistic expectations add to stress. Avoid imposing tight deadlines or unnecessary workloads at the last minute. Instead, communicate clear priorities and let your team members know what tasks can wait until after the holidays. By setting reasonable expectations, you create space for your team to thrive during this busy season.
7. Celebrate Achievements and Show Gratitude
Take time to acknowledge the hard work your team has put in this year. Whether it’s a formal recognition program or a heartfelt thank-you note, showing appreciation can significantly boost morale. Highlight individual and team successes to reinforce their value to the organization, and try as much as possible to personalize your approach to each of your team members. Gratitude costs nothing but creates a huge ripple of positivity. (Looking for specific tips about employee recognition? Stay tuned – that’s the topic of my next blog post!)
A Season of Support
Supporting psychological health over the holidays isn’t just about being a kind leader – it’s a strategic investment in your team’s long term success. By fostering and modeling work/life balance, prioritizing flexibility and ensuring additional support is available to those who need it, you’re communicating to your team members that you care about them as people. The greatest gift you can give your team is the space to enjoy the season while feeling valued and supported. This holiday season, let your actions speak volumes about your commitment to their well-being. A healthier, happier team is the gift that keeps on giving!
Elizabeth Eldridge is a Psychological Health & Safety Consultant based in southern New Brunswick, Canada. In addition to keynote speaking and corporate training on mental health in the workplace she is the Founder & President of Arpeggio Health Services which provides standardized education programs like Mental Health First Aid from coast to coast.
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